The TAWAs: Best Cheap Eats
Here are the nominees for Best Cheap Eats
In these harsh economic times, people don't want to be spending all of their hard-earned cash eating out. Luckily Wellington has a large number of places that keep the quality up and prices low. Strangely though, they all they seem to be within 100m of each other.
Viva Mexico (Left Bank Cuba St)
The Left Bank seems to be taking up where the old Wakefield Markets left off. The delicious, cheap and (as far as we can tell) authentic food at Viva Mexico was always appreciated at the markets, and their new venue and slightly expanded hours are even more welcome. We're recommending the burrito that swims in its own cheese pool, and keeping our fingers crossed that 2009 will bring side dishes and a BYO license.
For simple yet delicious Moroccan food, you can't go past La Kasbah. Meat and couscous will set you back $12, and a tasty tagine will be around $18, but to help offset that cost, they give you bread and hummus for free, and with any luck they'll have their BYO license back soon. The staff are über enthusiastic, young, and full of purpose, so you can pick up some political zines while you're there.
Longxiang (98 Dixon St)
Your hosts Yvonne and Charlie will ply you with plates and platters of Chinese goodness, rearrange the furniture to suit, and will remember you the next time you’re there. We adore the shredded duck with vegetables, the orange beef and that traditional favourite, (the butter chicken of Chinese food), the sweet and sour pork, but we advise sticking to coloured sauces – the clear ones can be a tiny bit gloopy at times.
Offbeat Originals (Left Bank Cuba St)
We like the classic menu of thick toasties, burgers and shakes, coffee and lovely sweet things, as well as the retro junk shop decor. Burger ingredients such as tapenade and boursin set it apart from other places, and it's in that little bit of the Left Bank that gets good sun.
Satay Kingdom (Left Bank Cuba St)
A staple of the Wellington cheap fast-food set. With more sweet roti than you could possibly ever eat and big piles of mee goreng, Satay Kingdom resonates in our hearts, our stomachs and our wallets.
So pretty much, you recommend hitting up anywhere around Left Bank? ;D
We like eating out, but we don't like walking very far :)
As proven by the crowd of 25 we had outside Satay Kingdom last night. Most of us ate there, but myself and a few others grabbed some takeaways from La Kasbah. The meatball tagine was great and the stuffed mushrooms were ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. I think next time I'll just get two servings of those.
The laksas at the new (?) Oriental Kitchen (?) in Left Bank are incredible.
Where is that, and do they have Mee Goreng?
Other side of the Left Bank to Satay Kingdom. There used to be a cafe there
I walked past there this weekend. Is their menu exactly the same as Satay Kingdom? Are they in fact run by the same people? I didn't try it, as my friends wanted Indian instead. We tried Khrisna on Cuba, which was excellent and very cheap.
I really enjoy each time we eat in Viva Mexico, I have tried all their dishes and they're all incredible. I also like California Sushi, best sushi around.
Abrakebabra on Manners Mall is also a safe bet, especially their kebab burgers. Best of all, they bake their own buns too.
I can't finish a day without one of Offbeat Originals burgers. Tasty tasty :D and super cheap.
California Sushi is also the best sushi in town and pretty unique flavors, that you don't find in other sushi places.
Fantastic food at affordable prices. Great options and generous prtions.
Very friendly staff, confirmed regular. Would recommend to anybody.
Went to the Kasbah last night - the food was really tasty, quite unique and the staff were keen and courteous.
These all seem to be on the left bank?? who gets to nominate?? how about satay palace on cuba st ,meat portions generous but i feel is better by a big margin for cheap malay
Nominations were accepted in October/November.
La Kashah's food is fantastic - their stuffed mushrooms were great and the tagine too... And great value for money!
Offbeat burgers ( veggie option) are honestly some of the best either side of the world. Having travelled all the way from deep wales to delight on one of these fine burgers.. Offbeat is a true gem!!!!
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