Matariki at Kumeu eatery The Tasting Shed is all about diversity and inclusivity. And this year that means an east-meets-Polynesia collaboration to ring in Māori New Year. On June 30 — three weeks before the restaurant's annual winter close down — The Tasting Shed kitchen will be taking on the traditional art of hāngi — Indian styles.
Head Chef Alok Vasant is taking inspiration from his native land for the five-course feast. "The Tasting Shed is known for its international menu that celebrates diversity and flavours from around the world. Most of our team have moved here from other countries and made New Zealand their home. So celebrating Matariki – The Māori New Year, with dishes from my home country, celebrates the blessing of immigrants, and is also a real honour for me" says Vasant.
The food will be cooked in the pits of in-ground hāngi eatery The Māori Kitchen on Queen's Wharf under the watchful eye of New Zealand's best-known pit master, Rewi Spraggon. Then, the goods will be transported back to The Tasting Shed and be transformed with an Indian flair.
The Tasting Shed co-owner Ganesh Raj adds, "It's all about spreading the message of mānaakitanga – which is the reciprocity of hospitality and respect for the environment and each other. We want people to see, smell, taste and feel our history, through our eyes."
Tickets are $85 per person. Email samantha@thetastingshed.com to book your spot.