A first-generation Sri-Lankan New Zealander, Rehana, fondly known as Rayray, comes from a family of strong female cooks. Although she has a background in marketing and design, and an MBA in business from AUT, Rehana has always had a passion for food which she believes is a result of her upbringing. “There is nothing that gives me more happiness than sharing food with friends using the traditions that have been passed down from generations.”

Rehana spent many years working in commercial kitchens, mainly on film sets, but never thought of it as a profession, until she started Rayray’s, ‘Sri-Lankan spiced’ which has a focus on pancake rolls and Sri-lankan bites. The pancake roll is one of the most loved Sri-Lankan street foods, a delicious French style crepe filled with spicy, aromatic meat or vegetarian fillings, are then wrapped up, battered and fried until golden for a crunchy outside with a soft, fragrant centre.

Rehana describes the pancake roll as a way of bringing together the new Sri-Lankan migrants, wanting a taste of home. But without the ability to purchase authentic Sri-Lankan food in New Zealand, and the laborious process to make the rolls, women gathered to produce these at mass to share and enjoy. Rehana has fond memories of her own mother making these rolls for her and her children, a product and process that connects generations.

Rehana applied to The Kitchen Project in the middle of the first covid lockdown, using this time to reflect on what she really wanted to do and achieve. She wanted to build something with purpose that she loved and make a living out of, which is when she decided to start her own food business. Through her research on what was needed to start a food business she was directed by some of her friends to The Kitchen Project “A real highlight for me is the cohort I’ve been part of, a truly inspiring group of people who come from various backgrounds but are all linked by their love of food.” She’s also found the networks through the programme to be very valuable., “Having industry specialists to guide us through the process has been immensely helpful.  It’s great to have been able to work through the complexities of the business with mentors who happily share their wealth of experience.”

Rehana’s vision is to see Sri-Lankan food as very much a part of the New Zealand cuisine scene, and hopes to provide a pop-up experience in markets and large events. She also wants to offer weekly deliveries from her own commercial kitchen to customers so they can enjoy her authentic Sri-Lankan food in their own homes. Eventually Rehana also hopes to have her pancake rolls in the freezer isle at supermarkets next to the dumplings, so consumers can defrost, and panfry these for a quick and easy meal.

Soon to launch a website offering online ordering, as well as an Instagram and Facebook account, you’ll be able to find more information on Rayray’s soon!