Box of Bird, by Bird On A Wire

Can’t speak for whether the chicken is good or not as I don’t eat it, but despite what Box of Bird’s name would have you believe I reckon the salads are the standout feature.
The place, which is run by the same people who do Bird on a Wire in Ponsonby, mainly caters to hungry office workers at its Commerce St hole-​in-​the-​wall location, with about eight salads on offer each day (my favourites are the beetroot slaw with maple dressing and the cauliflower-​based one). It’s a simple concept that works well, with $ 8 for two salad choices or $ 12 for three salad choices, and then add $ 4 for chicken. There’s a large option as well but not sure of the prices because the middle size is definitely plenty and comes in a handy little box ready for you to go back to your desk (sad sigh).
They also stock the lovely Da Maha coconut water, fresh juice, and cold-​press coffee, and have a loyalty programme which seems to have given me quite a few discounts already though I only go once (or twice) a week.
Only criticism is sometimes they don’t put enough dressing on which makes the salad a little bland, and that sometimes run out of choices at the later end of the lunchtime rush.
Otherwise, a great and healthy option for a weekday lunch!

Given the takeaway nature of this place, there’s not really a huge amount to dissect. We all know that Bird on a Wire, the original Ponsonby edition, is delicious and the same format is re-​created here. The menu is significantly smaller and caters to the on-​the-​go workplace lunch crowd. That doesn’t mean to say it is not JUST as delicious.
Also, it seems word has got around, and lately there have been queues, even outside of the peak 12pm and 1pm time slots. However, even if you have to wait it’s worth it. Your lunch is fresh and delicious, and packed full of flavour.
They sell a few different filled rolls for between $ 10 to $ 13, and though I haven’t tried one yet, I’m salivating over the look of the Korean BBQ roll which is a cheeky $ 10. Instead, I sampled the noodle salad (complete with crunchy broccoli), the roast potato salad with chicken on top. I ordered the small salad which is $ 8 or $ 11 if you add chicken. Always add chicken! You may get the small box and go «seriously?» because it does look pretty small. But I assure you, when you dump it out into a bowl when you get back to work — yes, I was working through lunch — you realise that there is SO MUCH FOOD in that small container. After seeing how much was in the small, I couldn’t even contemplate getting the medium which is $ 16 with chicken, and you get the option of three salads.
For a quick lunch on the go, definitely pop by. There’s no seating, so take it back to work or to a nice spot somewhere local.

Epic sandwiches — very tasty as there is no skimping on the sauce.
The salads are great — again healthy food that ACTUALLY packs a punch on the palate.
The people appear to enjoy working there to which is always a plus.

Great to see a new addition to the line-​up of healthy and nutritious meals available to the office folk in town.
It might be tiny but it packs everything you need — with the usual delicious chicken rolls and a great selection of salads with the option of adding chicken.
I went for a Small box, with the vermicelli noodles and eggplant salads with chicken. They pack it to the brim and it was the perfect takeaway lunch, and for only $ 11 was a bar gan! Will be back for more!

Absolutely chuffed my fav chicken shop is now in the CBD! Same delicious & nutritious salads, same juicy & (most importantly) happy chicken and same friendly & beautiful staff, the only thing that’s changed is now I can walk there on my lunch break!
Welcome to the city dear Bird, blooming blessed to have you x