Kai Pasifika -The Pacific on a Plate
Finally, an Auckland restaurant 100% dedicated to Pacific Island food.
Kai Pasifika opened its doors this month and has set itself apart as New Zealand's first ever Pacific foods restaurant. Every dish on the menu has Pasifika origins or incorporates ingredients directly from the islands.
The venture led by renowned chef Robert Oliver offers a menu that includes our favourite to'ona'i dishes, including pua'a Samoa pork, ika vakalolo, sapasui, taro and more (see the full menu here). Lunch dining will start on May 24th, and To'ona'i Sunday's are to come - how much better can that get?
Aside from iconic island flavours that will prompt family to'ona'i nostalgia , what makes Kai Pasifika so special is the team behind the food. Head Chef Bertrand Jang, originally from Fiji, says the restaurant is a living dream.
"Everyday I am excited to come to work and share the experience with my friends. It’s a totally different cuisine, and for me as a Fijian, to be able to share that with Auckland and the world...it’s a privilege."
"Every dish that goes out is from the heart and everyone that comes here feels that love. We are sharing the Pacific, the culture and the warmth that we were brought up with." - Bertrand Jang.
A strong sense of aiga and alofa can be felt within the walls of Kai Pasifika; from the staff to the food, the experience is a wholesome one. The team has created a space for any and all to come and enjoy the taste of the South Pacific in an urban restaurant format. The chefs are passionate about activating indigenous knowledge through food, and encouraging people to spend quality time with one another over food - a classic island tradition.
"It’s a family kitchen, one you can call your own, even if you’re not family, we welcome you as if you are." - Bertrand Jang - Head Chef.
A goal of Kai Pasifika is to create work opportunities for Pacific youth to develop skills in both the kitchen and front of house. As well as this, the restaurant is passionate about utilizing and showcasing products straight from the islands, such as the koko and coconut oil produced by organic farmers in Samoa, and tamarind chutney from Fiji.
"It's something that we’ve always wanted to do. It means a lot to me to share what we’ve been brought up with and show how we do our cooking." - Rita Nicholls.
" It's more than the food and the cooking, this team have brought their spirit here - its a whole way of being and you can't teach people that, its in the heart" - Robert Oliver.
Kai Pasifika is open EVERYDAY for dinner.
Located on the corner of Mt Eden Road and Symonds Street.
The Faces of Kai Pasifika
