Media release : November 14, 2012

Culinary delights in Puketapapa Reflection of Growing City

If you're a foodie in search of new culinary horizons, why not head down to Taste of Puketapapa - a week-long celebration of ethnic food ranging from Ethiopian injera to Gujarati delights and even your classic Spicy Pineapple pizza, but with a special twist?

Vishal Choksi, operations manager of Domino's Mt Roskill and Howick, is calling for Aucklanders to celebrate the colourful immigrant culture of the City of Sails and treat their tastebuds by visiting Taste of Puketapapa.

"There are 25 participating local cafes, restaurants and takeaways offering special dishes at great discounts. Everything costs between $5-$10 so you can sample a whole range of ethnic food for very reasonable prices," says Choksi.

"For example, at Domino's Mt Roskill, one of the participating eateries - we are offering two special 'Puketapapa pizzas', one vegetarian and one non-vegetarian. The vegetarian pizza will have a Spicy Pineapple base with extra toppings, and the meat pizza will have a Bangers and Beef base with extra toppings - and they're only $5 each!"

Choksi, who came to New Zealand from India four years ago as a business and IT student, says that the Mt Roskill store is a delight to work in.

"There are so many different ethnicities who live and work in harmony in the Puketapapa area. It's one of the most culturally diverse communities in Auckland, with over 100 different languages spoken by people across the community. I think it's wonderful and a reflection of how Auckland is growing and maturing, and taking its place on the world stage as part of a truly global multicultural society."

Choksi says one of the advantages of immigration is the melting pot of cuisines that has sprung up across the city.

"I would encourage visitors during the week to start with a nice slice of Puketapapa pizza, then do a food trail around all the different restaurants - you have seven days to whet your appetite! I am personally going to try the Bombay Chinese Chicken Haka Noodles but I'll also be dropping by Café Abyssinia for a traditional Ethiopian lunch, Moshims for a prawn curry and Tulip Café for one of their great steak, bacon and mushroom pies. It's a way for you to travel around the world - at least in terms of cuisines, without actually leaving your own backyard."

Taste of Puketapapa runs from November 15 to 22.

For more information, visit www.dominospizza.co.nz or http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/newseventsculture/events/Events/Pages/tasteofpuketapapa.aspx

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