Satisfying your hunger without breaking the bank
Auckland may well be one of the world’s most expensive cities, but it’s still possible to find a great affordable meal. Mina Kerr-Lazenby takes her wallet on a culinary tour.
The Mexican Cafe
Cheap Mexican doesn’t have to mean a sad packet of wraps, beans, cheddar and a sachet of spice mix.
The Mexican Cafe, a vibrant cantina nestled in the heart of the CBD, offers a deliciously faithful representation of the cuisine. It provides all the usual suspects – burritos, quesadillas, nachos, tacos – alongside unique standouts, like the hearty bean dip or the refreshing citrus salmon and orange avocado salsa.
For those looking for something affordable and flavoursome, the ‘‘extra special’’ nachos – chips smothered with cheese, onion, beans and salsa before being oven baked and topped with lettuce, tomato, guacamole and your choice of meat – are a nobrainer.
Come here for the nachos, but stay for the atmosphere, a lively interior, cocktails and a devilish array of tequilas.
67 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD.
Hawker & Roll
Hawker & Roll offers a brief culinary exploration of Malaysia’s marvellous street fare.
While the humble hawker roll lies at the heart of the menu – comforting roti wraps stuffed with everything from sesame eggplant to beef rendang – it’s the vegetarian laksa that deserves a special mention.
The creamy, coconut-milk soup with ample flavour and just the right amount of spice is a prime winter pick-me-up. There are chicken and beef iterations for those after something a little meatier, and plenty of devourable sides if the silky ribbon noodles aren’t enough to keep hunger at bay.
The menu has been so well-received that the brains behind the operation, Michelin-rated chef Josh Emett, has opened more versions in Queenstown, Tauranga and Christchurch. Commercial Bay, CBD, and Sylvia Park Shopping Centre, Mount Wellington.
Sumthin Dumplin
From two inner-city locations, dumpling artisans create plump hand-rolled parcels that fly out the door. Sumthin Dumplin is no stranger to having to close early following a sell-out day.
The menu is succinct, with just five variations to choose from. Traditionalists will appreciate The OG, with archetypal pork and cabbage, the Premium Beef, which sees the classic beef and cheese combination elevated by mozzarella and parmesan, and the Great White, with chicken and mushroom.
The Three Spice Prawn offers something more exotic and The Monk, with its tofu and mushroom stuffing, is a vegan fan favourite. Each comes enveloped in an original, wholemeal or spinach wrap that is thick enough to be comforting but not too thick as to steal attention from the fillings.
18-26 Wellesley St E and 12 O’Connell St.
Stumpy’s Pizza
Tucked among the crowded Asian eateries of Dominion Rd sits a quaint hole-in-the-wall pizza spot with a cosy interior. It’s not a place for large gatherings but look beyond the simple aesthetic, and you will find a fast-moving counter that churns out some of the finest wood-fired pizzas in town: crispy at the edges, chewy in the middle and doused in fresh Mediterranean flavours.
Owner Andy Hamm helms an ever-rotating menu, keeping Stumpy’s cult followers on their toes. Looking to embark into new flavour territory? Be sure to try the Salty Sailor.
Keep an eye out for the Stumpy’s food truck.
702 Dominion Road, Mount Eden. Coming soon to Titirangi.
Chawla’s
Located opposite The Civic on Wellesley St, this Indian restaurant makes for a convenient pre- or post-performance pit stop.
Don’t be fooled by its unassuming street presence; Chawla’s is a warm and inviting restaurant with a friendly, bustling atmosphere and a vast menu.
The mouthwatering waft of spices that greet noses at the door is a good indication of dishes made inhouse. What’s more, the restaurant chain is commonplace in India, so you can guarantee the flavours are authentic.
Particularly worth a mention is the lunch deal, which brings together a curry of your choice, a freshly-baked naan, rice and poppadoms for just $12. 21A Wellesley Street West, CBD.
Lowbrow
Fast food but fancy, Lowbrow is part of a new wave of restaurants moving away from stereotypes about greasy, cheap joints. The neon-lit restaurant has dominated the CBD and K Rd food scenes these past few years, with its takeaways a tempting option for lunch, dinner, or a late-night bite.
Simplicity is key for acclaimed chefs Jordan MacDonald and Kyle Street, whose prior accolade is upmarket restaurant Culprit. Their menu highlights elevated classics like burgers and fries – one example? The lettuce comes with a sublime blue cheese dressing.
Special hits included their fried chicken wings and the Parma Jamma, their take on a vegetarian eggplant parmigiana-inspired sandwich.
193 Karangahape Rd in St Kevin’s Arcade, or 125 Queen Street, CBD.