Good food need not be costly

Otago medical student Alby Hailes (22) prepares palak paneer for his flatmates. Photos supplied.
Otago medical student Alby Hailes (22) prepares palak paneer for his flatmates. Photos supplied.
Albert "Alby'' Hailes is a fourth-year Otago medical student who began his website "Scarfie Kitchen'' after developing a passion for cooking in his flat.

He wanted to create a platform to offer practical solutions for students wanting to cook with none of the "crazy and expensive ingredients'' often found in recipe books and websites.

"Just because you're a student doesn't mean you have to eat bad food''.

Mr Hailes said he hated pre-packaged food, which was expensive and unnecessary when students could make their own sauces for a fraction of the cost of a sugar-filled jar.

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Mr Hailes said when students first arrived at university it was "easy to fall into bad habits with fast food and liquor shops on your doorstep''.

Otago medical student Alby Hailes (22) prepares palak paneer for his flatmates.
Otago medical student Alby Hailes (22) prepares palak paneer for his flatmates.
He said he had been lucky to flat with students with "an acceptable standard of cooking''.

"Although a flatmate did once make a mac and cheese that was one of the worst things I've ever eaten ... we had a laugh about it though''.

He found the biggest problem with student cooking was when they put in very little effort.

If they thought about it and put in some more time, they would be more aware of their food and bodies, he said.

"I love the social aspect of food and the way it brings people together. Its the most important part of life. If you just keep it balanced you'll live a long, healthy and happy life.''

Mr Hailes is planning to publish a recipe book soon, based on his website.

- Sarah Templeton 

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