Top 5 Lunch Ideas for Auckland Uni Students

As a second year student, I most definitely understand the struggle of spending money on food at uni. Pretty much anything on campus is pretty pricey and the crushed muesli bar and bruised apple at the bottom of your bag generally are not appealing in the slightest. So here are my top 5 lunch suggestions for you hungry students looking for something a bit different from the classic Subway or Sensational Chicken.

1. Vegan Lunch at Auckland Uni

If you're at Auckland Uni and you haven't heard of this or seen it happening, you must not be going to your lectures hahaha. The vegan lunch is on every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 12 pm and 2 pm on the International Lawn outside the  UoA General Library. This lunch is seriously amazing value for money, for only $5 you can get a huge plate with rice, curry, and dessert. The Sustainability Network post the new menu weekly on their Facebook page and I can honestly say that I have never not enjoyed any of their curries. These lunches will really fill you up as well so you won't have to be buying snacks to get you through those afternoon lectures. If you're at Auckland Uni, AUT or working in central Auckland definitely come check it out, you will not be disappointed. 

2. The Store Britomart 

If you have an hour spare between class, definitely head down to Takutai Square in Britomart and grab a bite to eat from the takeaway end of The Store. They have a huge selection of salads, sandwiches, granola and juices. Decent pricing for high quality food. Pictured below is an example of one of their chicken salads, and granolas. They also do great Allpress Coffee! During the summer time, grab your lunch and then head over to the bean bags in Britomart for a relaxing break in the sunshine.

3. Revive Cafe

Revive Cafe is a salad bar on Lorne Street in the CBD. They have a weekly revolving menu and they offer breakfast, lunch and dinner options which are available from 7 am until 7 pm. I'll generally go there for lunch and get the small box for $8 with the option of two different salads. There's a huge variety, generally a few potato salads, rice based salads, as well as heaps of chickpea and lentil based ones. Once again this is a great option because it really fills you up, so there's no need to be buying snacks during the afternoon. Also by signing up on Revive's website, students can get up to $5 off any regular size box! 

4. Vulcan Lane Bagels

So this one has been a recent find for me, but I think it might be my favourite. Vulcan Lane Bagels is a small hole in the wall bagel shop near the top of Vulcan Lane in the CBD. The bagels vary in price from $4.50 for a jam/basic spread to $9.80 for one of the more fancy bagels. I got the Avocado Smash which was right in the middle at $7.00 and it was just incredible! They also sell a variety of juices and espresso coffee. Another bonus is you'll get to enjoy a walk through Albert Park on your way down, a great way to relax and take a break from study in the middle of your day. 

5. Bestie 

My last suggestion for you all will probably be a bit further of a walk for those of you at UoA, but still pretty central. Bestie Cafe which is about halfway down Karangahape Road in St Kevins Arcade is definitely a lunch time go-to or even just a good spot for a coffee. They have a really yummy selection of cabinet food and a full breakfast/lunch menu to choose off. They also do really good eightthirty coffee! The cafe's interior is very groovy looking and the views of the city from their huge windows just top off the experience. Pictured below is the toasted vanilla and cinnamon muesli with coconut yoghurt and seasonal fruit. Only $12.50 and really tasty and filling. Check it out if you find yourself on K'Road or are looking for a spot for a sit-down lunch.