Cheap Eats Central Auckland: Ngopi

To my limited (possibly non-existent) fan base, this is a post to inform all that I am not dead. Instead, a reminder of how truly lazy I am. In fact, despite perhaps hundreds of blog-worthy occurrences over the past five or so weeks in which I have been absent from this site I have not yet bothered to recall a single detail, on the partial excuse that I a.) haven't the time and b.) have no photographic evidence. And while b.) plays a rather prominent role in my absence it would hardly excuse such a long and unnecessary break.

Besides, this blog isn't to broadcast my deep and mushy feelings to the public (or, at least, those who find interest in reading small, pointless blogs which have no definite purpose), but rather an outlet in which I can rant over minor events and pointless details, many of which I am afraid to expose due to my irrational fear that I may be rejected for my own personal opinions.

However, in a recent recollection of this blog's existence I made a goal in which to publish within the next couple of days, and while that deadline has long passed I figured now would be as good a time as any in which to promulgate (part of) my life story, or some part within it.


Such as this monstrosity. ^ Is this a thing? Am I wildly behind in street wear?

Moving on.

My main topic of interest began two weeks ago, on a Saturday in which the Mythbusters performed in Auckland for a one-day, two-show event. While the show was incredibly entertaining I have no proof of having seen it; there is a lack of photographs to prove my attendance, nor any memorabilia with which I can gloat - a previous post has shown my intentional frugality, and I refuse to purchase a t-shirt for $50, limited edition or not. What is it with tour merchandise and its over-priced ridiculousness? Has it been previously worn by the members of the cast? I think not. And while I would love advertising my love of the show across my boobs there are cheaper means of doing so.

But, I digress.

While I had heard of several non-profit organisations such as pay-what-you-can restaurants and the heartwarming Italian tradition of caffรจ sospeso, in which coffees, or even full meals, may be paid in advanced for less fortunate people, it had never occurred to me something like a non-profit eatery would be available in New Zealand. Don't misunderstand - it's not as if lil' NZ is dull, but it seems hardly large enough to accommodate something so extraordinary, until the discovery of Ngopi.


My sister and I have been an avid fan of cheap eats: the idea of conserving money, yet still finding hidden restaurants with solid, decent food. We live for this. We will research areas days beforehand, scope out potential restaurants over the internet. The discovery of Ngopi was as incredible as the chance to watch Mythbusters live: a non-profit Malaysian-Indonesian restaurant that relies on one chef and the help of volunteers, it opens on only weekdays, with its name meaning to drink coffee in Indonesian.

It has a limited menu, and yet is only NZ$10 for a decently-sized meal, and $3.50 for a tall glass of teh or kopih tarik.


Ignore bad quality. It is the fault of my sister.


Cute place. Good food. Friendly staff. Most definitely 23/23.

For those who happen to live in Auckland or are planning to visit Auckland, this is the website for Ngopi. It donates all proceeds to Habitats for Humanity and The A21 Campaign. Spread the word.






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