What makes Kai Whānau different from other food businesses is that our kai isn’t just about taste – it’s about whakapapa, tikanga, and whānau. Every dish on our menu has a story, handed down by our kuia and koroua, and cooked with aroha the same way it’s been done on our marae for generations. Unlike many food outlets, we’re not simply selling a product; we’re sharing a living tradition and giving people a chance to connect with Māori culture through food. From our hāngī cooked in a steamer to our creamy pāua, seafood chowder, and mussel fritters, each recipe holds memories, lessons, and the spirit of manaakitanga.

That uniqueness often comes across in the questions people ask us. Instead of just asking, “What’s on the menu?” or “How much is it?” we hear questions like, “How do you prepare your hāngī?” or “Who taught you these recipes?” People want to know the story, the tikanga, and the journey behind the kai. They’re curious about the traditions we carry and the whānau values we bring into our cooking. Those questions show that customers can feel the difference – that Kai Whānau isn’t just a food business, it’s a cultural experience.