As part of the Australian High Commission’s Yumi Stap Wantaim (we stand together) campaign, it has produced the Kin and Kai series to mark 50 years of Papua New Guinea’s Independence.
Kin and Kai, a vibrant new five-part mini docuseries, invites audiences on a rich and flavorful journey through Papua New Guinea, guided by PNG’s own Chef Julz and Australia’s Aaron Fa’Aoso, a proud Torres Strait Islander actor and producer.
Kin and Kai is more than a culinary adventure it’s a celebration of legacy, memory, and the spirit of togetherness. Through shared meals, ancestral recipes, and intimate conversations, the series uncovers the flavors and stories that have shaped generations.
Each episode explores the deep cultural roots of PNG’s cuisine, while highlighting the bonds of kinship that transcend borders. Chef Julz cooks up authentic kaikai, showcasing his family’s story, memories and recipes with Aaron Fa’Aoso. Fa’Aoso, brings his own heritage and curiosity to the table, forging connections and discovering the shared histories between the two nations.
Join Chef Julz and Aaron Fa’Aoso as they cook, connect, and celebrate the spirit of independence through the universal language of food.
Chef Julz said: “Food is the thread that connects culture, memory and legacy, it’s how we honor our past and nourish our future, Kin and Kai is a celebration of identity. It’s about bringing our cultures together.”
Aaron Fa’Aoso said:“The connections between the Torres Strait and PNG stretch back over 65,000 years. These historical, familial and cultural connections have woven a fabric that still binds us together today.
“Kin and Kai is a chance to listen, to learn, and to walk together through our shared past, as we walk together side by side into the next 50 years.”
The Kin and Kai series is now available to watch on yumistapwantaim.com. Each week, an episode will be featured on the Australian High Commission’s Facebook page.