As New Zealand’s native ingredients continue to enjoy a renaissance, the owners of the popular Pūhā & Pākehā food truck have opened an eatery to give customers a permanent spot to enjoy modern Māori cuisine.
“Our vision (kaupapa) for the business has always been to engage people with Māori kai,” said co-owner Jarrad Mckay. “We feel that having this kai presented in new and modern ways in a warm, welcoming environment will do exactly that.”
Mckay and wife Belinda started the original Pūhā & Pākehā food truck in 2014, and as the truck increased in popularity it became clear that a permanent home would be needed.
“The eatery’s offering is the same ‘street food’ that’s been so well received in our caravan over the last few years, but customers will also now have a casual, relaxed space in which to enjoy that food,” Belinda explained.
The eatery offers some of the most popular dishes from the caravan, such as their tua tua fritters with kina chili chive mayo, kūmara and coconut bites, and the Aotearoa reuben sandwich, as well as some new creations, including piko piko and edamame bites with kawakawa tahini dressing, and a hāpuku raw fish salad. Desserts will include a kawakawa meringue, rēwena bread trifle and a fried bread ice cream sandwich with mānuka caramel sauce, as well as a range of milkshakes.
The interior blends traditional touches with a modern feel. Sustainability is a key focus; the eatery’s furniture has been made or upcycled from second hand materials and every dish, dine in or takeaway, is served with a compostable plate, cup, cutlery or container.
