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Who has the better kai, AUT or UoA?

by Joel Armstrong (they/them)

contributing writer

As someone who has relatively recently graduated from AUT with a Bachelor of Communication Studies, I have had plenty of time, let’s say around half of my three-year degree (thanks Covid) to search for the tastiest scran to treat my puku with. I also now work across the way at 95bFM, tucked away in the crevices of the University of Auckland. After spending a fair bit of time on both sides of Albert Park, I can confidently tell you where to find some tasty kai.


Disclaimer

  • I’m only including quick, takeaway-ish options, so I won’t be recommending any cafes per se.

  • I will not be talking about any options on AUT’s North or South campuses, and same for UoA. I have never eaten nor stepped foot in any of them. This will mostly be for the city folk (many apologies).

  • All of these food retailers are on campus bar one.However, we’ll still count it. It’s only five minutes away and it definitely adds to the culture of AUT.

  • Lastly, I am not vegetarian or vegan, and I don’t have any sort of dietary requirements. However, I will say that all options discussed in this article should have at least one vegetarian option.

  • Let’s start with AUT, where it all began…


Option 1: #newsfeed

I love #newsfeed. I feel so healthy and rejuvenated after treating myself to a cute little salad moment, especially after skulling a Red Bull or Monster. There are so many different vege options, dressing and protein options, and they all taste super fun. You’d expect the veges to be a little soggy, especially if you go there later in the day. But I honestly didn’t find that at all. And the fact you can get it as a sandwich makes it feel like a better shout than Subway. Plus, it’s closer (by five minutes, anyway). The service and pricing isn’t that bad either. A medium salad will take you forever to finish, and to this day, I’ve only properly finished one a few times.


Option 2: Sensational Chicken

It is essential that Sensational Chicken makes this list. They whip up some of the nicest fried chicken I have ever tasted. Whether it’s their wings, drums, nibbles, burgers, wraps or even toasties, it’s super tasty stuff. The fries are also great, especially the waffle or curly varieties. Service can be a little bit slow, but that’s because the place is so popular with AUT and UoA students alike. I want to give a special mention to their spicy and Hawaiian burgers because they slap. Although this is a chicken shop, they also have a decent selection of vegetarian burgers, which have been certified as delicious by my vegetarian friend, who usually brings their own food to campus. All of the meat is halal too! Prices are also pretty affordable, so treating yourself won’t leave too much of a dent in your wallet.


I love #newsfeed. I feel so healthy and rejuvenated after treating myself to a cute little salad moment, especially after skulling a Red Bull or Monster.

If you ever find yourself over the ditch at the University of Auckland, here’s what I recommend:


Option 1: Needo

Needo is a pasta place that can be found across from Munchy Mart. I’ve never really been a giant fan of pasta (for whatever reason), but this place has certainly changed my mind. Service can be good outside of peak times, but during the peak you’ll be in line for a while. You can also add extras, like chilli oil and sriracha, which is much appreciated. Prices can be a bit sketchy depending on what you order, but they’re mostly decently priced. I would recommend the creamy mushroom. Side note! When looking for the menu while writing this piece, I realised that there’s also a Needo in Commercial Bay, which is pretty cool.


Option 2: Chi Chop

Chi Chop is really the whole bag. This place sells lots of different food items, from burgers and fries to bentos, while also serving boba. I love the crispy chicken burger and the baogers that they have on offer. They put this mysterious – and might I say a little bit devilish – seasoning on the fries, and oh my god are they sensational. It’s genuinely one of my favourite places to get fries from. Service is good, your food comes quickly and prices mostly depend on what you order. From memory, a crispy chicken burger with fries is around $12, which is especially good for what you get on your plate.


They put this mysterious – and might I say a little bit devilish – seasoning on the fries, and oh my god are they sensational.

Both AUT and UoA have some decent food options, and I would fully recommend exploring both during your studies. They’re very close to each other, and it will give you some time to procrastinate on whatever it is you need to be working on. I think we all deserve a fun little treat every now and again.


I love #newsfeed. I feel so healthy and rejuvenated after treating myself to a cute little salad moment, especially after skulling a Red Bull or Monster.


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