Auckland’s classiest restaurants for when we’re broke as f**k (always)
When it comes to the diet of the average NZ student, it mostly consists of alcohol, dumplings, pizza and alcohol. This has sustained us for years, and still will for many years to come. However, should the day arise when you’re not so keen for a $5 KFC snack box, we’ve built a cheeky list to help you get a classy, hearty meal — on that broke af budget.
Dynasty Chinese Restaurant
57/59 Wakefield St, Auckland
This ‘blink-and-you’ll-miss-it’ restaurant is probably one of the best kept secrets in Auckland. With an extremely large dining room and equally large Yum Cha menu, it’s one of those places that will have you planning your second visit before you finish your first. The price averages out around $25-$30 per person with a group of 5, but this can get much smaller the larger the group you go with, especially if you are splitting the bill. Fair warning though, if you have never experienced the delight of Yum Cha then it might be an idea to take someone who knows how it works. It can be a lot to take in, but for those foodies who are a bit daring, I’d suggest trying the chicken feet (just put the whole thing in your mouth, suck, and spit out the hard stuff).
Ramen Takara Ponsonby
272 Ponsonby Rd
“I thought is this was one of those cheap eats lists, Ponsonby’s f**king expensive” — You, right now.
First off, such language, do you kiss your mother with that mouth? Secondly, with the most expensive thing on the menu being $17, I think Ramen Takara has the allure of Ponsonby, without the price tag. This intimate restaurant is perfect for those one on one interactions, whether it be date night with your other half, best friend, or brunching with the flat. I highly recommend the Tonkotsu Ramen or the Nagoya Chicken Don. The latter will fulfil your fried chicken needs with some of the fanciest of karaage out there.
Al’s Deli
1/492 Queen Street
Yeah so this one really is a bit of a of a stretch, just because all the stuff on the menu is dope and you really can’t help yourself when it comes to the poutine or the ribs. I personally have spent way too much at AL’s Deli but boy was it worth it. It wasn’t until my second year of uni that I figured out this place can be a cheap eat — you just have to order the right things. Like the AFC — a full on fried chicken meal that’ll give KFC a run for their money, or the 911 — which is a burger and mac n cheese (need I say more). This is a great place for a 3–4 person group, especially if you’re keen to share some the big stuff.
Spitting Feathers
16 Wyndham St
Just to break the food establishment mold that I have barely held together, I had to mention this incredible bar. Not only is the vibe really chill, it looks phenomenal (with the slight exception of the kinda dodgy walkway you gotta get through). This is the perfect place for anyone who’s keen for a relaxed night with crew, the ol’ ball n chain, or if your keen for a quiet one or five. It boasts some of the cheapest Heineken in the city at a measly $5. You could easily spend next-to-nothing for your pregame here. Just think Shadows Bar but without the horrible tasting jugs. I’d also suggest any one of the bar pizzas to share with the team!
So after you’re done regretting that deep-fried nightmare from last night, feel free to give these places a go. As a former chef student (and current chef living my best life), I can tell you that these places have been tried and tested on multiple occasions and most importantly, won’t break the bank.
