Filipino flavours, stories and traditions were on the menu when Kai and Kōrero returned to Motueka Community House.
Multicultural Nelson Tasman Motueka community coordinator Sez Fyfe was delighted to see the latest Kai and Kōrero event sell out. Held at Motueka Community House on Sunday, 20 September, the event brought people of different ages and cultures together to enjoy Filipino food prepared by Kimberly Sepuesca.
Guests were introduced to ube, a purple yam known for its rich colour which makes it popular in ice creams and cheesecakes. They also learned about the origins of pancit bihon and enjoyed leche flan, a delicious dessert that no special Filipino occasion would be without.
Kimberly was thrilled to share her culture, having grown up helping her mother, a street food vendor in Manila.
Guests praised the delicious meal, Kimberly’s warmth and laughter, and the chance to learn about Filipino culture. Several hoped the events would happen more often.
Many of the young people cooking at Kai and Kōrero are also involved in Enterprising Migrants, a separate initiative helping participants build the skills needed to launch a catering venture in Motueka.
Twelve people are taking part in workshops at Community House to develop the skills needed to create the enterprise.
Sez describes Kai and Kōrero as a “win win win”: the cooks share their food and culture, local people get to see, hear, taste it, and that appreciation spreads through the wider community nurturing increased understanding, and tolerance.
