Unity through diversity is the aim, and what better way to unite than over a plate of delicate spring rolls? Multicultural Nelson Tasman held its first Kai and Kōrero event in Motueka recently, and the sold-out event enabled 27 people to learn how to craft several Cambodian dishes from scratch, sharing in the meal afterwards.
Motueka local Sopha Hang led the cookery class, together with husband Sombo Chheun and neighbour Say Yeang. Sopha has been in Motueka for three years and Collingwood for the six years prior, and she says she learned to cook by copying her mother, as well as pulling a little inspiration from the internet. She taught the participants how to make red curry, pork belly with egg, and fresh spring rolls.
She was a little nervous going into the event but says the people were friendly, and she was reassured by seeing their smiles. She has a lot of dishes that she would call “favourites” but reckons a chicken curry with noodles, prepared the day before to allow for extra flavour, was a firm contender for parties and gatherings.
Multicultural Nelson Tasman coordinator Sez Fyfe says that sharing food is a universal language of love.
“Motueka is becoming increasingly culturally diverse and I think the popularity of this event shows that the Motueka community is both respectful as well as interested in other cultures.”
Sez says that more Kai and Kōrero events will be held in the near future.
