SATURDAYS DURING KAI TO PIE
12 June - 23 October 10am – 4pm
Auckland is a unique culinary crock-pot, encompassing a dazzling array of foods from the dining tables (and sometimes floors) of the 181 ethnic groups that call New Zealand’s largest city home. The WORLD ON YOUR PLATE series allows you to experience just some of these incredible foods.
On Saturdays we invite you to tantalise you taste buds and try something new, as the diverse ethnic groups that make up Auckland showcase their cultural-cuisine with live cooking sessions, food tastings and a performance. Eat your way around the globe without ever leaving Auckland Museum.
Live cooking sessions 11am & 2.30pm | Cultural performance 1 – 1.30pm | Atrium | Cooking sessions followed by tastings (gold coin donation)
Calendar
Weekly Events |
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WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: CHINESE
SATURDAY 19 JUNE
Chinese cuisine first arrived in New Zealand with the gold-miners of the late 19th century. Since that time our fascination with Chinese food has grown into a full-blown love affair. The diversity of Chinese cuisine is representative of the nation’s huge geography and long history. As philosopher Confucius once said, “Eating is the utmost important thing in life.” Even today, the colour, aroma and flavour of Chinese cuisine share equal importance.
Join the Chinese New Settlers Trust and chef Connie Clarkson for a demonstration of Chinese cooking followed by food tastings.
View video & photo gallery » |
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WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: CROATIAN
SATURDAY 26 JUNE
The first Dalmatian settlers stamped their mark on New Zealand in many ways, not least through their twin passions for food and hard work. Hailing from what is now part of Croatia, these hardy pioneers began arriving on our shores 150 years ago, and not only introduced us to such succulent delights as lamb on a spit, they were also responsible in large part for establishing New Zealand’s internationally renowned wine industry, the orchards of West Auckland, and the now-thriving fishing industry. Dalmatia and Croatia’s distinctive culinary traditions embrace and put their own spin on a myriad of central and eastern European and Mediterranean influences.
Join the Dalmatian Cultural Society for a demonstration of Dalmatian cooking followed by food tastings.
View video & photo gallery » |
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WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: MAORI
SATURDAY 3 JULY
The traditional Maori diet was based on birds and seafood, supplemented by wild herbs and roots. Maori also grew root crops including kumara. The arrival of Europeans saw the introduction of a variety of new foods which were quickly embraced and adapted.
This winter, discover the best of Maori cuisine: fun and incredibly healthy. Join chef Charles Royal for a demonstration of Maori cooking followed by food tastings.
View video & photo gallery » |
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WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: SCOTTISH
SATURDAY 10 JULY
“Fair fa’ yer honest, sonsie face. Great chieftain o’ the pudden race!” wrote Robert Burns in his fond ode to that most Scottish of foods, haggis. Scotland’s distinctive cuisine is informed by their fascinating history: the arrival of Viking cooking methods in the 9th century and close association with France and its food in the 16th century. The Scots have also learnt to make the best use of their surroundings, from the rugged mountains, lakes and lochs, to the fertile valleys and moorlands.
Join us for a Scottish haggis ceremony, accompanied by the bagpipes of the City of Sails Pipe Band.
View video & photo gallery » |
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WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: FRENCH
SATURDAY 17 JULY
There is an old French proverb that reads “There is no such thing as a pretty good omelette.” Of course the French take their cuisine seriously, but that doesn’t mean cooking French food should be impenetrable. As chef Julia Child explained, “You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces, just good food from fresh ingredients.”
Discover the tantalising taste of French gastronomy and the Gallic love affair with all things food, to the sounds of French Music Trio Club Manouche.
View video & photo gallery » |
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WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: RUSSIAN
SATURDAY 24 JULY
For many of us, Russian cuisine has a sense of the mysterious. Even the names of meals, like borscht and caviar, evoke a delicious exoticism. The nation’s cuisine derives its rich and varied character from the land’s vast and multicultural expanse.
This winter, warm your soul with easy-to-make and incredibly tasty Russian food. Join chef Iryna Zhemchugova of Vintage Café for a demonstration of Russian cooking followed by food tastings.
View video & photo gallery » |
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WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: NORTH AFRICAN
SATURDAY 31 JULY
Algerian and Moroccan cuisine is a delight for the senses, with its scent of coriander, cumin, saff ron, marjoram and onion, mingled with the pungency of olive oil and the sweetness of sandalwood, mint and roses. Do yourself a favour and discover the best of North African cuisine at the Museum.
Join chef Makh Benyettou of Sahaa Restaurant for a demonstration of North African cooking followed by food tastings.
View video & Photo Gallery » |
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WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: COOK ISLANDS
SATURDAY 7 AUGUST
Situated between west and east Polynesia, the Cook Islands embrace the best of both ’nesian food worlds. A host of new foods arrived with European seafarers, which the Cooks were quick to put their own playful spin on. Join the Mauke Enua Community for a demonstration of Cook Islands cooking followed by food tastings.
View video & Photo Gallery » |
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WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: INDIAN
Saturday 14 AUGUST
There is nothing quite like the spice of India. The riot of intense flavours and colours of Indian cuisine is a metaphor for the country itself. The nation’s geography, customs and religions, along with neighbouring cultures, have been embraced and absorbed to shape contemporary Indian food. Take a flavourful journey through India at Auckland Museum.
Join chef Bharat Jamnadas for a demonstration of Indian cooking followed by food tastings.
View video & Photo Gallery » |
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WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: DUTCH
SATURDAY 21 AUGUST
The Dutch are well-known for their traditional form of transport: the bicycle. Of course, all that cycling creates a healthy appetite for their substantial, straightforward but incredibly tasty fare. Dutch food is heavily influenced by the country’s traditional pastoral roots, but also its former colonies in the West Indies and Indonesia. Go Dutch and treat your taste buds this winter. Join Auckland’s Dutch community for a demonstration of Dutch cooking followed by food tastings and performances from the Auckland Dutch Dancers.
View video & Photo Gallery » |
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WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: BRAZILIAN
SATURDAY 28 AUGUST
Brazilian cuisine boasts a breadth of influences, including Amerindian, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, German, Arab, African and Japanese. The distinct contribution of each is still apparent in Brazilian dishes today. Discover the riot of eating experiences Brazilian food offers.
The Brazilian community is bringing together a fantastic chef, beautiful dancers, musicians and Capoeira ‘players’ for their event.
View video & Photo Gallery » |
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WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: SAMOAN
4 SEPTEMBER
The sun-kissed islands of Samoa are home to a culture rich in traditions of seafaring, faith, family and food. Sunday is set aside for Church and a feast cooked in the traditional umu oven. A history of colonisation by Germany and Britain have left their legacy on the country’s cuisine, including a version of chop suey attributed to the Chinese workers employed by German colonists. Acclaimed chef Michael Meredith will take the traditional ingredients of Samoa, some of them familiar and some unfamiliar to Aucklanders, and cook up dishes that will leave you hungry for more.
View video & Photo Gallery » |
Thai Laab Setthe recipe |
WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: THAILAND
11 SEPTEMBER
Thailand is often referred to as a golden land because the country gives off a certain lustre; be it the fertile rice fields of the central plains, white sandy beaches or the warm hospitality of the people. There is a long tradition of fruit carving in Thailand and an authentic fruit carver takes the stage to perform this intricate art form. Thai Culture NZ will also cook a variety of Siamese cuisine, followed by tastings. They will also be special performances, including the ranaht and ungaloong string and bamboo instruments, and dancers in traditional attire.
View video & Photo Gallery » |
Kai to Pie Blog |
WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: ITALIAN
18 SEPTEMBER
While some of the most popular dishes associated with the Italian culture include a tempting slice of pizza and a heaping plate of pasta, there is much more to the world of Italian cooking. Throughout the many regions in Italy, the distinctive styles of cooking and selection of local ingredients influences each dish. Italian food is typically enjoyed as a multi-course meal. When Italians get together with friends or family to eat, it is more than sitting down in front of the television with some meat and veggies; they make an event out of it, and it usually spans the course of an entire day.
Italian chefs Cristopher and Alex from Gina’s Italian Kitchen will share Italian history, nutritional recipes, and old traditions while demonstrating risotto and tiramisu (a typical Italian dessert!).
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WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: KIWIANA
25 SEPTEMBER
Unload the boot, pitch the tent and fire up the bbq. We’re all set for a traditional Kiwi camping holiday - and who better to demonstrate cooking at base camp than our very own Alison Holst. This home cook extraordinaire shares some clever tips for creating nutritious, stress-free meals in a jiffy and how to make the best of the facilities at the campground.
Alison will be joined by a troupe of marching girls who will lead also guests outside for a tour and pie tasting at the famous White Lady Pie Cart, which makes its first ever visit to the Museum.
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WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: KOREAN
2 OCTOBER
With its long coastline it is not surprising the cuisine of the Korean peninsula is rich in seafood. Dried sardines, cuttlefish and seaweed, are staples that link together a huge range of regional specialties. Wild foods and preserving have always featured strongly in the Korean diet, helping to explain why most meals come with a dazzling diversity of side dishes, notably the delicious pickled vegetables collectively called kimchi.
Join the Korean Society of Auckland for food tastings and a cultural performance of the traditional fan dance.
View video & photo gallery » |
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WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: SPANISH
9 OCTOBER
Spanish fiestas symbolise the very essence of Spain and the Spanish people. They’re colourful, flamboyant, usually extremely noisy, often chaotic and always great fun. Flamenco is a genuine Spanish art, from the southern region of Spain. Being surrounded on three sides by water, Spain is well known for their seafood dishes. Paella is a rice dish from Valencia, where all the ingredients are cooked together in one pan, creating a vibrant and aromatic dish.
Join the Spanish community for music, films and food as well as salsa, flamenco, language and cooking lessons. Ole!
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WORLD ON YOUR PLATE: SOUTH AFRICAN
16 OCTOBER
Like South Africa’s expansive landscape, its food influences are equally diverse; from the salty biltong to the deep-fried indulgence of Koeksisters. It’s a dynamic fusion of African, European and Asian, with weird and wonderful culinary names like Waterblommetjiebredie. Coiled like a sleeping snake on the barbeque, the boerewor is packed full of exotic flavours. Our local South African community comes together to demonstrate this exotic fare and offer tempting tastings.
A lively cultural performance will prove South Africa’s reputation as a hotbed of originality and creativity.
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