New establishment to showcase fine dining the Fa'asamoa way

A new restaurant is aiming to bolding present cuisine from Samoa, breaking away from what might be considered stereotypical Pacific food.

​TALA​​​ is​ dedicated to serving the unique cuisine and culture of Samoa and opens in Auckland's business district of Parnell in October.​

Speaking on 531pi's ​Pacific Days​ with Ma'a Brian Sagala, owner and Samoan-born chef Henry Onesemo​ says the idea behind his restaurant was to champion the individuality of his home country's food.

"The concept was really just to separate Samoa from our Pacific brothers and sisters. Most of the time we tend to go down the inclusive route of saying, 'We are doing Pasifika food'."

​Tala​ means "tale" or "story" and for Onesemo his creations are where he tells his own tales of Samoa through familiar ingredients presented with a fresh twist.

Onesemo says he's leaning into his strengths and what he knows best - Samoan food - and the opening of his restaurant means there is something proudly devoted to the soul of Samoa.

"It's an important step for Samoa to really just identify itself, identify its cuisine.

"While we do similar things to our brothers and sisters of Pasifika, it's important for the culture and our cuisine to step out and be centre stage for a little bit."

TALA restaurant opens late October, located at 235 Parnell Road.

Watch the full interview with Henry Onesemo below or head to our facebook and let us know what you think will be on the menu?