Celebrating our Culinary Alumni at the Auckland Food Show 2023

27 July 2023

There's something magical about the Auckland Food Show. It's a time when aromas from a myriad of cuisines mingle in the air, drawing in food lovers from all around to the Auckland Showgrounds.

This year, The Kitchen Project is proud to have three of our food entrepreneur alumni exhibiting at The Food Show and spotlight their success with their authentic international flavours that are available right here in Auckland: Banu Sidharth, Carolina Noble, and Dona Lou.

Head along to stand #E13 where food lovers can savour the rich and aromatic flavours of Indian cuisine made with love by Banu Sidharth.

Banu began her journey five years ago at The Kitchen Project with her chilli oil and now shares her culinary heritage in 29 homemade spice blends, oils and gravies sold under the label "Banu’s".

If the crowd at her stand is anything to go by she is well along in her dream is to see her award winning Banu’s products becoming a household name that stands for purity and quality. Check out banus.co.nz.

At stand #C1, foodies can get a taste of Peru. Carolina Noble has created two fiery Rocoto Chilli Sauces that showcase the unique flavours of Peruvian cuisine.

The Rocoto chillies are sourced locally from trees planted decades ago in multiple locations in Aotearoa. Carolina's mission is to share a piece of Peru with New Zealand, one hot sauce bottle at a time.

You can learn more about Carolina's and her culinary journey on her Instagram @rocoto_new_zealand.

Not to be missed is Dona Lou's Goan Cuisine at stand #V13, where food enthusiasts are invited to explore a unique fusion of Indian and Portuguese flavours. Lourdes was inspired by her mother's teachings and the diverse culinary heritage of Goa, a coastal state in India with a significant Portuguese influence.

You can sample Lourdes’ award-winning handcrafted Goan Chouriço (Portuguese-style sausage) and her many other dishes. Lourdes’ offerings are a testament to her passion for food and dedication to preserving the authentic flavours of her homeland. Visit donalous.co.nz to explore their delicious menu.

Each of these Kitchen Project alumni represents a unique culinary story that continues to unfold. Through their ventures, they not only share their cultural heritage and culinary artistry but also contribute to the vibrant food scene in Auckland.

As a food-business incubator based in Auckland, The Kitchen Project nurtures local food entrepreneur talent by providing guidance, mentoring, and a supportive environment that allows businesses to thrive. If you are a foodie wanting to take your business to the next level, Apply Now for our next intake.

We encourage everyone to visit The Food Show (27-30 July 2023), where you can find our alumni stands, experience the international flavours they offer, and enjoy Auckland's delicious food scene. Bon appétit!