22 must-try cheap eats in Auckland

You don’t need to spend big to eat well in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. These 22 wallet-friendly spots serve up dishes under $20, and are proof that affordable doesn’t mean average!

Want more foodie inspiration? Explore the full list of Iconic Auckland Eats, featuring legendary local dishes past and present.
 

1. Andy’s Burgers & Bar at SkyCity

Great burgers, cold beer, and a no-fuss vibe. Located at SkyCity, Andy’s dishes up generous portions without the price tag. It’s also home to Buzz and Bella, the service robots, who ensure your meal arrives fast and hot! You can’t go wrong with a classic; try Andy’s Cheeseburger, or if you’re after some heat, try the Fire Chicken burger. It packs a spicy punch with buttermilk fried chicken, cheddar cheese, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce and a Louisiana fire mayo. 

2. Federal Delicatessen at SkyCity

This New York-style deli from chef Al Brown is known for its comforting fare with bagels, sandwiches and street dogs that always hit the spot. Don’t pass up the matzo ball soup, followed by a NYC-style hot dog or a serving of Montreal Poutine. Leave room for The Fed’s famous pies for a sweet finisher. If you can’t pick a flavour, try a selection with the 3-Way.

3. Miss Lucy’s Auckland at LyLo

With a range of global flavours, there will be a well-priced bite to suit all tastes at Miss Lucy’s, tucked under LyLo Auckland, a budget-friendly accommodation experience. A must-try is The Real Slim tacos: crispy cauliflower nestled in soft tortillas with hummus, dukkha and crispy chickpeas for just $20. Happy hour runs from 4-6pm everyday, so it’s a great spot to grab a cocktail and pizza with friends.

4. Sumthin Dumplin

Serving up simple, authentic dumplings, this haunt has grown a dedicated following for good reason: they are quick, filling, and full of flavour. The OG pork dumplings are an obvious choice, but vegetarians are not forgotten here; The Monk tofu and shiitake mushroom dumplings will impress even devoted meat eaters.

5. Kai Eatery

Starting from humble origins at Auckland’s night-markets, and now with several Auckland locations, Kai Eatery is your go-to for authentic Taiwanese street food. If you’re not sure where to start, their signature chicken rice bowl is popular, or go all out with their XL Extreme Taiwanese fried chicken. Don’t forget to try their unmissable kumara fries, battered with Kai’s special seasoning, and grab one of their well loved bubble teas also.

6. Good Dog Bad Dog

It’s hot dogs, made fancy. Go for the Classic Dog with just the essentials (onion, pickle, ketchup and mustard), or load-’er up more with chilli cheese, mac & cheese (a notable entrant to the 2024 Iconic Eats list) or beef brisket and bacon. And yes, vegetarians can still get their fix here; the Good Dog comes with a vegetarian sausage and tofu topping.

7. Fat Puku’s Smashed Burgers

Big flavour, melty cheese, crispy edges — what more do you need? Reminiscent of west coast diners and roadside joints, Fat Puku’s have taken an American classic and added some flavour twists. Take your pick from a playful menu, including the Macauly Culkin, the Cindy Crawford or the Notorious V.E.G. For something different, add one of Fat Puku’s adults-only boozyshakes to your order.

8. Bowler

If you think fast food can’t be delicious and nutritious then you haven’t tried Bowler, a grab-and-go eatery redefining healthy fast food on Victoria Street West in the central city. Think vibrant salads, hearty bowls and nutrient-packed smoothies for an energy-packed way to fuel your day.

9. Pici

A Karangahape Road favourite for affordable fresh pasta, antipasto and desserts with a great wine selection in a chic setting. Their signature dish is Pici cacio e pepe, made with their namesake, handmade pici pasta. Wine lovers will also find an impressive selection of drops, including a huge range of Italian options.

10. Sneaky Snacky

Sneaky Snacky’s Instagram-famous donut burger has made it to the Iconic Eats list every year since 2020. That should give you all the evidence you need to go and give it a try for yourself! Add on a side of loaded fries and you’ve got yourself a true cheat-day feast without the splurge.

11. Elliott Stables

Great for groups or indecisive eaters, this inner-city destination offers multiple options in one vibrant space. Housed in a restored heritage warehouse, you’ll find a variety of affordable food vendors serving everything from Japanese to Italian and Vietnamese. Go for a classic bowl of pasta at De Niro Ristorante or dive into street-style bao from Bao Baby Bao. 

12. Eden Noodles

Widely considered an Auckland institution, Eden Noodles is always buzzing. Their dumplings have been a fixture on the Iconic Eats list since 2020 and all those folk queuing out the door can’t be wrong! Order the dan dan noodles or spicy pork dumplings, and don’t be shy about the chilli oil.

13. My Fried Chicken

My Fried Chicken’s Korean-centric menu delivers elevated street food where, as the name suggests, chicken is the hero. Let your hunger levels dictate the number of pieces you enjoy, and take your pick from a selection of flavours. Whether you go for soy garlic drumsticks or their extra-fiery hot & spicy boneless chicken, you’ll find the balance of crispy skin and juicy meat totally addictive. 

14. Kiss Kiss Eatery

Kiss Kiss is unmissable thanks to its neon-pink glow and buzzing dining room. The menu brings bright, bold Thai flavours to the table, with generous portions that won’t hurt your wallet. Fan favourites include their fried chicken with sriracha mayo and a classic pad thai that hits all the right notes: tangy, savoury, and just the right amount of sweet. 

15. Chop Chop

A ramen joint with attitude, Chop Chop is a fun place in Ponsonby to grab Asian street food. Their Koji fried chicken is a must, as is their ramen with pork, chicken or miso, and remember to add a side of their Korean Cowboy Kimchi for a cheeky flavour boost.

16. Lowbrow

Lowbrow elevates nostalgic chicken favourites. Think perfectly fried chicken thigh, house-made sauces, and indulgent sides like loaded curlies and deep fried pickles. Their chicken sando is iconic — crunchy, juicy, and stacked with flavour. If you’re after some spice, the signature hot wings will give you a healthy glow.

17. Otto

Located on Karangahape Road, Otto is a cosy, welcoming spot known for serving up honest, well-executed Italian food at affordable prices. Among their standout offerings are the spinach and goat cheese dumplings. Another must-try is their arancini, featuring a delightful combination of tomato and smoked mozzarella. Bellissimo!

18. Parade

Parade is proof that sometimes you just can’t go past simple favourites. Their Fried Chicken Burger landed on 2024’s Iconic Eats list: perfectly fried chicken matched with pickles, housemade sauce and a fluffy pretzel bun. Add some loaded fries for a very crave-able meal.

19. Sri Pinang

A longtime favourite on the cheap eats scene, Sri Pinang serves homestyle Malaysian food. Portions are generous, service is friendly, and dishes — like crowd favourite, beef rendang — are bursting with spice and depth. It’s BYO too, which makes it a go-to choice for an affordable night out. 

20. Lucky 8

In the heart of Ponsonby, Lucky 8 offers moody lighting, $8 plates, and flavours that punch above their price point. The Bang Bang Chilli Chicken Salad is an iconic starter, while the crumbed pork chop is a sweet-savoury indulgence. Bonus: the cocktails are equally creative and affordable.

21. Mr Hao

Grab a table, order a bunch of dishes (everything’s good), and dig in. Their bottomless dumplings option lets you go hard on all-you-can-eat dumplings, wontons, fried rice and fried noodles for 75 minutes until you’re satisfied. For a small upgrade you can add in bao buns and fried chicken, so go hungry and you’ll really get your money’s worth.

22. Vie Coffee & Vietnamese Street Food

Vie Vietnamese nails the classic dishes you love. Their Pho BO (beef noodle soup) is aromatic and deeply satisfying, while the Banh Mi is a lunchtime favourite. They also serve up authentic Vietnamese coffee for a great pick-me-up to start your day, including Cafe Trung (creamy egg coffee).