Feeling peckish? Then head to this cult favourite dumpling bar on O'Connell Street.
Good food doesn't have to cost a lot. Sample an array of the best cheap Asian eats available in Auckland city centre with $15 eats offers available all May. Whether its dumplings and bao buns, karaage chicken, ramen or a roll of sushi, the city centre is full of fantastic Asian eateries serving authentic food. Get inspired with our top Cheap and Cheerful Eats picks below.
DUMPLINGS
If it’s dumplings you’re craving, eateries like the ever-popular Sumthin Dumplin and XuXu Dumpling Bar should be top of your list. Step into XuXu’s cosy space with rich peacock-design drapes, stained-glass lampshades, and bamboo-patterned wallpaper for an intimate sit-down catch up, or, when you don’t have time for a dine-in experience, pass by Sumthin Dumplin for a meal on the run.
Little Yum and Bang Bang Kitchen should also be added to your dumpling must-try list this May. For authentic Shanghai style dumplings, Little Yum is your happy place, and if it’s variety you’re looking for, Bang Bang Kitchen serves up six different styles of dumplings!
JAPANESE
Perfectly rolled sushi, juicy karaage chicken, fresh sashimi… is your mouth watering yet? It’s no secret that Japanese dishes are extremely tasty, and the heart of the city has some of the best!
Tanuki’s Izakaya style Japanese restaurant on Queen Street, just steps away from a bunch of the city’s performing arts venues, is perfect for a pre or post-show bite. Down below, Tanuki’s Cave serves an extensive selection of yakitori & kushiage (assorted skewers).
At the other end of the city, and close to the ASB Waterfront Theatre, Japanese Bistro Zen on the Viaduct transports you to historical Japan with it’s wooden Japanese architecture and insanely delicious plates.
RAMEN
With the cooler weather settling in, nothing sounds better than a hot and steamy bowl of ramen! This month, Daruma Ramen, Ichiban Japanese Restaurant and Ramen Daikoku are serving the traditional tonkotsu ramen (ramen noodles in a creamy pork broth topped with chashu pork belly) along with some tasty side dishes like karaage chicken, pork gyoza, and Japanese curry.
VEGETARIAN & VEGAN FRIENDLY
Although not strictly vegetarian and vegan eateries, Belly Worship and Hawker & Roll have some great options for those who want a cheap & cheerful eat without the meat. Think veggie dumplings and sweetcorn & coconut spring rolls for a quick bite before a show from Hawker & Roll, or a vegan lemon chicken Chinese burrito from Belly Worship for something a little more filling.
