A chat with Kiss Kiss: Celebrating Dish Cult’s 3rd birthday

You’ve been with Dish Cult from the very beginning, what has changed in the food industry since November 2019?

There is an ongoing skill shortage due to the effects of border closures. The lack of people to fill the roles, increasing supplier costs due to inflation has meant that restaurants are [needing to] operate more efficiently on streamlined conditions.   

How did you find operating during the pandemic and what did you change in your business to adapt?

We were taking it one day at a time, never really knowing what to expect in an ever changing environment. Like most businesses we had to adapt to keep up which meant implementing online ordering, a booking system, adding a new delivery partner and cross training our staff. We realised that when a staff member had Covid and they had a particular set of skills, we would be stuck and unable to operate, hence needing to cross skill.

How did you feel being a nominee and a winner in the Dish Cult Icon Awards?

Humbled but very proud of our cocktail! 

[DC: We had the pleasure of tasting this winning cocktail and let us tell you, it is more than deserving. From its fruity essence to the inviting aesthetic; popping sunshine yellow, sunrise orange slice and green pop of the mint, to the refreshing mango burst and full-bodied viscosity as it goes down so smoothly – it is truly a treat!]

What do you see in the next 12 months in the food scene?

I do think people will cut back on luxury such as eating out, however the cost of food is also comparable to eating out now. Eateries in general will become more creative with how they operate and work a lot more efficiently. i.e we see the use of QR codes for ordering a lot more now.

[DC: An emerging trend in the industry has seen QR codes being used in effort to decrease the person to person contact between staff and patrons and also to free up wait staff so that they are able to focus on delivering food to tables, attending to drinks and the like.]

What’s exciting about NZ’s food scene?

I would say [the most exciting thing about the NZ food scene is] how diverse it is. We see new eateries popping up everyday with their own unique cuisine from different corners of the world.

What’s your favourite thing about Kiss Kiss?

I would say our relaxed but funky atmosphere which mimics the street vibes of Thailand. We are also proud to be able to cater to a wide range of customers. i.e. dietary requirements, family and wheelchair friendly.

If someone was coming to your restaurant for the first time, what would you recommend for them to order?

Our ribs hands down. We make the juiciest ribs which are known to be generously portioned, and served with the accompanying ‘jaew’ sauce – it’s the perfect combination. Our favourite drink has got to be the Go-Go Mango which was also the winner of the Dish Cult Icon Award ‘Best cocktail’ category.

Any new menu items in the making? Any hints?

Yes! But this will be revealed in due course. Hint: Summer is around the corner…

[DC: We are SO excited!]

Do you have a secret menu or any customisations guests can do that will blow their minds?

Well our satay sauce paired with our Phat Thai is definitely unique to us and we know it’s a crowd fave.

[DC: That sounds absolutely mouthwatering…]

What are your favourite other Dish Cult restaurants that you would visit in your downtime?

One Tree Grill.

One Tree Grill serves up Modern New Zealand cuisine in a refined setting, with warm lighting and their wine cellar making for a lovely atmosphere. They serve a 6 course degustation that is perfect for a special occasion, celebration or simply, when you want to impress!

What makes Dish Cult and ResDiary a great partner to work with?

You guys are very supportive of our industry. Always helpful and understanding of our needs in this ever changing food scene from Covid until now.

[DC: It has been incredible partnering with Kiss Kiss across many successful marketing campaigns. Their support has been fantastic and we are delighted to be able to propel their amazing restaurant into the Auckland limelight.]

Book in with Kiss Kiss now to experience what makes them one of the city’s busiest Asian fusion restaurants!