The history of our small business is a journey that crosses beyond generations, cultures, and oceans - all flowing from the ever-warm hospitality of our ‘āiga (family) to yours.
Afio mai e tausami le Koko Alaisa manaia (Come taste and enjoy the delicious Koko Alaisa), and let’s share in the tala (story) of Nana Ō.
Known as Nana Ō by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Toluō was the gentle and loving matriarch of our ‘āiga - the most welcoming and compassionate woman I know, my dear Mum.
A smile forever lining her face, you would almost always find her in her kitchen, lovingly preparing meals for ‘āiga and malō feasiasia’e (guests) to enjoy.
Every time her grandchildren would ask, she’d whip up their absolute favourite, Koko Alaisa - sweet and comforting, just like her.
This is what Nana Ō always said to us kids. It was her mantra and parting gift to the world - there is nothing more valuable than our children.
It carried an extra special meaning to me, with Nana Ō having adopted me. But it wasn’t until she passed away, that the meaning of the message really hit home. Nana Ō was never just talking about the kids in our family, but all families, all children. And by extension, your inner child too.
Fa’ataua le fanau auā le lumana’i manuia o aigā. Tatou taumafa fa’atasi. (Let’s look after all children, and share in her legacy through food that brings us all together).
Follow the journey, Nana O’s to the world!
- Son (The Favourite)
Koko Alaisa is not just a delicious dish - it’s a precious connection to home.
Also known as Koko Laisa, Koko Rice, and Samoan Cocoa Rice, Koko Alaisa is a traditional Samoan food made from rice and locally-grown cocoa beans. The beans are roasted, fermented, then ground into a thick paste, which is formed and then hardened into a Koko (cocoa) block. It is then grated and mixed with typically long grain white rice before being cooked into a unique rice pudding.
Traditionally served at breakfast but enjoyed throughout the day, Koko Alaisa can also be combined with coconut milk/cream, or cooked with lautīpolo (lemon leaves) or laumoli (orange leaves) for authentic taste. A banana or toasted coconut as a garnish is an extra treat.
More importantly, Koko Alaisa is a staple in Samoan communities all across the world. It connects people who are thousands of miles away from their home and culture with its nostalgic, earthy scent and deep chocolatey taste, transporting them back to their roots in Samoa and to their childhood.
For those not from the Pacific, it’s a powerful carrier of our cultural values that’s just meant to be shared.
Koko Alaisa is symbolic - a beautiful representation of the importance of balance: sweet yet bitter, modest yet rich, emotionally grounding yet spiritually uplifting.
It’s connection, it’s healing, it reminds you that wherever you are, you belong.
Nana O’s uses Koko from only the finest authentic cacao beans, imported to Aotearoa New Zealand direct from growers in Samoa, giving back to the community that nurtured us.
There are many varieties of cacao, but truth be told, the Koko Samoa is the best. Cultivated across the world, there are three main types of cacao; Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario. Forastero is typically used for mass production, making up over 90% of the world’s cacao production, whereas Criollo and Trinitario are described as the fine or ‘flavour’ cacao, used in more artisanal cacao products.
The Trinitario originates from Trinidad, and is a hybrid between the Criollo and Forastero. It’s now widespread around the world and has branched off into many different varieties, including our beloved Koko Samoa.
Koko Samoa, known officially as Samoan Trinitario, was cultivated through natural cross-pollinating between the different varieties brought to Samoa throughout early history, creating something new and unique. It is very highly regarded for its rich, chocolatey taste, and is currently harder to come by in New Zealand and other parts of the world.
Koko Samoa's flavours are derived from a deep history of permaculture in nutrient-rich volcanic soil of Samoa’s islands - creating the delicious, taste of home we know and love!