‘Sik Fan Lah’ is coming to TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ this February, and the new local series will deliver a culinary adventure across Aotearoa.
The series will uncover hilarious and hearty stories of modern Kiwi-Chinese life through a universal love of food. When it’s time to eat, we say Sik Fan Lah!
The series’ hosts include, ‘Masterchef 2022’ and barista champion Sam Low; Wellington coffee entrepreneurs the Evil Twins (Natalie & Stephanie Chin); Black Fern star Tyla Nathan-Wong; Dunedin’s Royal Albatross Centre Wildlife educator Janice Chi Fen Huang; Meme Queen Abigail Masengi and award-winning playwright Nathan Joe.
Each week, the six-episode series sets off with a different Kiwi-Chinese host. They will journey to the far corners of New Zealand in chase of new takes on classic dishes and secret recipes only true insiders know. Whether it’s a 65-kilogram whole roast pig, clay-pot rice cooked in the Otago goldfields, or geothermal Chinese pāua in Rotorua – there’s plenty to make the mouth salivate, but the spiciest part is in the intimate tales shared between mouthfuls.
Jess Wong, Producer of ‘Sik Fan Lah!’, expressed her excitement in delivering this cultural insight to Kiwis across Aotearoa.
“Food is a universal language, it speaks to people of family, gathering together and traditions. It transcends barriers and is a tasty way to educate and expose people to new cultures,” Wong said. “My upbringing was centred around food, and Sik Fan Lah! has been a beautiful journey to explore the many layers of Chinese identity throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand and what better time to announce the show with our bellies still full from the Lunar New Year’s eve feasts over the weekend.”
Episode Guide
Episode 1: Sam Low vs. Her Highness
Masterchef and barista champion, Sam Low, follows the rumours of a newly-crowned Chinese queen to Rotorua and uncovers a secret menu in the geothermal mists.
Episode 2: A Path More Evil
Entrepreneur sisters, the Evil Twins – Nat and Steph Chin – eat their way through Wellington’s wildest land and sea produce with the help of fellow rebels.
Episode 3: Tyla’s Homegrown Challenge
In Auckland, rugby star Tyla Nathan-Wong, powers through the physical challenges of a Pukekohe market garden and the emotional challenges of cooking with a Chinese mum.
Episode 4: Janice’s Southern Migration
Albatross educator, Janice Huang, relives the hardships of the Otago goldfields while gorging on delicacies by migrants, new and old.
Episode 5: Pig Out in Palmy
Meme queen, Abigail Masengi, heads to Palmerston North to battle towering flames and the roasting of a 65 kg whole pig in a traditional Chinese earth oven.
Episode 6: Return of the Prodigy Son
Playwright and poet Nathan Joe samples new takes on classic dishes and rediscovers his childhood growing up around a fish and chip shop in Christchurch.
