$10 or under Cheap Eats: AKL CBD

By the time I actually publish this, it will be 2020 (wow didn't 2019 fly past!). Upon request and popular demand, here's a new year gift to y'all: my list for $10 or under cheap eats spot in Auckland CBD!

Buying your lunch everyday can easily break the bank, and it's even more of a struggle when you're a student living on your student allowance. Plus in city, it can be hard to find things that are 'cheap' unless you're in the know. Well actually, there are a lot of smaller things in Auckland CBD that are under $10 but I wouldn't say they are all actually worth its price still. Those listed below are places that I have been/would go to. So in no particular order....

1. No 1 Pancake

If you ask for a cheap eat recommendation in CBD, this is the answer you'll most likely get. The ultimate favourite, particularly amongst students as it's fairly close to uni - just walk down Albert Park and you're basically there! They're whipping up delicious Korean pancakes in the tiniest space ever. You'll often find a small crowd of people standing outside waiting for their orders during lunch time. In my first year of uni, it was just $4.50 for a savoury pancake, whilst $3.50 for a sweet one. Whilst unfortunately for us, it has since increased its prices to $6 for a savoury pancake, with its popularity as a go-to cheap eat for many, its an automatic inclusion in this list.

Tip: I recommend the potato pancake and the beef cheese pancake!

Address: Corner Lorne Street & Wellesley Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland

2. Japanese Dining You

More commonly known as 'You Curry', this is another favourite among students and working people, for grabbing a quick lunch. More people need to know about them. Although they have moved further from uni and the centre of CBD now to Hotel Grand Chancellor (where there is now a lot more seating), you'll still find them rather packed during lunch time. Grab a curry on rice for only $6 (used to be $5 but $6 is still really cheap because it will definitely fill you up plus its a free upgrade to large).

Tip: I always get Creamy Chicken curry because it's sweeter (I actually am not a huge fan of Japanese curry) but it's super popular and always seems to sell out fast. So if you are after it, I recommend going for an early lunch.

Address: 1B Hobson Street (Hotel Grand Chancellor), Auckland CBD, Auckland

3. King Made Noodles (Happy hour)

* I believe this is still available, but please let me know if not!

Already afforably priced, during 2-5pm, you can get a warm hearty bowl of any of their handmade noodles for just $10. Will definitely satisfy your noodle cravings! Their baos are also pretty popular.

Tip: You can request the width of your noodles here. I always ask for the widest because that's my preference.

Address: 48 Fort Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010

4. Elliot Stables (Tuesdays)

Elliot Stables can appear to be a bit of a 'fancy' place, but did you know on Tuesdays between 11.30am-2.30pm, they do a $10 lunch menu? Each eatery offers a lunch meal for $10 so there are 12 dishes for you to choose from - something for everyone!

Address: 39-41 Elliott Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland

5. Velvet Burger (Tuesdays)

Tuesdays must be the day of deals...All day on Tuesdays, Velvet Burger does 2 for 1 burgers! With the price of their burgers averaging about $15, that means on Tuesdays, you can basically score one for $7.50! And trust me, their burgers are massive so it's definitely worth it. It used to be valid only at certain times on Tuesdays but now they've made it all-day - you just gotta order online! Find the monthly promo code on their FB page. There's two stores in CBD! Probably one of my fave deals around - I used to get it quite often during uni!

Tip: There is a credit card surcharge fee of 50c so grab your friends to make a mass order!

Address:

- Fort St: 18 Fort Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland and

- Federal Lane: 80 Federal Lane, Auckland CBD

6. OBAR Snack Bar

A new opening, right across OBAR in Chancery itself, the OBAR team are now serving snack food, Korean-style, during the day! There are basically three options on their menu. For $9.90, you can choose either a small bowl of ramen + gimbap or tteobokki + gimbap. For $15, you can get fried chicken + gimbap + dumplings.

Tip: Be warned...their ramen is spicy...like seriously spicy...even at 'normal' spicy level.

Address: 15 Chancery St, Auckland CBD

7. St Pierres

The classic Sushi Value of the Day. Unfortunately like some of the places listed above, they've also raised their prices over time. Currently it's $6 for 8 pieces so I still think it's not bad. Quick and easy lunch option.

Tip: get the half & half option because why not?

Address:

- Customs Street West: 23 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD

- Queen St: 280 Queen Street, Auckland CBD

- Symonds St: 2/25 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD

8. Dominoes

Ok I know, not the healthiest option, but $5 for a pizza off their value range, that you probably will only eat half of to be full, is pretty value don't you think?

Tip: Check out www.cheapies.nz/deals/dominos.co.nz - there are often great discounts here, including for traditional pizzas.

Address:

- Shortland St: Ground Floor Unit B/18 Shortland Street, Auckland CBD

- Elliot St: 5/205 Elliott Street, Auckland CBD

9. Genzui Ramen

Honestly one of the best cheap eats in town. Seriously most of their dons are only $10 and similar pricing for their ramens - how value is that?! Can't be disappointed with prices like this especially if you're on a student budget. Also despite the low prices, they don't skimp on the portions.

Address: Atrium on Elliott 21-25 Elliott Street, Auckland CBD

10. Needo

Formerly 'Got Pasta', they've rebranded to Needo. Super yummy pasta, you can find them in their container on Elliot St or at Auckland Uni outside Kate Edgar Building. They've got a variety of pastas from $8.90 for medium size ($2 less for small, $2 more for large).

Address: 7 Elliott Street, Auckland CBD

11. Bun Hut

This one I haven't been to myself but was a recommendation and a place I know some of my friends have gone to. You will find the majority of their menu $10 or under here!

Address: 11 Victoria St East, Auckland CBD

12. Barilla Dumpling

My go-to if I ever had to buy food at uni. Since it's on uni grounds, most of you probably won't go there but if you're in a student, then you're probably already a frequent customer. Lucky for me, they opened while I was still in uni. With prices that are basically the same as what you will find elsewhere, it's pretty much the only thing on campus that I considered 'worth it'. And seriously, us student are already poor enough to pay for overpriced food. From $10, you can grab 15 dumplings (regular) or if that's too much for you, grab the small portion for less $.

Address: 34 Princes Street, Auckland CBD (Auckland Uni quad)

13. Yummy Jianbing

Quick and easy lunch or snack, Jianbing (traditional Chinese street food similar to crepes) is something I recommend you all try. There's not a whole lot of stores around Auckland that does them but there are a couple in CBD. Yummy Jianbing offer a few varieties for you to choose from and price ranges from $6.90-$8.90.

Tip: For a 10% discount, use Evouch app.

Address: 350 Queen Street, Auckland CBD

...And that's the end of my list! I will update if there is something new that deserves to be featured, but please do feel free to send me your suggestions for anything I've missed out. Hope you've discovered a new cheap eat spot on my list!