Fried chicken joints are the lifeblood, soul force, and essential ingredient to all human happiness, and they need YOU to eat their delicious food! And to start off, we’ll zoom in on the epicentre of fried chicken that is Auckland CBD.

Auckland CBD

Sensational Chicken

Address: 11A Mount Street

As far as cult icons go, there aren’t many as prominent as the truly sensational, truly delicious Sensational Chicken. Well known to 1st year halls students and 7th year PhD students alike, it truly epitomises great taste combined with irresistible convenience. Situated directly in the golden zone with UoA and AUT, you’ll find the most popular $6.50 chicken and chips snack box sure to satisfy your taste buds. For those keen on something a little different, the kebab on chips dish also hits the spot real good!

Now there’s a few other locations that offer the same tasty chicken if you can’t make it to the student location. Hobson Street, Mount Roskill, and even Hamilton has its own joint now (possibly Auckland returning the favour after copying Bar 101 from Hamilton?).

Avachi Chicken

Address: 239A Queen Street

Many a drunk uni student has stumbled down Queen Street after a big night in town only to succumb to the majestic smell of fried chicken wafting across their alcohol-soaked face. The responsible culprit? Avachi Chicken. Some students say it tastes like fried chicken; some adults say it tastes like their youth. Don’t miss out and give it a try at least once while you’re studying – you won’t regret it. Prices for a snack box of one thigh and chips start from just $6.40, and an eating experience ends in pure satisfaction.

Kai Eatery

Address: 1 Rutland Street & Commercial Bay

Located in Commercial Bay and a colourful orange shipping container store next to the Central City Library, Kai Eatery provides the perfect mid-study snack OR full-blown fried chicken feast. The star of the show has to be the $12 XL Fried Chicken piece. Created in the classic Taiwanese style meaning it’s larger than the facial mask you secretly tried last night, this tasty piece of meaty morsel leaves you always wanting more. Juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and a 10/10 poser for a good food snap. Get a side of the famed kumara fries and wash it all down with some of their bubble tea while you’re at it!

For those Shore boys and gals amongst us, good news is that you don’t have to leave your hood to get a taste of this stuff. There’s another Kai Eatery store located at Smales Farm so there’s no need to ever pop that Shore bubble of yours

Auckland Suburbs

Some of y’all Aucklanders have never visited the other side of your city and it shows.

OK, now that the personal attacks are over, let’s think about why fried chicken can be the thing that brings us all together <3 Since lockdown is now over, we might as well make the most of our newfound freedoms right? If it’s too much effort to organise a road trip out of town, why not do one within your own city? Last year on National Fried Chicken Day, myself and a couple of mates drove around every single side of town eating fried chicken to our hearts’ content. It was amazing. I mean sure, travelling around Europe is great, but it can’t compare to the adventures of travelling around your own city in search of fried chicken!

South Auckland: Young’s Lunchbar

Address: 17 Fair Mall, Otara

If Auckland CBD is the epicentre then Otara Town Centre is the heartland of fried chicken. You really don’t need to walk far before encountering the sweet smell of it attacking your nose. Young’s Lunchbar is one such eatery providing steaming hot, tasty fried chicken along with a whole range of delicious bakery food. It is by no means the only such place here though. Any store on this particular crispy, golden strip of road will have fried chicken vendors itching to let you taste their family recipes. The only thing you’re in danger of is eating more than you should in a day!

East Auckland: Kiwi Chicken

Address: 8A/345 Chapel Road, Flat Bush

Not far from South Auckland’s golden stretch is East Auckland’s answer in the battle for the best fried chicken. Kiwi Chicken is a classic crowd-pleaser for the whole fam, offering interesting flavours such as spicy soy and spring onion chicken in addition to the classic style.

Kiwi Chicken also has a sister store located in Mount Eden which is famous for its Korean-style chicken, so do give it try too!

West Auckland: TNC Fried Chicken

Address: 382/396 Don Buck Road, Massey

Now I’m not gonna lie, West Auckland is somewhere I’ve only frequented a small handful of times despite being a born and bred Aucklander. But damn, I wish I went more now that I’ve discovered TNC Chicken. Despite the additions of the big flagship Texas Chicken and Taco Bell fast food restaurants out west, this little-known local takeaway is a hidden gem. Once again, the $6.20 snack box can’t go wrong here and is sure to fill your belly without destroying your wallet.

TNC Fried Chicken also has two other branches located in Manurewa and Clendon Park in South Auckland which are equally as good!

North Shore: The Coop

Address: 90 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna

We’ve all gone through the experience of being cooped up for weeks on end in our homes. Now that we’re out, the perfect place to let loose and enjoy life is at The Coop, especially since your life will be instantly improved when you bite into their amazing chicken. The scrumptious jerk fried chicken range comes in bite-sized pieces that can be shared – or not. I’d definitely recommend sitting down to enjoy the awesome atmosphere and to grab a drink while you’re at it!

Central Suburbs: Electric Chicken

Address: 14 McDonald Street, Morningside

I spent a long time internally debating whether Central Auckland deserved another entry given the CBD joints already in this list. But Electric Chicken is just too good not to be included here. It is honesty just too good but in a drool accent this time. The chicken is juicy, tender, and cooked to just the right sizzling temperature to burn your tongue but still be worth getting hurt for. Electric Sauce is a great choice for dipping, but there’s a bunch of other good options too. The vibes here are perfect on a warm sunny day and the nearby cider bar is a wonderful complement to your fried chicken!

City dwellers can rejoice that Electric Chicken has another location on K Road for your convenience

New Zealand

So…domestic travel is legal now. You know what that means It’s time to drive the length of New Zealand to sample the best fried chicken across every region of the country! Ok that’s very crazy but if you are a truly mad fried chicken fanatic, I’ll just leave this here so you can decide if you will take the ULTIMATE journey in the name of fried chicken.

Hamilton: Wongs Kitchen

Address: 63 Massey Street, Frankton and 560 Te Rapa Road, Te Rapa

Many a roadtrip that didn’t need to pass through Hamilton has passed through Hamilton, solely to get a fix of the legendary takeaway shop that is Wongs Kitchen. Its renowned fried chicken wings are likely to be more famous than most NZ politicians and celebrities, to be perfectly honest. It has also served as a classic watering hole for uni students looking for a late-night rendezvous with fried chicken after a few rowdy ones at The Outback. The rest of its non-chicken menu is pretty darn good too, including some super affordable noodle & rice meals!

Wellington: Soul Shack

Address: 38 Dixon Street, Te Aro

Wellington is known to have dangerous levels of wind, but Soul Shack’s Level 4 spicy chicken is the only thing that can possibly threaten your life more. As with Covid-19 alert levels, it’s better to be in the lowest levels possible – especially if it’s your first time eating here. Don’t worry, the mild version of their fried chicken is just as tasty! And it’s even more beautiful once wrapped in the familiar arms of a pair of bread buns and some burgery insides. Everyone with a working set of taste buds must try this place out. However, as you move up the spice levels your taste buds may lose their function temporarily (or even permanently!).

Christchurch: Monster Chicken

Address: 1 Riccarton Road and 394 Riccarton Road, Riccarton

Like the name suggests, there is something really monstrous about this place. That, my friends, is the list of fried chicken flavours available at this fine establishment. From parmesan cheese to sweet chilli chicken, the different flavours to try here are endless. The platter combos are a great way to sample the varieties of chicken, and are a surefire way to make your flatmates love you (even if you never do the dishes).

Dunedin: Miga Hako

Address: 366 George Street and 1 Albion Place

It’s a cold place in the south but it’s not as bad when you warm your insides up with some succulent Korean fried chicken from Miga Hako. Well-known for their awesome fried chicken and all-round cheap meal deals, it’s a must-visit place for any hungry student on a budget! Who knew the tastes of South Korea would bring so much joy in this little corner of the South Island?

So there ya have it, the ultimate list of fried chicken destinations to tick off your bucket list as you explore more of Aotearoa. Pack your bags, grab some mates, and prepare your stomach for a tasting adventure you won’t forget – IF you choose to take up the challenge. For other challenges, check out our blog on living on $2.85 a day!

Consider yourself somewhat of a fried chicken connoisseur? Feel free to share your favourite fried chicken places in the comments below and help your fellow fried chicken lovers out!

Guide to Waiheke will cover:

• Top tips for your day trip
• How to get around the island
• 6 must visit wineries and estates – includes wine tasting and food costs

Top Tips For Your Day Trip

1. Check the opening hours for each place you want to visit – the 6 wineries I’ve recommended in this guide to Waiheke have reduced their hours due to Covid.
2. Take the ferry in the morning (around 9 or 10am) to make the most of your day – I’d say you could get to 3 or 4 spots depending on how long you spend at each place!
3. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on saving some $$ by exploring areas of the island by foot – I know you want to look cute for the ‘gram, but maybe put the heeled boots away for this one.
4. Dress in layers – it can get windy and chilly when you’re up in the hills, but you’ll also work up a sweat walking there.
5. Double check you have brought your ID if you are drinking.

How To Get Around The Island

Getting there:

Ferry: $21 each way with an AT HOP card, or $46 return when you purchase a ticket at the terminal

On the island:
The cheapest way to go between the wineries is to walk and/or bus. Otherwise there are car and bike rentals, taxis and Ryda (the Waiheke version of Uber).

There are a couple of vineyards within walking distance of the ferry terminal at Matiatia Bay. The walking trail through Te Atawhai Whenua Reserve leads you to Cable Bay, Mudbrick and Jurassic Ridge in 15-20 minutes. My friends and I didn’t quite manage to find the trail, and after wandering around looking for the sign posts – reminiscent of the orienteering course on school camps – we just followed the road. It takes around 40 minutes that way, but it’s an easy walk.

From Mudbrick, walk down toward the main road where you can catch a bus (either 50A or 50B) toward Onetangi; there are plenty more wineries along there. You can use your AT HOP card on the bus, which costs $2, or $3.50 with cash (cash not accepted at time of writing due to Covid, but you can tag on multiple people with your card).

6 Must Visit Wineries And Estates

1. Cable Bay

Wine tasting – $10 for four wines; each variety is introduced and served one at a time at your table. It makes for a longer experience, which is quite nice because you can chat in between each tasting.

Food – includes woodfired pizza ($24-$30) and platters ($38-$45); menu is designed to be shared

2. Mudbrick

Situated at the top of a hill, the sweeping views are absolutely gorgeous up here. It’s an easy 5-10 minute walk away from Cable Bay. Sitting in their tent-like bistro, which has a canvas roof, hardwood beams and is surrounded by lavender bushes, you could easily be somewhere in Europe.

Wine tasting – $11 to $15 depending on whether you want to try lighter, fresher wines (like pinot gris and rosé) or richer varieties (like merlot and syrah).

Food – more casual dining at the Archive Bistro, and more expensive à la carte options at the main restaurant. They also have a plant-based menu! We shared the sourdough with Mudbrick’s own olive oil and brown butter ($12). As well as the octopus ($27), mushroom ravioli ($32) and parmesan and truffle fries ($12). It’s safe to say brown butter is the only thing I want to spread on my bread from here on out.

3. Tantalus Estate

Another wine and beer combo, with Alibi Brewing Co. located on the estate. Tantalus is always highly recommended by those familiar with Waiheke, and rated #1 on Trip Advisor for things to do on Waiheke.

Wine and beer tasting – $10-$15 for five wines, and $10 for four beers.

Food – the adjoining Alibi Brewer’s Lounge does casual food (like sliders, hot dogs, burgers and truffle fries) while the main restaurant does a set three-course menu ($98 per person.

4. Casita Miro

Half way there in my guide to Waiheke wineries. Hopefully energised by the wine and food you have consumed so far, you will need to trek up a steep set of stairs to reach Casita Miro but the view of Onetangi bay is worth it.

Wine tasting – $18 for a flight of five wines; by appointment only.

Food – featuring a tapas style menu, their food is heavily influenced by Spanish cuisine and the wider Mediterranean area. Think paella, tagine, Spanish cured meats, bread and olives.

5. Stonyridge

Wine tasting – $15, or $28 for a premium tasting.

Food – the menu is designed by Nic Watt, executive chef of Masu. Their sharing platter sounds epic for $65; for 2-4 people.

6. Wild on Waiheke

This one is perfect for beer and cider lovers, as they are Waiheke’s original craft brewery.

Wine and beer tasting – flight for $20-25.

Food – they have a more casual menu with items like buffalo chicken, burgers and pizza. Don’t get me wrong, I love platters and grazing boards, but by the end of the day I just wanted something a little less… refined?

So there you have it – six winery recommendations to get you started! My guide to Waiheke is definitely inexpensive compared to usual travel plans, so you can afford to splash out a little if you want. My friends and I found the best way to experience all the great food was to get a few dishes to share at each restaurant… plus we walked 17,000 + steps that day! It’s safe to say we worked up an appetite pretty quickly. And if you want a break from wineries, there are plenty of beautiful beaches, walking trails and cafés to visit as well.

Happy travel planning! If you want me to write a guide to other New Zealand places like Queenstown or Dunedin, comment below or hit me up on Instagram at @balanceyourplate. For more local foodie content, check out our article on Favourite Eateries in Auckland.

One Bowl Power Pancakes

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day… and I’d certainly agree if pancakes were in question. Our first easy recipes for exam season are packed with healthy fats and fibres to keep you fuller for longer. Plus you can make these ahead of time and keep a stash in the fridge or freezer for a quick breakfast or snack!

You will need:

• 1 C milk
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tbsp ground linseeds (or 1 egg)
• 3/4 C wholemeal flour
• 1/4 C rolled oats
• 1-2 tbsp sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Generous pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

Instructions:

1. Combine milk, chia and linseeds in a large bowl. Set aside for a few minutes to allow the seeds to absorb some liquid while you gather the other ingredients.
2. Add remaining ingredients to the bowl, and mix gently to combine. It will be a little lumpy and that’s fine.
3. Heat oil/butter in a non-stick pan, then add a few big spoonfuls of batter and smooth out into a circle with the back of the spoon. Flip when bubbles appear. I made 6 medium sized pancakes.

Crispy Rice Bowl

Arguably the best part of fried rice are the crunchy, golden brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (IYKYK). Well this has a whole layer of crispy rice goodness, and you can use up whatever fresh or frozen veges you have already. Top with a runny-yolk egg and you have a nutritious lunch or dinner! There aren’t specific measurements for the recipe – just use the amount of leftover rice you’ll eat and go from there.

You will need:

• Vegetable oil
• Rice (leftover is best)
• Spring onions, sliced
• Soy sauce
• Salt
• Vegetables
• Egg or another protein like tofu, canned tuna etc.
• Sauce: equal amounts gochujang/sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce; approx. 1 tbsp per serving
• Garnish ideas: pickled red onion, nori seaweed strips, sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Mix rice, spring onions, a dash of soy sauce and a pinch of salt.
2. In a non-stick frying pan, heat enough oil to evenly coat the bottom of the pan.
3. Once the oil is hot and looks shimmery, press the rice down into one even layer. Reduce the heat to medium, and let it cook for 6-8 minutes. Check on it by lifting up the edges to ensure it is not burning – you want it to slowly turn golden brown and crisp up.
4. While the rice cooks, prepare your other vegetables and mix the sauce.
5. Transfer the rice to the serving bowl, with most of the crispy layer facing up so that it doesn’t go soggy.
6. Using the same pan, fry your egg and/or any vegetables you need to cook.
7. Serve with the vegetables, garnishes and a drizzle of the sauce.

60 Second Microwave Cookie

I’m not going to lie, I was sceptical about this idea at first… and as I stared at it spinning around in the microwave, the batter puffed up like a crazy souffle and I prepared myself for the worst. But, after I let it cool down slightly and ate my first spoonful of the “cookie”, I was blown away.

It is gooey on the inside, like eating cookie dough, but also chewy on the bottom where it meets the sides of the dish. Yes, the top will look a little pale and undercooked because you don’t have the full force of the oven to make it the usual golden brown, but appearances aside, it truly hit the spot.

You will need:

• 30g butter or margarine (I used nuttelex)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp white sugar (you could use less if you want it to be a little less sweet)
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 1/8 tsp salt (aka a pinch)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp flour
• Handful of chocolate chips (plus a few extra for the top)

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a microwave safe dish (like a small bowl/ramekin/mug).
2. Add the remaining ingredients and mix gently to combine.
3. Microwave on high for 45-60 seconds; this depends on your microwave and how wide/deep the dish you are using is. In my 1000W microwave, I did 45 seconds and then another 20 seconds.
4. Allow to cool, because this helps the batter set slightly – it is worth the wait I swear.

Comment below which easy recipes for exam season that you are going to try first! I’m already dreaming up different ways I can jazz up the microwave cookie – perhaps a swirl of peanut butter or a scoop of ice-cream on top next?

You can find more easy and delicious recipes on my Instagram @balanceyourplate. For more exam food tips, check out my blog on A+ Foods For C+ Grades.

Skip to the end of this blog for the list of delivery options!

Auckland Coupon Guru’s Favourite Eateries

1. Raw Power Cafe

Raw Power has to be the most wholesome cafe in Auckland. Situated up a flight of easy to miss stairs on Vulcan Lane, in the midst of the madness that is the city. Raw Power specialises in vegetarian and vegan brunch and lunches, with your choice between a self-service salad bar or a full fledged cafe menu. The owner is absolutely lovely and you feel welcomed the moment you step inside. Alongside the free WiFi, Raw Power is the perfect study spot, just perch up next to a window on the second floor and enjoy the views, food, and coffee. Now, for those that are skeptical, I didn’t just choose this place because it’s cute, the food is some of the best vegetarian food I have ever had, the coffee is good, and the prices are just as tasty with nothing costing over $18! A well deserved spot as the first restaurant on my list of favourite eateries In Auckland.

Favourite Dishes

• Tofu Burger, pictured on the image above at the bottom, she’s hefty and full of flavour.
• Tofu Hash Mushroom, one of my favourite dishes ever, creamy mushrooms and a homemade hash brown? What more could you want.
• Lemon Pancake, delicious fluffy pancakes topped with grilled banana, berry compote, maple syrup, and crème fraîche, just writing this made me hungry.

Address: 10 Vulcan Lane, Auckland CBD (09 303 3624)

2. Cassia

I never knew such happiness until I discovered gourmet Indian food. Don’t get me wrong, I love takeout but the service, presentation, and flavours you get at Cassia is unrivalled. Cassia holds awards for Outstanding Restaurateur and Outstanding Bartender. Open occasionally for a set lunch menu from Wed – Fri, the real treat is booking a table and going for dinner. From the moment you step inside you receive VIP service, but in a relaxing friendly manner complimented by their dishes and interior. Sharing plates and cocktails are encouraged, adding to that fun relaxing vibe. To top it off dishes are really well priced for the love and flavour that’s put in, ranging from just $14 to $39.

Favourite Dishes

• Eggplant, Kasundi, Chickpea, Curry leaf, anything eggplant gets a massive tick from me, but the flavour in this is wild.
• Potato, Cauliflower, Kadhai Spice, Ginger, this dish right here blew my mind, the spices worked perfectly together, I still dream about it.
• Garlic Naan, I know you can get naan almost anywhere, but this remains the best naan I’ve ever had. Every single part is cooked to perfection.

Address: 5 Fort Lane, Auckland CBD (09 379 9702)

3. Big J’s Takeaways

This right here is my favourite Kiwi takeaway and burger spot in all of New Zealand. Big J’s has it all, the best burgers, the best fries with FOUR different choices of seasoning (amazing right?). With the massive range of fried goods, you can taste the love and care put into their food. Situated in the ‘burbs of Mt Wellington down a few random side streets, you already know you’ll get that classic wholesome Kiwi takeout service. Once again their food is also extremely well priced, with gourmet burgers at regular takeaway prices.

Favourite Dishes

• Cajun Queen, an amazing cajun spiced grilled chicken burger with bacon, sautéed onions, and banana. I know that sounds weird, but trust me, it’s delicious.
• Mushroom Magic, maybe I’m just a fool for creamy mushrooms, but slap those on top of a prime beef patty, sautéed onion, tomato, lettuce, and aioli, and you’ve got a delicious burger.
• Chips, You have to try their fries, they are cooked to absolute perfection, light, fluffy, and crispy. Ask for chicken salt and you’re in for a treat.

Address: 4/1 Melton Road, Mt Wellington (09 579 0340)

4. Friend of a Farmer

I’ve got to show some love to the south, and honestly, who would’ve guessed one of the best cafes in Auckland is located on a back road inside of a Plant Barn? The location is beautiful, setup mostly outside, filled with plants and flowers with a great big family deck like layout. The staff are lovely, which goes a long way, but most importantly the food is brunch at it’s best. Yes, it is as simple as it gets, a classic kiwi brunch spot, but it is done so so right. Tie all that in with great coffee and you’ve got a perfect Sunday spot to escape to.

Favourite Dishes

• Corn Fritter Stack, this is it guys, my favourite brunch meal of all time. I’ve been here three or four times, but I’ve only ever ordered the stack, because it is that good. Amazing corn fritters, with bacon, greens, sour cream, and sweet chilli, absolute heaven.
• Coffee, make sure you also order a coffee while you’re here, some of the best I’ve ever had.

Address: 163 Airfield Road, Takanini (09 298 0017)

5. Cafe Midnight Express

Cafe Midnight Express is located in the heart of the city on Victoria St. Mediterranean food at its best with such great prices, you can truly justify their three course meals. Your options for food are mouth watering, and you have the choice of either opting for their regular menu or a special lunch/dinner menu with amazing deals. We’re talking $12 lunches, two course dinners for $25, three course dinners for $35, among others. No matter what you choose you’re in for a hearty, wholesome meal full of flavour, and I guarantee you’ll be back. Making it number 5 on my list of favourite eateries in Auckland.

Favourite Dishes

• Mezze Platter, this dish is just one of the best entrees period, but the sigara borek (essentially cheese in deep fried pastry) is melt in your mouth good.
• Vegetarian Moussaka, imagine a Mediterranean lasagna. Potato, topped with veggies, eggplant, the most delicious sauce, cheese, and yogurt. Amazing.
• Midnight Mix, make sure you don’t eat all day before this. We’re talking roasted lamb, grilled chicken, and kofte, topped with tomato and yogurt sauce, on top of rice and herb mashed potato. Basically a heap of delicious carbs and delicious meat.

Address: 59 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD (09 303 0312)

6. Burger Geek

I know I said Big J’s is my favourite burger spot, but this is a very close second. I find that burger places in the city lose their touch once they become popular, but this can not be said for Burger Geek. Burger Geek is a homely, family owned gourmet burger bar that is a short walk from uni. You can choose from juicy buttermilk fried chicken burgers, Angus and Wagyu double smash beef burgers, or innovative veggie/vegan burgers. The best part is their sides are just as good, I mean who doesn’t love American style chicken wings with four sauces to choose from, crumbed jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese, or triple cheese deep fried mac n cheese balls?

Favourite Dishes

• Swanson, I’m a simple man, I see a barbecue bacon burger, I order it. Chuck in cheese, onion strings, and aioli, and you’re in for an absolute treat.
• Hot Wings, free range, crispy American style wings coated in honey sriracha, Dr Pepper & bourbon BBQ, mango habanero, or Franks buffalo sauce. What more could you want?
• Jalapeno Poppers, this might be a little bias, but I just love cream cheese. Add in some heat, coat it, and deep fry it. Perfection.

Address: 175 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace (09 869 3467)

7. Glass Goose

I contemplated not putting any fancy restaurants on my list of favourite eateries in Auckland, but Glass Goose is too good not to show some love. Plus for the experience and amazing food, it is well worth. Located on Federal St, venture up a flight of stairs you’ll find yourself in an open plan rooftop bar/restaurant which doubles as a top location for fun after work drinks and a cute date night spot. Glass Goose specialises in a wide range of European style sharing plates, both meaty and vegetarian, that are so good you honestly don’t want to share. Tie the delicious food with the lovely ambiance and tasty cocktails, and you’re in for a top notch dining experience.

Favourite Dishes

• Wagyu Short Rib, I have honestly never had a dish so tender before, and the parsnip puree that comes with it makes for a flavour explosion.
• Duck Fat Potato Skins, even at an upper scale eatery you’ve got to enjoy the simple things in life. Imagine fancy fries that are the size of your palm, why would you not order them?
• Chocolate Marquise, okay so this is my all time favourite dessert, yet I’m still not entirely sure what it is. It’s like a decedent chocolate frozen slice covered in crumbed cookie, dried raspberries, more chocolate, and vanilla ice cream. Unbelievably good.

Address: 78 Federal Street, Auckland CBD (09 379 9404)

8. Barilla Dumpling

Asian cuisine based restaurants score high on my favourite eateries in Auckland and are unfortunately taking the biggest hit during this pandemic, and they need our support more than ever. There are two Barilla Dumplings located down on Dominion Road in Balmoral, but it doesn’t matter which one you go to, because they’re both amazing. They specialise in, well, dumplings, but have a wide range of delicious Chinese food from sweet and sour pork to spicy eggplant. They also offer BYO so it’s the perfect eatery for a get together with friends, where you can share food and laughs.

Favourite Dishes

• Chicken Curry Dumplings, I am yet to find another restaurant that makes these and they’re my absolute favourite. A real subtle curry taste infused in juicy chicken is a vibe.
• Eggplant in Spicy Garlic Sauce, the fried eggplant absorbs all the flavour from the spicy garlic sauce which makes for an absolute treat, definitely a portion size for two people.
• Brown Sugar Pancake, a delicious Chinese style pancake covered in brown sugar which melts and gives a great caramel taste, so simple, yet so good.

Address: 571 Dominion Road, Balmoral (09 638 8032)

Ways to Order for Pickup or Delivery

We’ve gone through my favourite eateries In Auckland and now it’s time to move onto the delivery guide. Now, waiting in line or going to sit down at a restaurant might not be your thing, especially in present times, but you obviously want that delicious food. So I’ve decided to share a few of the best apps and websites you can use to easily find a restaurant, their contact information, menu(s), and to place an order for delivery or pickup, all while supporting the best eateries in Auckland!

Order Directly Through the Eatery

This should go without saying, but with Uber Eats and other high fee takeaway ordering apps making a killing, obviously not. Before placing an order for your favourite takeout, check their website or social media to ensure that they don’t offer this ordering service themselves. Especially since we entered Level 3, the number of eateries offering online or phone ordering, including a delivery service is amazing! But the best part, by ordering through eateries directly, they keep all the profits.

Luk App

Luk App is a new application taking the Auckland food scene by storm. This single application allows consumers to view nearby eateries in a directory like feed, take advantage of deals and loyalty cards offered by the restaurants, order directly from the restaurant in the app for both pick up and delivery (it even has a pay later feature), and so much more. Think of Luk App as a combination between Zomato, Uber Eats, and GrabOne, it has everything and helps to support local!

Kiwi Takeout

Kiwi Takeout is a New Zealand wide website that works as a gigantic eatery directory, so you can easily order your favourite food whether it be by phone call or a delivery app. You simply visit the website, choose your location, and browse the ever growing list of eateries (which you can refine by cuisine and location). When you click on an eatery you can see all of their contact information, a sample menu, social media, link to their website, and apps that offer delivery. The Kiwi Takeout website had one goal in mind, to help small businesses survive and thrive during these unprecedented times.

Eat Local

Eat Local is another amazing website trying to do its part to support local eateries in New Zealand! All you’ve got to do is visit the website, enter your address, click ‘Find Food’, and you’re presented with your nearby delicious takeout options. From here you can order directly through the website for pickup (soon to be delivery as well), and you’ll then be notified via your choice of email or text when your order is ready! The beauty is that this amazing service only costs the restaurant a 5% fee, instead of the typical 30%, so you can feel good about supporting local!

Regulr App

The Regulr App is an amazing app that allows consumers to uniquely place orders directly to an eatery for both takeout and dine-in, all while building a closer relationship to the business. Just by opening the app you can see a list of eateries nearby to you, where you can then order your meal, skip the line, and choose to pay either online, in-store (helping the restaurant save money on fees), or you can chuck it on the tab and pay later! This service also costs restaurant owners much less, starting at just $29 + gst a month.

Honorary Mentions

• Easi App: One of the largest asian food delivery apps.
• Order Meal Online: Massive range of Indian takeouts can be ordered from this site.

Thank you for taking a look at my favourite eateries in Auckland. Let me know some of your favourite eateries in the comments so I can give them a try! Follow me @aucklandcouponguru on Instagram for more #foodie related content, and most importantly, deals! Take a look at my last tips and tricks blog on how to score dirt cheap petrol.

4 Step Guide to Winter Wellness

1. Getting your 5+ a day during winter

Fresh fruit and vegetables can become more expensive during this time of year, but the vitamins and minerals are as important as ever. It can be tempting to pop a vitamin C tablet and call it a day, but the range of nutrients in fruit and veg is something a supplement will never be able to replicate.

Top tip in our guide to winter wellness is utilising frozen fruit and veg, but also check out what is in season during the next couple of months. We might not want to eat fresh salads as often, but cozy winter soups and roasted root vegetables are still nutritious, easy to make and can be prepped in advance. Take a look at these 3 simple recipes to get started!

The humble potato is a great source of vitamin C? And pumpkin, which is super cheap in winter, is a rich source of Vitamin A.

2. Vitamin D and sun exposure

Second tip for our guide to winter wellness, Vitamin D. In the summer months, most of us are able to get sufficient vitamin D through sun exposure. The Ministry of Health guideline for sun exposure between May and August is a daily walk or activity outdoors in the middle of the day. In the South Island where the UV index is particularly low in winter, you may need to expose larger areas of skin.

And if you have lived in the South Island like me… you’ll know that there is little motivation to take off your puffer jacket and roll up your sleeves.

Aim to get at least 10 minutes of sun every day. It can be hard when it feels like you walk into uni when it’s dark, and leave campus again when the sun has gone down, but a little effort goes a long way. Take a walk during your lunch break with the added bonus of upping your step count for the day, or just drink your coffee outside.

There are small amounts of vitamin D in foods like egg yolks, fatty fish and dairy products. However, the easiest way is to get a little sun. If you think you are at risk for deficiency, talk to your GP about alternatives such as supplements.

3. Regular physical activity

Waking up early to exercise is one thing when the sun is already shining, but the moment daylight savings kicks in and your alarm goes off in what seems like the dead of the night… well there just isn’t anything more comfortable than your bed is there?

Don’t let the weather be an excuse to slack off, and look at how you can adapt instead. If you don’t think you can keep running when it’s cold and dark, see if you can find an alternative activity indoors. Les Mills On Demand has hundreds of workouts which require no equipment, and ClassPass has a bunch of home workout videos available to stream.

If you live in a cold flat, at least you’ll feel warm for a bit without spending a single cent on heating. It’s a win-win. Exercise also boosts your endorphin levels, and can reduce stress and improve sleep – all of which are important to support your immune system.

4. Get your flu vaccination

The vaccine does not eliminate your risk of getting the seasonal flu, but it can still protect yourself and those around you to a certain degree. Find out if your university health centre offers discounted or free vaccines, or make an appointment with your GP or pharmacy. Chemist Warehouse is offering vaccinations for $20 which is slightly cheaper than other pharmacies (at time of writing).

On top of what was mentioned above, other factors like socialising can also have a huge impact on our well being. Food, sleep, exercise, stress and immunity are all linked to one another. It can often feel a bit much trying to juggle all this on top of uni, but if we’ve learnt anything from being in lockdown, it’s that we all need to slow down a little and focus on ourselves a little more.

You got this guys! Comment below what you want me to write about next, and check out my page @balanceyourplate for more health and wellness content.

28 Days Later (2002)

When 28 Days Later was released, it literally popularised the entire concept of zombies being able to run. It kickstarted the whole zombie craze in 2000’s pop culture, making it our first choice for 9 iconic apocalyptic movies that you must watch. This post-apocalyptic flick stars a young Cillian Murphy (of Peaky Blinders fame) as Jim, a patient who awakens from a coma 28 days after the ‘Rage’ virus has overtaken the world. Indeed, this movie is set only in Britain as opposed to the entire world, but the non-existent London society that opens the film does a fine job of showing us the eventual worldwide battle for survival. The allegorical nature is hard to miss – makes you wonder, really, if humans are just as evil as their monstrous counterparts.

Unfortunately, the movie spawned a sequel (28 Weeks Later) which proved to be somewhat less satisfying to audiences and critics.

Fun fact: The producers actually managed to close down part of London to make the film.

Children of Men (2006)

The future looks grim. It’s the year 2027. The world is on the brink of extinction due to mass infertility. No child has been born in 18 years.

Theo (Clive Owen) is a white-collar worker who finds himself fraught with the task of smuggling a refugee woman, who he discovers is pregnant, out of the now barely functioning UK. The original book the movie was based on caused an uproar when it was released in 1992, partly due to this startling premise. Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuarón’s take is no different: while it was critically acclaimed, it didn’t do so hot at the box office. Children of Men is loaded with unflinching action and one of the most memorable epic tracking shots in film history (over 7 minutes long)!

What initially seems to be a slow-burning thriller emerges to become a powerful and frighteningly realistic social commentary.

Fun fact: The author of the novel (P.D. James) loved the film so much he made a cameo in the beginning.

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

If 28 Days Later kickstarted the new wave of zombie popularity, then Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead only helped the virus spread, so to speak. It’s like your standard buddy comedy, only with better music and more razor-sharp British wit.

In this romantic-zombie-comedy (rom-zom-com, if you will), Londoner Shaun (Simon Pegg) gets dumped by his girlfriend and plans to take her back – however, his plans are interrupted when a zombie outbreak occurs. Shaun, along with his deadbeat pal Ed (Nick Frost) must then embark on a mission to protect his family and friends. I won’t say more than this, but the funniest bit has to be the life-or-death music review scene, where Shaun and Ed decide which records should be saved or used to fight off hungry zombies. The movie also features not one, but two Queen songs. ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ is unquestionably the superior record, but ‘You’re My Best Friend’ makes for a wonderful ending track. Shaun of the Dead is the first of three films that make up Edgar Wright’s Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, followed by Hot Fuzz and The World’s End.

Fun fact: Quentin Tarantino named this as one of the top 20 movies made since 1992.

Zombieland (2009)

Welp, it’s the end of the world, so you may as well chow down on a truckload of Twinkies. That’s how it goes in Zombieland — where your town is your name, where you must always beware of the bathroom, and where you must never, ever, doubt double-tapping a zombie when you’ve got one down.

Those are the rules bestowed upon you, faithful watcher, by a paranoid zombie-hunting geek known as Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg). Don’t be fooled though, as much of the movie plays out like a traditional road trip: a mistrusting group of apocalypse survivors join forces, bond with each other along the way, and come to understand what they hope to get out of the less-than-ideal situation. Of course, the occasional zombie horde shows up but they’re more annoyances than actual obstacles at that point.

And out of the plethora of zombie movies, only one stars Bill Murray (as Bill Murray). IMO, he has the greatest line in the film – I’m not going to reveal it, but it’s got something to do with Garfield.

Fun fact: During filming, Woody Harrelson was arrested for marijuana possession, which delayed shooting for a day.

Contagion (2011)

Currently, Contagion is the most watched movie on HBO Now, and similarly on other streaming platforms it has shot up to the top of the charts. What’s more is that the movie’s actors have also recently made short video PSAs about preventing the spread of the coronavirus engulfing the world right now.

So it’s no surprise that 2011’s eerily prophetic viral pandemic movie from director Stephen Soderbergh plays out more like a dramatic re-enactment than science fiction. But what makes it so dramatic is that it’s not. ‘MEV-1’ isn’t a virus that wipes out 99% of the world’s population. There’s no bleeding from the eyes, no emotional words before shaky last breaths, no desire to eat brains. It’s also a smart thriller which does a good job of weaving between how diseases spread and the difficulty in finding a cure while giving attention to how malicious theories and authorities can influence how people respond.

As a bonus, the movie illustrates some good health advice: cover your mouth when coughing, don’t touch your face in public, wash your hands often, etc (and most importantly, that homeopathic remedies are a scam). Ring a bell?

Fun fact: The virus in the film was created by Dr. Ian Lipkin, who based it on the Nipah virus from Malaysia in the late 90s, which spread from pigs to farmers.

A Quiet Place (2018)

Silence. Shhhh. Not a word. That’s what’s required to survive in this unconventional world, where a family is trying to lead a conventional life. Because if you make a sound above a whisper, that could spell death. A Quiet Place doesn’t waste time on trying to build context. We can see pretty early on that Earth has been taken over by sightless aliens who possess an acute sense of hearing and thick, armoured skin. The family at its centre does well for themselves, communicating in sign language, implementing a coloured-light warning system, building sound-proof rooms and stockpiling enough tools for any end-of-the-world scenario. However, matters become more complicated as the pregnant mother approaches her due date (cause babies are kind of noisy, if you didn’t know).

Yeah, the movie is just as tense as it sounds. The monster looms closer, we hold our breath. The protagonist’s heart beats faster, our hearts beat faster. The suspense makes it a perfect movie to place in my list of 9 iconic apocalyptic movies that you must watch. It’s as much about the family as it is the jump scares. Who needs zombies when you have this?

Fun fact: The filmmakers purchased 20 tons of corn and hired local farmers to grow it for the film.

I Am Legend (2007)

If you want to boil it down to simple terms, I Am Legend is sort of like the American version of 28 Days Later. Loosely based on Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel of the same name, the movie centres on virologist Robert Neville (Will Smith), the last survivor in Manhattan, who works to create a cure after a ‘vampire’ plague has infected nearly all of the human race. And by loosely based, I mean they only share the same name. The movie chose to deviate from the book’s truly legendary ending with one of its own (excuse the pun).

It’s for this reason that most people will have a strong opinion on the movie, and Will Smith’s performance (memey as it may be), but there’s no denying how visually impressive the first half of the film is. The Fresh Prince’s one-man-show as a horribly lonely survivor is a career highlight. Mostly it’s just Neville and his dog hopelessly wandering around New York’s empty streets trying to find any sign of human life. It really allows us to feel his isolation – something that should be very familiar to all of us by now.

Fun fact: Will Smith tried to adopt Abbey, the dog, when filming was finished, but the dog’s trainer didn’t want to give her up.

The World’s End (2013)

The World’s End represents the conclusion to the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy. It’s probably the least funny of the three, but then again that’s comparing it to two very entertaining masterpieces. In this movie, a group of five childhood friends, now middle-aged men, reunite to finish an epic pub crawl they failed to complete in high school, after the insistence of good-for-nothing man-child Gary (Simon Pegg). There are touching moments where these five individuals are fleshed out and some poignant discussion on adults hiding their insecurities behind professional success. Seems like a typical nostalgic drama, right?

Nope! Midway through the movie there’s a reveal…which means a complete 180 genre switch. Just as they’re about to call it a day, the gang notices that something feels off about the pubs. Really off. It soon comes to their realisation that they have to grapple with way more than they signed up for – that is, saving mankind from disaster. Because nothing says apocalypse quite like chugging 12 pints of beer over one night.

The trilogy could definitely be a movie marathon and plays perfectly into our 9 iconic apocalyptic movies that you must watch.

Fun fact: There’s a company that offers to do The Crawl with the pubs that were actually used in the film in Hertfordshire.

Snowpiercer (2013)

This is a rare, genre-busting kind of film. The closest classification would be something along the lines of ‘steampunk apocalypse’, but even that doesn’t do it justice. In 2014, a failed experiment to eradicate global warming turns the planet into a frozen wasteland. It’s now the 2030’s, and the last remnants of humanity live divided on a speeding train powered by a perpetual motion engine, the Snowpiercer. You’ll find Chris Evans as Curtis (the polar opposite of Captain America), a passenger made to lead the persecuted ‘lower caste’ back car in a rebellion to disrupt the class divide and topple an oppressive regime not unlike that of a dictatorship. In simpler terms, he’s been there 15 years too long and he’s mad. As hell.

Snowpiercer is the first English-language film from South Korean director Bong Joon-ho (Parasite, The Host). No doubt it’s a dark and violent tale. It tackles issues of class and liberty, and in a way, it reminds us not to take freedom for granted. Because once you board the train, you never really leave.

Fun fact: The ‘cockroach’ protein block in the film was actually made up of seaweed, sugar, and gelatin. Jamie Bell hated it, but Tilda Swinton liked it.

There you have it, our 9 iconic apocalyptic movies that you must watch. Have any other apocalypse favourites? Let us know what you think down below!

1. Maintain some sense of routine

Just because you are working from home doesn’t mean you should completely let go of your routine. Having some structure can actually be a source of comfort and predictability when there is so much unknown in our current environment. 

Don’t feel the pressure to fill every hour with something productive, but it’s still important to eat and sleep regularly, and move your body in some way (even if it’s just a walk around the block). 

‌

2. Write down a list of things to do which you normally “don’t have time” for 

Whether it is a movie or series you have been meaning to watch, a new recipe to try or maybe even something kind of boring like deep cleaning your wardrobe. Make the most of this opportunity to do some things you enjoy, without feeling like you are wasting precious time.

Some things on my list include…

• Declutter photos on my camera roll – save important photos to an album to print physical copies of later.
• Journal – this whole experience is something worth documenting.
• Make risotto – recipe says to stand at the stove for 30 minutes stirring and slowly adding ladlefuls of stock to the rice? Yessir, can do.

Helpful online resources include the public library’s range of eBooks if you are wanting to get in some reading or this article full of cooking inspo (including 89 recipes with 5 ingredients or less).

3. Find creative ways to make up for the things you miss ‌

We all know the importance of this lockdown, and our position of privilege to be safely indoors, looking at quarantine memes and  having “nothing to do”. But it’s also okay to have selfish thoughts from time-to-time, about missing going out for brunch, the gym, or having to cancel a birthday celebration.

So… why not recreate that at home?

• Have a dinner party over video call – everyone chooses the same recipe to cook, then eat it together (preferably with a glass of wine or two). It’s like Come Dine With Me except if someone messes up the recipe, no one else has to suffer the consequences.
• Join Instagram Live workout sessions – if you’re like me and enjoyed the social, community vibe of classes at the gym, go and find trainers who are hosting live workout classes.
• Recreate your favourite cafe/restaurant meals for your family or flatmates – now is the time to perfect poached eggs, attempt bagels from scratch or make your own sushi rolls. Just be sure to check you have all the ingredients on hand, or make a list for your next supermarket trip. 

‌

How many times have you scrolled past those internet-breaking choc chip cookies… 

Gooey puddles of chocolate, chewy edges, and perfectly golden brown and crinkly.

You know the ones I’m talking about.

I wanted to compare three popular recipes and see how they fared against one another. I would follow all the recipes exactly; using scales to be accurate and following the video tutorials for technique.

All the cookies were chilled overnight, which allows the flour to rehydrate, leading to less moisture in the dough. Your reward for being patient? Better flavour (more toffee-like), an aesthetically-pleasing golden brown colour and crispier edges.

RECIPE #1 Levain-style “Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies”

So this batch is a little different to the others. It is chonky. A big boy. None of that chewy, spread out business. They are caramelised on the edges, but the inside is slightly underbaked, soft and gooey.

Overall verdict: these cookies definitely have that wow-factor. Who wouldn’t be impressed by a literal mound of chocolate-y, buttery goodness. The ingredients are simple, and the addition of toasted walnuts works great with the dark chocolate.

Levain Bakery describe themselves as having “New York City’s most famous cookies”. They frequently pop up in travel guides for Manhattan and even back in 2014, before Instagram food accounts were a thing, I knew I had to go to Levain for a cookie. And yes, they were freaking amazing.

Top tips: don’t be scared of making each cookie dough ball big; mine were literally the size of tennis balls. And don’t flatten the dough balls – make sure they are tall mounds with a rough surface in order to achieve the golden, lumpy exterior.

RECIPE #2 Buzzfeed Tasty’s “Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies”

There are over 16,000 ratings for this recipe!!! And they scored 94%, so I had to see if it lived up to the hype.

Overall verdict: you will love these if you like super chewy cookies… as in so chewy they are almost toffee-like, which works well because there is a distinct caramel flavour.

Simple ingredients, simple process (ie. no need to cream the butter) and they taste like the best version of a classic chocolate chip cookie. Also, the crinkles remind me of the wrinkly dog on the toilet paper commercials, how cute.

Top tips: The video showed 6 on a tray, but mine spread a lot and ended up squished against each other, so I would recommend putting 4 to a tray. These cookies are definitely on the sweet side, and some people commented that they add an extra 1/4 cup of flour. This will help balance the sweetness, and also prevent them spreading so thin.

RECIPE #3 Bon Appetit “Buckwheat Chocolate Chunk Cookies”

This is great if you want to flex on everyone else’s boring old choc chip cookies by using buckwheat flour (which gives it a subtle, nutty flavour). I also chopped up a bar of Lindt 80% chocolate because it is nice and thin, which created the most amazing pools of melted chocolate. Goodbye chocolate chips.

Overall verdict: they are actually also very easy to make despite the fancy sounding name, although in comparison to the first recipe, you need two egg yolks in addition to a large egg. Use the leftover whites to bulk up scrambled eggs, or freeze them for future use (like meringues or chocolate mousse).

These cookies ooze sophistication, from the buckwheat, to the dark chocolate discs and sprinkle of salt on top. Would recommend, especially if you want something a little less sweet. Definitely still a chewy cookie.

Top tips: Bon Appetit magazine have an online forum where editors and recipe creators answer just about every question you could have about baking in general, and also this recipe specifically.

So there we have it! Three AMAZING chocolate chip cookie recipes, each with its own characteristics. If you are going to force me to choose a favourite, I have to say it would be recipe #1, followed closely by #3. But I will be making (and eating) all of these recipes over and over again.

Two things to look out for if you are going to try the recipes.

1. If you don’t have self-raising flour (recipe #1), you can make your own at home. The ratio is 1 tsp baking powder to 150g plain flour.
2. If you don’t have unsalted butter (it tends to be more expensive), reduce the amount of salt in the recipe. 100g of butter contains around 1.5g of salt. You’ll need to do some math based on the recipe but nobody likes a cookie that tastes like it’s been dunked in seawater. Do dunk it in milk though.

As always, if you make any of these recipes, please tag me on Instagram @balanceyourplate and DM me any questions and suggestions for future posts!

In this world, there are 3 types of streamers:

1. Google searches ‘free ways to watch TV shows online’. Bonus points for ‘1080p’. Options are either 30 second clips, or illegal sites with a 99% chance of getting a virus.
2. Boujee individuals subscribed to a legal streaming site – may have used a combo plan to score some free Netflix (this article may not be for you).
3. Leeches off the accounts of friends and family.

Regardless of which type you are, I’m here to show you ALL the legal streaming sites to catch your next TV show or film.

Psst, if you’re a University student, take a look at the exclusive FREE streaming sites with your University here: eTV

GUIDE TO FREE MOVIES + TV ON THE WEB (COMPLETELY LEGAL)

Plex

Plex is a media server allowing you to manage your own collection of TV shows on your computer, tablet, or phone. In 2019 the company launched its own free, ad-supported streaming service with a collection of movies from big names in showbiz like MGM and Warner Bros. But what makes this service stand out from the rest is that it has a large selection of podcasts and web series available to watch as well.

Plex is working on growing their international catalogue and churn out updates regularly. So although it may not have the widest range of movies and TV shows, there are plenty of hidden indie gems and festival favourites to keep you entertained. All you need is a free Plex account and you’re good to go!

Highlights: Trevor Noah: You Laugh But It’s True, Frequencies, Django, Thoughty², The Red Balloon

TVNZ OnDemand

TVNZ OnDemand pulls together a collection of shows and movies from the channels TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2 and Duke into one convenient catch-up service, making it easier than ever to access your favourite shows and movies! TVNZ OnDemand offers most of what you usually watch on their free-to-air counterparts, so you’ll find a nice mix of sports, news, TV series and movies ready to be viewed.

There’s a great balance between fresh international content and Kiwi classics(looking at you, Shorty Street). Behind-the-scenes extras and specials are also a big plus, and helps the service stand out from others!

Highlights: Friends, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Wellington Paranormal, Grey’s Anatomy, Catch-22

Kanopy

‘Everyone from film scholars to casual viewers will discover remarkable and enriching films on Kanopy’

Kanopy is an international educational platform and provides a catalogue of films and documentaries through partnerships with over 4,000 universities and 200 libraries worldwide. Its collection has a heavy focus on independent, arthouse movies and docos. It even claims to have access to the more recent films from famous production house A24!

Kanopy has a great depth of content including NZ film classics, and basically everyone with a library card (or university email) can use it for free! Simply log in with your library/uni membership and enjoy the diverse selection of content with new titles added every month. Oh, and did I mention it’s ad-free?

Highlights: The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Small Apartments, Melancholia, Boy, Lion

Tubi TV

Tubi TV hosts quite a broad selection of content. Here, you can find everything from popular A-list flicks to filler movies that you’re unlikely to have ever heard of. It’s available for free on a variety of devices like smart TVs, Android, iOS, Playstation, Apple TV etc.

Clever categories such as ‘Not on Netflix’ and ‘Highly Rated on Rotten Tomatoes’ makes it easy to discover the kind of quality content you’re looking for. A few more pros: the dark theme is very aesthetically pleasing (I mean…when isn’t it?) and the media player is a breeze to handle. You don’t need to create an account to view content, but if you do, you can continue watchingwhere you left off (across devices) and receive personalised recommendations based on your viewing habits.

Highlights: Fist of Fury, Time Lapse, The Hurt Locker, Suspiria, We Need to Talk About Kevin, Yu-Gi-Oh!

ThreeNow

Did you know that Three was launched in 1989 as NZ’s first privately-owned channel? Well, it sure has come a long way since then, because you can now watch their shows online from the free-to-air Three and ThreeLife channels (and sister channel Bravo) on the ThreeNow platform. It’s perfect for anyone who loves to binge reality TV and comedy shows, although you do have to put up with a couple of ads every now and then. Best of all, you don’t even need to sign up to ThreeNow to stream content!

Similarly to TVNZ OnDemand, shows are available to watch for a specific period (ranging from a couple of weeks to a month), but in some cases international content can be watched before the local free-to-air broadcast.

Highlights: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Love Island, NCIS, Flirty Dancing, The Graham Norton Show

AnimeLab

AnimeLab is an Australian-based platform dedicated to streaming anime shows and fast-tracked ‘simulcasts’ direct from Japan. It currently features a diverse range of over 620 shows and movies in a variety of genres (including something called reverse harem…)

AnimeLab offers both a free (basic) and premium option. With the free option, there are ads, simulcasts are delayed one week, and video quality is capped at SD, i.e. 480p. A small price to pay for a service with a hell of a lot to choose from, not to mention the dual-language option making a large number of English audio dubs and subs available.

 Highlights: Attack on Titan, Naruto Shippuden, Dragon Ball Super, My Hero Academia, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, One Punch Man

So there you go – look hard enough, and you’ll find a pretty decent selection of movies and TV shows to watch for free. Go grab some popcorn and get ready to binge!

1. Read Labels & Choose Your Battles

When deciding between brands like store-brand (such as Essentials, Pams, Value) versus name-brand, I always read the ingredients list first. If the cheaper alternative has similar, or perhaps even better nutrition contents, I will obviously go for the cheaper option.

It is a common misconception that cheaper brands fill their products with additives, sugar, salt etc. It’s not always the case and unlikely for products with only a few ingredients to begin with (like milk).

There is little difference between the ingredients in the cheaper store-brand versus name brand

In other instances, I choose to pay for a premium.

When to buy premium

While a $1 loaf of bread sounds good budget wise, I would argue that buying a loaf that costs a couple of dollars extra but contains twice as much fibre(which keeps you fuller for longer), as well as more whole grains and seeds is worth it.

If you drink non-dairy milk, I would also recommend looking at the ingredients and nutrition information panel because the amount of calcium and other fortified nutrients can vary between brands and price-ranges.

Personal preference obviously plays a huge part in your buying decisions. If you simply cannot give up the fancy $6 jar of peanut butter, then look elsewhere in your shopping trolley to make those savings.

2. Think Fruit & Veggies Are Expensive? Think Again.

This is more than enough fresh produce to last me a week!

Bananas cost $3 a kilogram. A bag of the cheapest potato chips costs $1.00 per 100g. So that’s $10 a kilogram. Tim Tams? At $3.50 for a 175g packet, I could buy enough bananas to last me a week. I don’t know about you but I could polish off a tray of Tim Tams (that’s 9 biscuits to be exact), pretty damn quickly.

The point is, keep snack foods like biscuits and potato chips for a treat, rather than a regular item on your grocery list. It’s good for your wallet, and your health.

TIP:

• Cheaper fresh fruit and veg can usually be found at Asian grocery stores, and the Countdown Odd Bunch range is also great!

3. Frozen Veg = New BFF

It wouldn’t be a budget grocery shop without a bag of frozen veggie trio right? Well, a huge part of eating healthy is to have a variety of foods and colours in your diet, so the humble carrot-pea-corn combo is doing just that. Half a cup is equivalent to one serving size of vegetables – you are aiming for three serves a day!

Frozen fruit and vegetables retain a lot of their nutrients because they are picked at peak ripeness and snap frozen. One down side to some frozen produce is the change in texture and flavour, but it all depends on what you’re using it for. Smoothies, baking, soups, curries and stews are all good times to use frozen!

4. Eat More Pulses & Less Meat

Is your fave flat meal Spaghetti Bolognese? How about next time, cut the amount of mince you use in half (you can freeze it for another time), and add in a cup of lentils? There is no doubt that beans and lentils are much cheaper than meat, and they are still a great protein source.

TIPS:

• Opt for dried lentils because they don’t require soaking and are easy to cook.
• Dried beans are a cheaper option but require more prep time, usually a soak of 45 minutes is required. I prefer canned beans for the convenience (no soaking needed), but an easy solution for dried beans is to start soaking them the night before in the fridge.

And finally, here are my favourite budget-friendly items to add to my trolley…

TIP:

• A great site for looking at what’s in season is through 5aday here.

And a sample of a few grocery shops in Dunedin

Hope you guys enjoyed this blog post, and found a few useful tips for how to save money next time you’re at the supermarket! Small amounts add up, so don’t look down on saving a few cents here and there.

You can find me on Instagram for more healthy food ideas and recipes! Catch you next time!