Kia Ora.
Welcome to Kai.
A lot can happen in a few weeks. It seems like only yesterday (well a few weeks ago) that I was at a farmers' market tasting, chatting, and buying beautiful autumn harvest produce.
But now we are at home (or in our "bubble") with our whanau, negotiating with kids and even adults, getting a routine going. And of course trying to feed everyone. For some this is a real struggle as cooking at home may not come naturally, or are a little out of practice. But there are many sources of inspiration out there, and the supermarkets are open. Sadly most smaller food retailers are not and they will be struggling. We hope they survive.
And so is Kai. We are an essential business selling food. Our artisan makers are still making their foods, and the couriers are still delivering to you. All along the way we are complying with NZ food regulations.
We can still send you a wide range of artisan foods to inspire you and make your creations extra special. This is a good time to try some new foods, or even just have a few treats. Food is a great way to show and share the love, and it really does feed the soul as well as the belly.
So please check out our food and beverages made here in Aotearoa, with passion by our talented artisans. From chilli sauces to chocolates. Feijoas and fruit pastes. Sweet treats to salts. Vanilla to vinegars and verjus. Kombucha to teas. Preserves and peanut butters. Cookies and crackers. And our fabulous olive oils.
And if you can't make up your mind, we regularly curate a range of collections of food to make life a little easier for you! Check them out below.
And a bit further down there's a fabulous video from New Zealand Story to enjoy... featuring people that really know their kai. Just to whet your appetite. Happy cooking. Stay well.
Ka pai.
Start shoppingWe know that during this difficult time many people, who were not frequent or confident cooks at home, are now having to cook three meals a day, every day. While there are plenty of sources of inspiration ( and yes supermarkets are open), try something a little extra to make your creations even tastier, and your family or whanau even happier. So we have put together some rather tasty collections of foods bits and pieces to help you fill the pantry. We have curated these collections from our range of over 400 fine artisan foods from more than 60 passionate artisan food makers.
Every hamper you buy here will help them at this difficult time. Thank you, and stay well.
The "Cook at Home" Pantry filler
A range of foods and ingredients to add some new treats to your pantry and help you make exciting meals for family .
Gourmet 101
For those that aren't big cooks, but want easy ways to add instant flavour and professional magic to their dishes.
"It's not too late to barbecue" Bundle
Fire up the barbie and enjoy these sauces, salts and rubs.
"Every day is a salad day" Collection
These days any day can be time for a tasty salad. We have put together tasty vinegars, oils, and dressings to make your salads special.
Hot Stuff : the Chilli lovers' Collection
Perfect for the chilli addicts. This range of spicy foods will bring tears to your eyes.
Cheese partners
Tasty treats to add to your cheeseboard. Yummy crackers, tangy fruit pastes.
Sweet treats
We have selected some very moreish treats from our range. Enjoy on your toast, or after dinner with coffee.
Asian Addicts Allsorts
A tasty range of Asian ingredients that will make your cooking authentic
Breakfast Spreads
Choose from these tasty treats for your toast. Savoury and sweet, but all made with love by our artisans.
A World of Flavours
With these authentic flavours from around the world, made to traditional recipes by immigrants in New Zealand. Taste the difference.
A Lady Butcher
This is Hannah Miller. A talented butcher that makes just the best charcuterie. Now on Kai. Check it out.
Wooden Baking Box
Our friend MJ and her cousin make these wonderful wooden baking boxes by hand. They create the perfect Christmas cake, and many others. Simply the best.
Ashia Ismail Singer
Ashia is a passionate cook with an exotic background from Malawi, and influences from India and Persia. We love her practical recipes in her first book.
House of Dumplings
Vicky and her team make the best dumplings, but also two authentic Asian sauces to accompany them or any Asian coking. Try them out.
We love to hear from Kiwis about their food stories.
Or from visitors to our beautiful country - what are your experiences of New Zealand kai?
Write to us discover@kai.co.nz
local food is not just an idealistic middle class fad, as some cynical commentators claim.
But the local food economy is an interesting and paradoxical phenomenon, particularly in New Zealand, which has always focused on export. Producing for local markets requires determination and creativity.
