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Grabbing yourself a great lunch in a big city while also being budget-conscious can often be quite a challenge. Striking the sweet balance between quantity, quality and price can seem like an unlikely feat, especially when work is calling you back to your desk. Luckily, we've rounded up some of the best cheap eats and lunches for under $13 that don't scrimp on flavour so you can avoid decision paralysis and beat the lunchtime rush. Check out some of the best lunch options in Auckland city centre!
Salmon, Avocado & Cucumber Sushi Roll $12 | Oji Sushi, Commercial Bay, Britomart & Auckland Fish Market
Conveniently located in Britomart, Commercial Bay and the Auckland Fish Market, Oji Sushi is the number one stop for a delicious light lunch. Who doesn't like sushi?! Oji Sushi has classic flavours like tuna, mayo & avocado or teriyaki chicken & avocado for the perfect meal, all these rolls under $13. If you're after a more substantial meal, their salmon and avocado sushi is where we'd put our money.
Cheese Uttapam $12.90 | Dosa Corner, 57 Lorne Street
This is a must for our cheese lovers, and is a great option as well for vegetarians and gluten-free. A thick rice and lentil pancake topped with grated cheese, oregano and chilli flakes and is served with sambar & chutneys. Who could resist?
Chilli Cheese Dog, $12.50 | Good Dog Bad Dog, Commercial Bay
For when you're feeling like something a little naughty, Good Dog Bad Dog hits the spot. Opt for the chilli cheese dog - frankfurter, chilli mince, cheese sauce and parsley in a toasty bun. Don't worry, this hot dog isn't super spicy but if you're not a fan of a tingle on the tongue the mac & cheese dog ($13) and classic dog ($9) are also high up on our must-try list.
Mister Rolls $4.5 | Hello Mister, 5B Hardinge Street
A Vietnamese street food joint, Hello Mister’s dedication to offering a menu that’s quick, delicious and healthy has made it a favourite of city centre office workers. The Mister rolls have a great variety of flavours like lemongrass chicken, crispy chicken, beef, pork and even vegan options like mushrooms or tofu & beansprouts
Dumplings $4.9 | Little Tiger Dumpling, 5B Hardinge Street
This tiny spot on Federal Street is well worth checking out if you're looking for a quick, delicious bite to eat. Their juicy dumplings are packed with flavour and are a must-try menu item. There is a plenty variety of dumplings as pork, beef, scallion and tofu, or chicken.
Veggie Panang Pie $13 | Roti Bros, Commerical Bay, 1 Queen Street
They say true love is wanting the best for someone. They were probably talking about love for a human, but for Roti Bros, it’s about love for a pie. Auckland’s food scene is super diverse and Roti Bros love being able to combine two seemingly separate things into something delicious, with so many different flavours from Indian, Thai and Malaysian cuisine.
Oatmeal Bowl, $10 - $11 | Goodlife Super Food Co., 47 Fort Street
If you're still in the mood for breakfast, or want something on the sweeter side, grab a delicious oatmeal bowl from Goodlife. Whole oats are soaked overnight in cashew milk and mixed with honey and vanilla extract, then finished with one of four flavour options - apple cinnamon, blueberry chia, maple walnut or choc banana.
Dan dan noodles, $9.99 - $13 | Eden Noodles, 18-26 Wellesley Street or Commercial Bay
Eden Noodles, a celebrated spot for top cheap eats, presents an entire menu of quick and filling meals, including their renowned Dan Dan Noodles priced from $9.99 to $13. With a flavorful mix of warm noodles and zesty Sichuan peppercorns, their Dan Dan noodles are a standout choice.
Cheeseburger, $12 | Better Burger, 22 Customs Street
Fresh, quality ingredients cooked to perfection are what make this classic cheeseburger...well, better! If you’re after a cheeky burg that is simple yet satisfying, give this a go. They’ve got a lush portobello mushroom burger for the non-meat-eaters, and their skin-on crispy potato fries are finger-lickin' tasty too.
Taipei bao buns $12.50 | Kai Eatery, Commercial Bay
Discover the charm of Kai Eatery, renowned for their quick yet satisfying meals. Amidst their diverse offerings, the Taipei Bao steals the show, featuring tender pork belly, pickled greens, cucumber, and roasted peanuts on a fluffy steamed bun—all for just $12.50. Mark this spot and immerse yourself in the taste of Taipei without breaking the bank.
Summer rolls, $9.50 | Tem, 19 Wellesley Street
Tem's Vietnamese cuisine is up there with some of the best in the city, and it's ideal if you're after something light yet packed with flavour for lunch. For a lighter lunch option, we suggest their refreshing summer rolls, filled with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, carrot, peanuts, and your preferred combination of prawn and pork, spicy lemongrass chicken, or tofu and mushroom.
Beef Bulgogi Triangle Kimbap, $5 for 1 | DosiRock, 39 Chancery Street
If you're craving Korean flavours for your lunchtime fix, DosiRock is a great place to find yourself. Their kimbap is a perfect grab-and-go option that's deliciously moreish - better yet, for just $1 extra, you can get it deep fried. From tuna mayo to spicy pork, beef bulgogi and spam, there's plenty to choose form.
