As a student, I know the struggle of trying to find good, filling food around campus without running the wallet dry. But after 5 years at Auckland Uni, I realised I don’t have to settle for Munchy Mart or vending machine snacks. There are plenty of cheap, filling and wholesome food spots near the University of Auckland (UOA) and AUT city campuses that will keep both your stomach and bank account happy. Here’s your guide to the top cheap eats to check out this semester!
1. Dumpling Hours
Location: 22 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD Walking Distance: 4 mins from AUT, 8 mins from UOA
Dumpling Hours is my go-to spot for Chinese food close to uni. Why? Because everything on the menu is $12! Juicy and flavourful dumplings? $12. Generous portion of fried rice? $12. Some hearty wonton soup? Also, just $12.
The restaurant also provides a fun and vibrant ambiance that is guaranteed to take your mind off that assignment you are probably procrastinating. Every time I have visited Dumpling Hours, the service was friendly and the food was served quickly so I could easily reach my next class in time. If you are craving Chinese food, give Dumpling Hours a visit!
2. Sensational Chicken
Location: 11a Mount Street, Auckland CBD Walking Distance: 6 mins from AUT, 9 mins from UOA
If you’re a senior student, you undoubtedly already know about the cult-favourite: Sensational Chicken. So this is for any freshers, transfers or exchange students yet to discover this treasured spot. Whether you're craving their famous $7.90 Chicken & Chips snack box, a hearty grilled Chicken or Veg Burger for under $10, or their legendary Crispy Chicken Strips, you won’t have to spend big to eat well here. Sensational Chicken is perfect for a quick bite between classes or even a late-night feed – they’re open till 10pm Sunday-Thursday and until midnight Friday-Saturday!
3. Conscious Eats
Location: UOA Food Court, 34 Princes Street, Auckland CBD Walking Distance: 6 mins from AUT
If you’re looking for a filling and affordable plant-based meal, Conscious Eats has got you covered. They serve hearty vegan dishes, including rice and curry for just $7.50! The best part? You can add a dessert and a side of vegan nuggets for only $2 extra. The menu changes daily, offering a rotating selection of delicious curries and sweet treats, so there’s always something new to try. And don’t be prejudiced by the lack of meat, Conscious Eats has been a popular choice for many UOA students for several years with their flavoursome and filling offerings!
4. Refuel
Location: AUT WC Building, 55 Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD Walking Distance: 7 mins from UOA
Found inside the AUT WC building, Refuel is the perfect spot for students on a budget. They serve a variety of hot dishes for only $8.50 per plate. Similar to Conscious Eats, Refuel’s menu changes daily but the portions remain generous, making it a great value-for-money option for a satisfying student lunch.
They have loads of indoor seating and outdoor seating in the courtyard. It’s a perfect spot to refuel while studying or hanging out with friends. Oh, and the coffee is awesome too!
5. Hobson Indian Takeaway
Location: 4/11 Beach Road, Auckland CBD Walking Distance: 12 mins from UOA, 16 mins from AUT
Got a decent gap between lectures? Hobson Indian Takeaway is worth the short walk for some super cheap, authentic Indian curries and street food. From crispy Aloo Tikki Burgers to classic Samosas and tangy Pani Puri Chaat, most of their menu is under $10! And if you’re after a hearty meal, their curry + rice combos are unbeatable: just $7 for veg and $11 for non-veg. With those prices you might even have some change left over to add on a mango lassi for $5 or chai for $4!
6. “Budgie Eats” @ UOA
Location: Multiple vendors at UOA Food Court, 34 Princes Street, Auckland CBD Walking Distance: 6 mins from AUT, multiple food vendors across UOA.
Back in the early 1990s, the University of Auckland introduced the ‘Budgie Meal’—a game-changer for students and staff looking for a tasty feed without breaking the bank. Fast forward to today, and it’s evolved into ‘Budgie Eats’. It’s no longer just about a meal; now, you can score a budget-friendly combo deal with a drink and a snack. Most UOA campus vendors have a Budgie Eats special on their menus and are usually under $10! (If it is not displayed on the menu, you may simply have to ask).
So what are some examples of Budgie Eats? Well, picture a warm and filling teriyaki rice bowl from Nick’s Kitchen, crispy fried chicken and chips from ChiChop or 3 teriyaki chicken or BBQ pork buns from Hello Food. If you’re looking for a cheap but tasty meal at UOA’s doorsteps, “Budgie Eats” are a great option.
7. Japanese Dining You
Location: 47 High Street, Auckland CBD Walking Distance: 6 mins from AUT, 11 mins from UOA
For years, this hidden gem has replenished students with their soul-soothing and cheap Japanese Curry + Rice meal. Despite all these years of inflation, Japanese Dining You continues to provide their wholesome range of Japanese curries for just $8!
Japanese Dining You also offers a variety of donburi bowls with rice or udon noodles for reasonable prices with decent portion sizes! Their Donburi selection ranges from Tempura, Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetarian Kakiage Donburi to name just a few – all for less than $15! No matter what you decide to order, you will walk away feeling FULL.
*Walking distances were calculated from the General Library at UOA and the WA Building at AUT.
