Just because we’re in Red Light doesn’t mean we can’t go out to support our local eateries with our friends, family, or even just by ourselves and get ourselves something refreshing and delicious to eat.
In case you have forgotten, “Going Out to Eat” is when you go to a building where people cook delicious food for you and you pay them for it. Don’t worry, I needed a reminder after spending all that time in Lockdown. I, Sam Ashton, am here today to bring you the guaranteed best spots for a good meal in Auckland. Come join me on this culinary adventure. Let's get going!
Pocha
Pocha, (short for "Pojangmacha", which translates to "covered wagon" in Korean) promises to provide delicious Korean cuisine mixed with a social drinking experience, enjoyed either sitting inside the busy restaurant or at their outside area under the stars. I can guarantee to provide you with the best and only the best. And wow, does Pocha provide.
Whether you're after some delicious boneless almond crunch chicken or some crispy, fluffy potato fries with a sweet and salty honey butter glaze. Pocha's extensive menu has something for everyone to share.
Snuggled tightly in between Chancery Square and Albert Park on Kitchener Street. Pocha provides a unique and memorable social dining and drinking experience. Even Better? They're open from 5:30 pm – 2 am Sunday to Thursday and until 4 pm on Friday and Saturday. The Definition of a good post lockdown feast.
Good Dog Bad Dog
With locations in Ormiston, Point Chevalier and Auckland CBD, Good Dog Bad Dog is simply unrivaled when it comes to hot dogs. They just do not miss. Every time I make a stop by Good Dog Bad Dog it takes me back to when I was in New York City. The unmistakable scent of boiled frankfurter sausages wafts into my nostrils and takes me into an indescribable state of euphoria. The street meat gently placed onto a soft pillowy bun was a perfect snack for exploring the big apple. Good Dog Bad Dog has brought that experience to the city of sails.
When you get to Good Dog Bad Dog, you’re thrown straight into the experience. With an extensive choice of different hotdogs and their toppings thrown crudely onto the walls of the eatery, in the best way possible, it brings out the true DIY nature of Good Dog Bad Dog. Whether you’re after a hot dog with chili mince, mac and cheese or just a hefty dollop of classic ketchup and mustard, Good Dog Bad Dog has something for everyone and their outrageously bold taste buds.
It doesn’t stop there. They also have a range of hoagies, which is essentially a burger or sandwich in a long roll. Good Dog Bad Dog boasts perfected versions of NYC Bodega classics such as philly cheese steaks and chopped cheese’s. As well as including a delicious fried chicken hoagie, a buttermilk fried chicken tender dipped in Nashville chili oil, slathered on a soft milk bun with creamy secret sauce and crunchy fresh coleslaw. Pair that with a side of crispy tater tots or deep fried oreos and you have yourself a delicious package. Good Dog Bad Dog provides affordable, portable lunch options that can also be enjoyed in Commercial Bay’s upmarket food court seating.
Xi’an Food Bar
Tucked away at the bottom of Anzac Street, Xi’an Food Bar brings hearty Sichuan cuisine to the heart of Auckland City. Sichuan cuisine hails from the Sichuan province in the southwest of China and often features dishes preserved through pickling, salting and drying and are served with a hefty dose of chili oil.
One of the most popular dishes from Xi’an Food Bar is the famous number 37. Number 37 is the ultimate cheap feed in Auckland. A generous portion of chewy hand pulled noodles made from scratch by the masters in the kitchen, paired with a good helping of tender braised pulled pork in a pool of delicious chili oil. It’s an impressive feat to finish a serving of these legendary noodles. However, legend has it that the noodles are even better after spending a night in the luxurious 5-star resort, Fisher and Paykel. A.K.A, your fridge. What makes it even more legendary? Its price comes in at a measly $13, so you can guarantee a good feed without burning a hole into your pocket. And if you’re not a fan of pork. You can also opt for a delicious cumin lamb option instead.
Another excellent choice from Xi’an Food Bar is their Chinese burger. A soft but crispy flatbread is home to a generous helping of that aforementioned delicious braised pulled pork. One bite of this delicious morsel and you can taste every individual spice in the tender pork. With the price coming in at only $5.50, there is absolutely no way you’re gonna find such high-quality food for a cheap price. And just like the amazing number 37. You can also get the Cumin Lamb or Corned Beef options.
And that is all folks, my recommendations for the best restaurants to try in Auckland. Now, I have no qualifications that indicate my choices are the best. But I can tell you, I like good food and I don’t like spending ludicrous amounts of money. So I encourage you to try my recommendations. Happy Feasting!
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