Casual Foodie

About

Casual Foodie is one of those places you feel slightly protective of once you discover it — a Birkenhead institution tucked away on Enterprise Street that has been quietly feeding Auckland families with genuinely delicious, scratch-cooked food since 2008.

Behind the food is a team of 13 locals, most of whom live right in the community they feed. Co-owner Nikki brought her Head Chef background to the business in 2014, and her obsession with consistency and quality is evident in every dish. Together the team produces over 40,000 meals a month — remarkable for a neighbourhood kitchen that still feels completely personal.

This is not supermarket ready-meal territory. Everything is made fresh by a passionate team who care deeply about ingredients and flavour. The menu reads like a greatest hits of home cooking done properly — Best Ever Butter Chicken, Traditional Lasagne, Smoked Fish Pie, Chicken Leek & Bacon Pot Pie, Beef and Parmesan Meatballs, Mac & Cheese, Thai Green Curry and a Healing Chicken & Rice Soup with Ginger & Turmeric that tastes exactly like someone made it for you when you were unwell. Because essentially, someone did.

Gluten-free options are clearly labelled throughout the menu, and the Ready in 5 range means a proper hot dinner on the table in minutes. They also do a beautiful New Parents Care Package — one of those genuinely thoughtful gift ideas that beats flowers every time.

Order online for delivery or pop into the Birkenhead store. Once you find it, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.