Why We’re Called Secret Kiwi Kitchen
If you’re from New Zealand, you probably already know what a Kiwi is.
It’s not just the fruit.
And it’s not just the little flightless bird that is one of New Zealand’s most beloved national symbols.
Kiwi is what New Zealanders call themselves.
We’ve learned that this isn’t always obvious outside New Zealand, particularly in America, so let us explain.
Secret Kiwi Kitchen began in Auckland during lockdown, inspired by the things that make New Zealand feel like home: beautiful ingredients, family recipes, baking, generosity and the very Kiwi habit of always bringing a plate.
Because in New Zealand, you don't go to someone's house empty-handed.
Someone says, “Come over,” and you turn up with a bottle of wine, a chilly bin (that's a cooler, for our American friends) filled with drinks, and a plate of something to share.
It might be a cake. A slice. Scones. Biscuits (cookies). Something you've made from a recipe that's been in your family forever.
It doesn't have to be fancy.
It's simply what you do.
You bring a plate.
That little tradition says a lot about New Zealanders. Food is how we show up for each other. It's how we welcome people, celebrate, contribute and say, I'm glad to be here.
And that's where the idea for Secret Kiwi Kitchen came from.
We wanted to be your secret kitchen ally, making it easier to bring a plate to share.
Whether it's a birthday, a dinner with friends, a school fundraiser, a weekend at the beach or simply someone saying, “Come over,” we want to help you turn up with something delicious.
Because that's what a Kiwi kitchen is all about.
Good food. Good people. And never arriving empty-handed.
But if you did come to this website looking for recipes with Kiwi Fruit in it, here is one:
Kiwi Salad with Caramelized Pecans
Fresh, crunchy and a little unexpected. The sweetness of the kiwi and caramelized pecans is lovely with the salty olives and crisp fennel.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3-4 ripe kiwifruit, peeled and sliced
- 1 fennel bulb, very thinly sliced
- 1 cups kale, finely sliced
- 1.4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/3 cup caramelized pecans, roughly chopped
Light Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Method
- Place the sliced kale in a large bowl and massage gently with a little of the vinaigrette for a minute or two to soften it.
- Add the fennel, kiwi and sliced olives.
- Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette and toss gently. You don't want to break up the kiwi.
- Scatter the caramelized pecans over the top just before serving so they stay crunchy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve immediately.
The trick: Keep the dressing light. You want the kiwi, fennel and caramelized pecans to be the stars, with the olives adding a salty little contrast.
To sign off: a picture of a cute little Kiwi bird.
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About Secret Kiwi Kitchen
Secret Kiwi Kitchen is an award-winning New Zealand food company founded by Lauren Lulu Taylor, an American-born entrepreneur who discovered a passion for New Zealand's exceptional ingredients after making New Zealand her home. Inspired by the country's world-class dairy, non-GMO wheat, and natural pantry staples, Lulu created Secret Kiwi Kitchen to showcase the very best of New Zealand through beautifully crafted baking mixes, edible flowers, spice blends, and pantry favorites.
Today, Secret Kiwi Kitchen products are sold throughout New Zealand and are now available across the United States through the company's California warehouse. Known for premium ingredients, award-winning recipes, and botanical packaging inspired by the work of New Zealand women botanical artists of the 19th and early 20th centuries, Secret Kiwi Kitchen is on a mission to bring a little piece of New Zealand to kitchens around the world.