Where to Get Cheap Food on Aitutaki
Aitutaki might be a small island isolated in the Pacific Ocean, but when it comes to "cheap eats" it has got you covered. You'll find no lack of ultra-cheap takeaways serving burgers, fish, chicken and chips. Sure enough, these are the local hangouts. Plus, with this guide to the top cheap eats on Aitutaki, we'll also show you the slightly more upscale restaurants with the hidden gems of cheap eats on their menus.
Before we begin, see how these cheap eats compare to the rest of Aitutaki's dining delights in The Food Guide to Aitutaki: Places to Eat & Food Tours or plan your whole trip using The Complete Travel Guide to Aitutaki.
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5 Tips to Save Money on Food on Aitutaki
Before we dive into the cheap eats of Aitutaki, here are some extra tips to help you save the cents on scram...
- Vegetarian food is significantly cheaper than meat and fish dishes (and usually pretty good too - we're talking about you, smoothie bowl at the Avatea Cafe!).
- All lagoon cruises include a substantial lunch that will probably diminish your appetite for a large dinner, so keep this in mind when weighing the costs of your cruise.
- Choose self-catering accommodation to make your own meals.
- Have an open mind when it comes to self-catering; convenience stores stock plenty of food but don't offer the variety you might be used to. You might have to get creative with your meals.
- Eat out at the cheap restaurants and takeaways we list in this guide to the top cheap eats of Aitutaki!
Check out the rest of our budget-friendly tips in the 15 Ways to Save Money on Food in the Cook Islands.
Cheap Eats on Aitutaki – $10 and Under
Luckily for travellers on a budget, the locals enjoy eating out for a reasonable price too. You'll find no lack of affordable cafes and takeaways in the most populated areas of the island. More specifically, you'll find cheap takeaways along the main road on the west coast between Amuri and Arutanga.
Cheap Takeaways on Aitutaki
In town, MVA's Tunu2nu (Arutanga) offers their cheap eats on actual plates if you want to dine "in" (under the verandah or on the shaded picnic tables). Fish n' chips and burgers, of course, feature on the menu but if you're looking for a more hearty meal like a cooked breakfast or seafood basket, they're also an option for a few more bucks.
Cheap Sunday Takeaways
And for the weirdest breakfast you'll ever likely have, head to the Mongolian Barbecue (Vaipae) on a Sunday morning located next door to Naibaa's Store north of Vaipae village (unless they have moved to the airport already). Your takeaway container will be packed to the brim with a choice of three meals (yes, all in the same container) and rice - all for NZ$10.
For a truly local experience, head to Aunty Odee'z Takeaway (Amuri) located on the beach. This ultra-casual eatery surprises with tempting presentation and great taste. Open daily for lunch (10 am to 1 pm) and dinner (6 pm to 9 pm), it offers a diverse menu including a big burger selection, wraps, substantial plates like whole snapper, and cheap eats. Don't miss their "Big Breakfast" or refreshing drinks range. Aunty Odee'z is perfect for a laid-back meal with stunning beachside views.
Open from Sunday to Friday, Kai Tari Takeaway (Amuri) is a good go-to for fresh fish dishes, as well as some of their cheaper items on the menu, such as burgers and fish/chicken and chips.
Compare the above takeaways further in the 10 Best Cafes in Aitutaki.
Cheap Eats on Aitutaki – $11-$20
Those willing to spend a little more on food open up a few more dining options on Aitutaki.
Cheap Restaurants on Aitutaki
The colourfully pink Aquila Takeaway (Amuri) and grocery store can't be missed on the main road in Amuri. Prices start at just NZ$11-NZ$12 for a chicken burger or Hawaiian burger, making it one of the most wallet-friendly spots on the island. They serve up burgers, pizzas, salads and wraps with seating under a verandah.
Generous portions await at Mouarii Cafe (Arutanga) with huge salads, steak and chips, lasagnes, etc. in the NZ$15-$20 range. You can also try the famed local dish of ika mata for around NZ$10. Coffee addicts will also love their brew.
Wokkai (Arutanga) offers customisable stir-fries and Asian fusion favourites. Build your own meal starting from just NZ$6 for a base, with proteins from NZ$12. Set menu items like "Wokkai Egg Fried Rice" and "Singapore Noodles" range from NZ$16 to NZ$22. Open Sunday to Thursday evenings, Wokkai also hosts a morning bakehouse pop-up earlier in the week. Their flexible "Wokkai Your Way" setup caters to various tastes and dietary needs.
Tavake Restaurant & Café (Arutanga) offers a diverse menu with many affordable options under NZ$20. From toasted sandwiches starting at NZ$7 to hearty meals like chicken stir-fry and teriyaki dishes in the NZ$15-$18 range, there's something for every budget. Burgers with add-ons are NZ$10–$12. The wide variety of Asian-style dishes, casual diner food, and island-style mains make Tavake a go-to spot for travellers seeking a satisfying and unfussy meal any time of day.
Aitutaki Restaurants with Cheaper Options
For high-quality food with fresh sustainable ingredients from local farms, Koru Cafe (Ootu Beach) is worth checking out. Most of their meals are quite pricey for this list, but NZ$10 sandwiches, homemade bread and dips, as well as the omelette and french toast for breakfast won't take you over NZ$20.
Alternatively for breakfast, Avatea Café & Pearls Bar (Tautu) is a café, bar and gift shop in one, perched on a hill near Tautu village. The travel-inspired menu changes based on countries the owner has personally visited, using locally sourced produce. Grab a coffee, smoothie or light brunch bite for under NZ$20. Lunch and dinner are pricier but well worth it.
For more options, check out the 10 Best Restaurants in Aitutaki.
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More About Food, Saving Money and Restaurants on Aitutaki
That's it for our complete guide to cheap eats on Aitutaki. If your mouth is watering for more, check out these other handy guides:
And don't forget to bookmark The Complete Travel Guide to Aitutaki on a Budget and The Food Guide to Aitutaki: Places to Eat & Food Tours - they're pretty useful too.
