Eating out in New Zealand

My friend doesn't know how to fry an egg, burns water, and doesn't know how to cut cheese or make an instant coffee. I guess the only thing to do is to eat out.

There are zillions of places, where you could eat out in New Zealand. From the American fast food, to the sophisticated restaurants, with cuisines from all over the world. Some foods are really nice, where other you might need to acquire the taste first. Food is not so cheap compared to wages, except if you are earning in Pound, Euro or Us dollar, eating out is a treat for the Kiwi. However this industry continues to grow. When talking fast food, many options exists, such as McDonalds ®, Burger King ®, fish and chip, to compare it with your own count, a big Mac cost around NZ$3.60

With Take-Aways, the Asian cuisine dominates, with plates and foods one more different than the next. Many dishes that look really delicious, taste terrible, and sometimes dishes that look just horrible are really delicious. Make sure you let them know how spicy or Hot you like your meals because sometimes even what is considered mild, could be very spicy to you (especially Thai). The guide is if they say its weak, then its strong, and if they say its strong, then you can expect yourself to turn into a dragon. Thai and Indian foods are especially the case, as they are custom to using a lot of chilli in their dishes. Take aways usually cost in the range of NZ$5 -12 depending on how big the meal and the restaurant. Japanese food such as sushi, may be a little more expensive. Of course if you are looking for something cheap there is always Pizza (around $7), and there are many options available (Dominos, Pizza Hut etc.). But if you wanting a better qualities pizza then you will need to go to an Italian restaurant, but then you will be paying around NZ$20 for a large Pizza. Mexican also offer pretty economical take aways, with decent meals for around NZ$12 (again ask about the chilli). There are so many options, but it might take you a bit of time to get used to different foods.

Most popular restaurants, you will need to reserve or book in advance. In a ny Cafes you can just arrive and sit at any table and wait or a waiter to come. Restaurants offer the freshest foods and meals. Kiwis eat dinner pretty early around 6 - 9pm, and many restaurants are only opened to 10pm or even less. An average meal a decent restaurant cost anywhere between NZ$20 - 30. Casinos offer good restaurants with affordable meals (NZ$35 for a buffet). The drinks are where some restaurants mark their prices right up, and a soda that normally cost $2 will be at least $4 at the restaurant. Some restaurants allow you to bring drinks (alcoholic) from outside but only the one that you can see BYO (bring your own) advertised. Tips are voluntary in recognition of an excellent service. In some restaurants the services tax or GST (12%) may or may not be included.

Read more about food in New Zealand...

Kiwi taste – What the New Zealanders like to eat.
Supermarkets – how they work and which ones.

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