Cheap Eats in Auckland – A Local’s Top 10

Penny pinching? You’re in luck – I’ve compiled a list of the best cheap eats in Auckland. This is one of the best reasons to love Auckland – you can enjoy a great meal for less than $20. This is surprising given the fact that the city has earned a reputation as one of the most expensive cities to live in. But it doesn’t have to be.

Make sure you know where to go for your next meal if you want to spoil your taste buds without breaking the bank.

Best Cheap Eats in Auckland

This is one of the things that I love about living in Auckland; while there are plenty of fine dining restaurants, there are plenty of cheap places to eat, too.

Burger Fuel

If you live in NZ – I don’t need to tell you twice. But if you’re new here and have never tried it – this is one of the most Kiwi brands you can find. The deal’s pretty simple – they have meat and veggie burger options, sides like potato and kumara fries, and a range of thickshakes. Sounds like you’ve done it a thousand times? We can talk after you’ve tried the American Muscle. $11.70 for a single, $16.70 for a double. They are located all around the country, you won’t have trouble finding one in Auckland.

Check out the Menu HERE

Better Burger

For something more classic, meet Auckland’s version of In N’ Out Burger. It has plenty of branches in Auckland such as those in Auckland City, Mount Eden, Britomart, and Sylvia Park; thus, you can find a branch near you.

This burger chain is popular for a reason; their menu is simple and affordable. You can get a burger for less than $10 and combo meals for up to $15 only. They have a variety of burger options such as hamburgers, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, and so on. If you’re looking for cheap eats without compromising on taste, then you know where to get your cheap burger fix.

Check out the Menu HERE

Bannsang

Korean foods popularity is exploding globally. If you are one of those who like Korean food, there is no need to travel to Korea or spend big bucks to get your fill for all things spicy food. Bannsang in Auckland City is located right at the heart of CBD so you can sample the best Korean eats.

This Korean restaurant has developed a cult following – and it’s for a good reason. You can sample delicious and authentic Korean dishes ranging from the classic ones like bibimbap to bulgogi. You can dine here for a budget-friendly price, especially if you eat as a group. Word of warning, though: you have to be ready to wait in line!

The online menu is only available in Korean but that’s how you know its authentic!

No 1 Pancake

There is no list of the best cheap eats in Auckland without No 1 Pancake. Located in Auckland City, it is one of the local favourites. This tiny kiosk in Lorne Street is flocked by students and business people alike because of its sweet and savoury selections on the menu for a starting price of $4.50.

If you are in need of a quick yet filling food, make sure you grab one of these Korean pancakes. It’s definitely a great deal for its price!

Check out the menu HERE

Chongqing Noodles

If you’re craving deliciously authentic Chinese food, such as the ones that originate from the Sichuan province of China, you’re in for a treat at Chongqing Noodles. Located at 340 Dominion Rd in Mount Eden, this is one of the best cheap eats in Auckland.

Sipping into a bowl of one of their best-selling Chongqing Noodles, you’ll feel like you’re in China. Some of the most recommended items in the menu include anything that says “Chongqing Flavoured”, as well as the ginger duck, pork dumpling, and noodles!

Check out the menu HERE

Sal’s Pizza

Craving for a slice of pizza (or two)? No fret – you can get them for a cheap price when you order at Sal’s Pizza. This is a New York-style pizza joint that was started more than a decade ago by a duo of a New Yorker and a Kiwi. You can find this pizza joint at Queen Street and K’Road.

A large slice of pizza will set you back at $5 with prices going up to $6.50. The whole pizza can be a bit more pricey, but it’s gigantic so will feed up to 4 people. Pizza isn’t the only item on the menu, though. You can also get chicken wings, garlic knots, and pies.

Check out the menu HERE

Kiss Kiss

If you want to sample authentic Thai cuisine but can’t fly out to Bangkok, then Kiss Kiss is the next best thing. This is one of the best cheap eats in Auckland yet they don’t scrimp on flavour!

When you dine in this Thai restaurant, be sure to order the famous khao soi kai curry noodle soup. Other bestsellers include the khao phat muu fried rice, satay pork, and the sticky pork ribs. This eatery is located in Balmoral and comes with bold interior décor to go with their flavours. Don’t leave without a sample of their classic Thai dessert – mango sticky rice.

Check out the menu HERE

Giapo

If you’re a dessert lover, then you simply can’t pass up the chance to sample one of Auckland’s best ice cream shops. Get a generous dose of your favourite ice creams in this Gore Street joint. They are best known for their epic looking creations that take your ice cream experience to a whole new level.

They offer a whole range of toppings for their gelatos ranging from caramelizsed apples, toasted marshmallows, brownies, and hot chocolate shots! The single serve portions start at $7.50 and prices vary based on your choice of toppings.

Check out the menu HERE

Mr Zhou’s

It is one of the famous local foodie destinations in Auckland and you can get good value for money here, especially if you’re craving delicious dumplings. They have a variety of dumplings and other dishes. In fact, it quickly grew as a popular takeaway spot in Auckland because not only is the food delicious, but they are cheap, too! You can dine-in, but there might be no spot left to sit, since they are so busy.

Apart from dumplings, the menu consists of all kinds of dishes like wontons, noodles, fried rice, soup, desserts, and more. You can order dishes with seafood, pork, beef, chicken, or tofu. The dumplings are available for as low as $9 for 10 dumplings. You can find them in either Mt Eden or New Lynn.

Check out the menu HERE

Sri Pinang

If you’re on the hunt for cheap yet delicious Malaysian food in Auckland, this is it. Sri Pinang made its name in the Auckland food scene for having the best beef rendang you could find in the city. Don’t believe it? Try it out for yourself!

Tasting the menu of Sri Pinang will instantly transport you to Georgetown, one of the heritage towns of Malaysia. Aside from their famous beef rendang, delight your taste buds with their selection of curries, noodles, rotis, and all kinds of Malaysian dishes on the menu. Their items on the menu start at as low as $7 with prices going up to $28 for dishes that can be shared by 2 or 3 people. Great deal!

Check out the Menu HERE

Big J’s Takeaways

For a cheap price, Big J’s Takeaways lets you enjoy delicious, gourmet food options that you can eat on-the-go. Many publications have claimed that they have the best burger in Auckland. Located in Mt. Wellington, this takeaway gem offers cheap yet delicious food options such as sandwiches, fish and chips, hot dogs, and potato fritters.

While this might be a cheap joint, it is owned and operated by a chef with more than 25 years in the industry. That’s how you can expect quality food at low prices. Items in the menu start at $7 with the most expensive item being $13.50.

Check out the menu HERE

Cotto

Last but not least, if you’re feeling fancy, Cotto is one of the best eats in Auckland that is so cheap, it feels like a steal. It is a great place to go if you want to devour premium pastas without paying a lot of money for them. And the best part is that the pastas are handmade!

Located on K’Road, the items on their menu are priced at $22. You won’t find another restaurant with this quality of food at this price.

Check out the menu HERE

Auckland might have gotten a reputation for being an expensive city however, if any of these cheap eats are an indication, you can enjoy great food while sticking to a budget.

Bon appétit everyone!

 If you want to find out more about Auckland, jump over to my TOP 45 THINGS TO DO IN AUCKLAND – A LOCAL’S GUIDE