Basem and Kayla Andijani have travelled across the North Island testing dumpings and perfecting their recipe. Photo / Bevan Conley
Basem and Kayla Andijani have travelled across the North Island testing dumpings and perfecting their recipe. Photo / Bevan Conley
Two new food trucks have set up shop in Maria Place's pop-up space.
KayKay's Dumplings and Lil Orbit's Donuts will be based at the pop-up space for the summer and are looking forward to serving locals.
After years of perfecting their dumpling recipes at home, Basem and Kayla Andijani havetaken their dough-filled delicacies to the streets of Whanganui.
Their dumpling food truck has been years in the making.
"We started in our home around four years ago. We've taken it to the next step, which is this truck."
The couple have travelled across the North Island, testing any restaurant that has dumplings on their menu. All that experimenting and testing has led to them developing their best dumplings.
"When we first started they weren't as good. But over time, we have slowly created our perfect blend."
The Andijanis were approached by Whanganui District Council's Ellen Young, who helped facilitate the move into Maria Place.
"She was really helpful. The council have invested into the area and without them it would have been a hard journey. But everything is set up and good so far."
They will be working Tuesday through to Saturday, from 10am to 2pm.
Next door, Mini Boss Donuts will be open Monday to Friday, from 10am to 2pm as well.
Farzana Mohammed and Joel Ellwood, of Mini Boss Donuts. Photo / Bevan Conley
Serving up hot and fresh doughnuts, owner Zahid Mohammed said he approached the council months ago, trying to find a place he could set up shop.
Mohammed, who serves his doughnuts at the River Markets and events across the region, said local demand led him to the point where he wanted to open more hours.
