From the Editor, Leigh O’Connor.
From the wild coasts of New Zealand to Australia’s sunburnt heart and the turquoise embrace of the Pacific, A Taste of the Antipodes is a feast for the senses and the soul. Here, food is more than sustenance - it’s a story of place, of resilience and of deep connection.
Smoke drifts from ocean-fresh paua sizzling on a beachside grill, while the earthy perfume of wattleseed and lemon myrtle mingles with sea breeze and eucalyptus. Islanders weave tales through taro and coconut, offering generosity with every bite.
Across this vast southern expanse, cultures entwine - ancient and new - celebrating land, sea and spirit in every shared meal. Each dish carries the warmth of home and the whisper of ancestors, reminding us that the true flavour of the Antipodes lies not only in what we eat, but in how we gather - together, open-hearted, beneath endless skies.
Journey with us this week as we uncover the best the Pacific has to offer…
We also launch Chef Hat Season 2026 this week in the buildup to the big announcement in January next year. Follow the origin stories of seven of this country’s top Chefs – a mixture of English, New Zealand, Sri Lankan and Australian culinary talents.
Nelly Robinson’s story begins far from the bright lights of Sydney. He grew up in Lancashire, England - a place of drizzle, warmth and hearty roasts that filled the house with love. He now calls Sydney home and delivers seasonal, playful menus that he calls not fine but fun dining at Nel Restaurant.
Chef Will Houia’s story begins across the Tasman, in the lush, rolling landscapes of New Zealand - a place where the earth seems to hum with life and food is part of every story. From humble beginnings, Will now has the kitchen reins at AMARA, the Chef-hatted restaurant at Spicers Sangoma Retreat in Bowen Mountain.
Minoli De Silva’s story begins in the warm, spice-laden kitchens of Sri Lanka - where the scent of curry leaves and cinnamon lingered in the air and food was more than a meal; it was a love language. Moving to Australia at age 6, she now calls Darwin home where her Chef-hatted restaurant Ella by Minoli has carved its own niche.
Check out their full stories along with Alan Stuart from Oncore by Clare Smyth, Aaron Schembri from Kadota, Josh Niland from Saint Peter and Catseye Pool Club and Connor Bishop from Anvers Wines.
We also explore whether Pacific Islands Cuisine is the new Mediterranean diet, sustainable island seafood and plant-based Antipodean dining.
Tena koe!
