An Unofficial Review of the Budgy Meals on Campus

Budgy Meals are a UoA institution. Thanks to the endeavours of AUSA, most food outlets on campus provide a $6.50 option, which means that as a student, you may have a chance of eating lunch on campus and not having to pack your pantry into your backpack every morning. I wish I could say that I was given the chance to taste all these budgy meals, but at this point in the year, we are running out of money in the Craccum coffers and I spent all my money this week on Laybuy payments (oops), so alas I am sitting here relying on my intuition for bargains and my own judgements. I would also like to give a big apology to any food outlets I missed; you obviously weren’t important enough and you can send any complaints to s.mccutcheon@auckland.ac.nz.

All Budgy Meals are $6.50 unless otherwise stated. The Niesh App also holds all Budgy Meals on it – alongside other student deals – so we recommend downloading this app too. 

Ha Poke!: Breakfast Porridge Bowl.

I’ve had Ha Poke! once and it was transcendent. A truly beautiful moment. However their budgy meal is only before like midday, and it’s got nothing to do with the fresh greens that Poke is known for – no, what you’re getting is a measly bowl of porridge. It ignores the whole essence of what a poke bowl is. Our Visual Arts Editor said portion-wise it’s disappointing and I believe her. I would rather just pay for a poke bowl, but if that’s out of your price range, I highly recommend speaking with your local bank about a ‘Poke Fund’ that you can invest in and then maybe in 1-2 years with positive returns you can afford one poke bowl. However, if the thought of Poke means nothing to you, then according to editor Bailley “it does the job”.

Mexicali: Bean Burrito, Cheese Nachos, Bean Taco or Cheese Quesadilla

Huge shout out to Mexicali for providing some options on what I can get for $6.50, however no props for it being somewhat bland. I had the cheese quesadilla a while ago and it was lacking the meat that makes the quesadilla more than just a melted cheese mess. If you’re vegetarian or vegan however, then this is one hell of a deal.

Got Pasta: Small Bolognese 

You get a small bolognese for $6.50. Mamma mia! What a deal. I have no more to say – you want pasta, they got pasta.

Shaky Isles: Mac and Cheese with Bacon 

Shaky Isles is one of the most loathed places on campus, but somehow it is still super popular. I could feel my desire for Mac & Cheese consume me as soon as I read the menu. Give this one a go. If you like it, please email us directly (not Stuart) because I need to know if this is worth it. Also a bold power move to offer a pasta budgy meal right next to an actual pasta place. I sense a turf war incoming.

Tank: Half Tank Nutri Blast

A Nutri Blast is a standard tank option, no complaints. To the best of our knowledge, Craccum believes Tank has its bee infestation problem resolved, so if you want a Tank this is a good option. 

Hello Food: 6x Deep Fried Pork Wontons: $5

Hello Food is so good, and they’re well ahead of the game with this $5 deal. Pork Wontons are delicious. A winner in my books. 

UniSushi: $3 Glass Noodles and $6.50 Korean Gimbap

Unisushi has had a rough time in Craccum before as we are long time St Pierre’s Fans, but to their credit, they do pretty great sushi and these budgy meal deals are killer. 

Barilla Dumpling: 10x Pork and Cabbage Dumplings

Barilla is the gold standard – go get dumplings. Ignore the other budgy meals, give in to your love of Pork and Cabbage and run away to forge a new life together. Pork and Cabbage is a combo made in heaven and Barilla is your provider. This is the best budgy meal. 

Jewel of India: Small Chicken Biryani

Chicken Biryani is pretty good. A meal that will actually keep you full too. Jewel of India is a university classic. 

Quad Cafe: Creamy Spinach Pasta or Egg Fried Rice

I should clarify that Quad Cafe didn’t actually state this was their budgy meal, but it was on the blackboard below the budgy meal sign. 

Hollywood Bakery: Value Sandwich and Small Hot Drink

This is a really good deal. Hollywood actually provides you a drink with it too, which makes it the only way to get coffee and a sandwich on campus. 

Relax Lounge – Bacon and Egg Sandwich 

I’ve never tried it, but I guess if all of the above aren’t your thing, then you can’t go wrong with a B&E. Unless you don’t like bacon. Or egg.