Looking for a meal out that won't break the bank? That can seem like an impossible task these days, but there's still places all over the city that serve up fresh and delicious food for super reasonable prices! We've pulled together some of the best spots in town for bargain menus with no compromise on taste, focusing on main course meals that you can grab for less than $30! Whether you're craving homemade Italian or authentic Mexican, there's something for everyone in this huge selection!
Fried Dumplings, $20 | Obar, 15 Chancery Lane
At Obar, the range of flavours is as diverse as the cityscape outside! From sizzling kimchi and pork belly soup to creamy corn butter chicken, each dish reflects an authentic culinary experience that celebrates the rich traditions of Korean cuisine. This mountain of dumplings is the perfect pitstop dinner for a quick, tasty bites Quick, flavorful, and buzzing with energy - it's the ideal spot for an evening dinner.
Double Royale with Cheese, $15 | Shake Out, Commercial Bay
Kiwi owned and operated Shake Out serve up a highly addictive menu of fresh, delicious burgers, sides, and shakes – fast! A premium, grab-and-go burger experience, where quality ingredients have been chosen with care to craft fresh, deliciously fast food with your cravings in mind. The Double Royale with Cheese is a must-try, using pure NZ beef and buns crafted with a deliciously soft blend of pumpkin and potato flour.
Spicy Beef Vermicelli Noodle Soup, $18.80 | Xi’an Biang Biang, 203 Queen Street
Xi’an Biang Biang provides the authentic food from Xi’an, one of the oldest cities in China. The Shaanxi province is well known for its particular style of cooking: making elaborate use of everyday ingredients - make sure to try the spicy vermicelli! If you're keen to try something new & different, this is the place for you!
Yaki Soba, $14.50 | Yooa & Taki, 1 Elliott Street
While known for their authentic Takoyaki (freshly-made grilled octopus balls that are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and topped with drool-worthy sauces and cheeses) this Japanese street food stand also serve up the likes of noodles and okonomiyaki, as well as this mouth-watering Yaki Soba. This is the place to get your street food fix!
Tacos, $9 each | Mexico, 23 Britomart Place
Call up Mexico when you’re craving a flavour explosion. When you get their $9 tacos, you can choose from Chicken escabeche in a sweet tangy sauce, Cajun blackened fish lime & sumac, Pork belly con cola or Crispy mushroom & cactus salsa fresca! Big flavour at small prices.
The Large 10pc OG Dumplings, $19.50 | Sumthin Dumpling | 12 O'Connell Street
We are big fans of dumplings in the Heart of the City office, and Sumthin Dumplin never fails to satisfy our cravings of these tasty morsels. Favourites of our office are the OG (premium pork and cabbage in original wrap) and The Monk (tofu, shitake mushroom and bok choy in a spinach wrap). Whether you douse yours in chilli and soy or simply enjoy them plain, these authentic dumplings are the uncontroversial answer to your evening belly rumbling.
Lamb Souvlaki, $14.90, Kebabzilla, Wilson Parking Elliott Street
KebabZilla food truck has generous portions and fresh ingredients, ensuring every bite is a burst of authentic flavour. The menu features an array of options, from succulent lamb and tender chicken kebabs to vegetarian-friendly falafel wraps, all accompanied by crisp salads, tangy sauces, and warm, fluffy pita bread. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Tacos, $12 for 2 | Mr Taco, 75c Victoria Street West
Located just steps from the Sky Tower, this charming taqueria is the place to go for authentic Mexican fare. At just $6 each, their tacos are a must-try - think fresh corn tortillas graced with impeccably cooked meats and an array of flavourful toppings. Vegetarian? Not to worry, they also do a jackfruit and a Mexican cactus option!
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.
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.
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.
Rice ball, $12.50 | Meet Balls, 41 Victoria Street West
Take your pick of 500g rice balls with your choice of fish cake and spring onion, bacon and spring onion or mushroom and onion with a range of sauces. Or if you can stretch to $14.50 then try one of their Korean style rissoles, otherwise known at Tteok-galbi are a delicious culinary delight made from meat, vegetables and an original sauce.
Chicken Kimchi Burger, $16.80 | NeNe Chicken, 246 Queen Street
NeNe Chicken is a South-Korean restaurant serving authentic Korean fried chicken since 1999. The name 'NeNe' simply means 'Yes! Yes!' in Korean. Their authentic crunchy fried chicken – the star of the show in their chicken kimchi burger - is coated in a mouth-watering selection of secret sauces. They've also got hot chips, burgers, wraps and more!
Fish Burger with Fries, $15 | Billypot, Auckland Fish Market, 22 Jellicoe Street
With fresh fish coming in daily, Auckland’s iconic fish market is a great spot to grab fresh food and chill out. Billypot’s fish burger deal is made all the sweeter with the inclusion of their crispy fries – the perfect summer evening meal!
Baba Pho Bowl, $13.50 | Hello Mister, 5B Hardinge Street
This colourful Vietnamese street food spot is a gem for those looking for a lunch on-the-go. Warm up with this pho bowl, savour a range of rice paper rolls with flavoursome fillings or enjoy a perfect banh mi roll. The ultimate dinner bargain!
Braised Pork Belly Rice Bowl, $18.90| Kai Eatery, Commercial Bay
Kai Eatery is a mecca of Taiwanese street food. Serving up scrumptious dishes from their bright orange container, you can get this delicious, braised pork belly rice bowl with fresh salad and toppings, scallion tofu rice bowls or bulgogi beef, depending on your craving. Wash it all down with their heavenly green tea or a red bean bao buns.
Vegetarian Curry, $17 | Chom Na Thai Food, 40 Lorne Street
It might take you some time to decide what you want off of Chom Na's extensive menu, but whatever it may be, we are sure it'll make you want to come back for more tomorrow. Chom Na has all the Thai favourites in curry, stir fry, and noodle dishes as well as tasty small plates such as spring rolls, curry puffs and satay chicken. We usually go for the veggie curry, a tom yum soup and pad thai.
Carbonara, $16.90 | Needo, Commercial Bay
NEEDO is a pasta bar serving wholesome, hearty, generous portions of freshly-made pasta-to-go at fast-food prices. They make their fresh pasta from scratch and cook it on demand so you can enjoy the taste of a home-cooked meal every day. Their creamy bacon carbonara is a satisfying meal, the perfect evening comfort food!
Chicken fried noodle, sweet & sour pork or wonton noodle soup $12 | Dumpling Hours, 18 Wellesley Street
Every dish at Dumpling Hours is only $12! It's a culinary dream come true for those looking for quality food without breaking the bank. From the heartwarming wonton noodle soup to the prawn dumplings, portions are very generous and crafted with precision and passion.
Moroccan Falafel, $20 | Café Midnight Express, 59 Victoria Street West
This mouth-watering deep-fried falafel on a bed of hummus, salad and garlic pita bread is characteristic of the authentic cuisine offered up by Café Midnight Express. A Turkish restaurant offering fine wine and a warm atmosphere, Café Midnight Express stands out as a refreshing trove of epicurean delights. The extensive menu offers many options of the meat, seafood and vegetarian variety to ensure every appetite is catered for. (Pro-tip: Make sure to check out their belly-dancing performances on Fridays!)
