Tulasha Kalwar

Tulasha was born in Tshirangi, Bhutan, in a community of Nepali who had lived there for many generations, but who were displaced from Bhutan in the late 1980s. She arrived in New Zealand as refugee 15 years ago and has lived in Ōtautahi Christchurch ever since.

Tulasha grew up with 7 siblings and was taught from a young age by the other women in her family to cook. She remembers making meals for them from age seven, although not always very well!

Chicken Curry is a beloved dish, it reminds her of family and time spent together. People always comment on how tasty it smells, which makes her happy and always brings back good memories.

Food is a big part of Tulasha’s life. Showing love and taking care of people through cooking is important to her.

“It’s part of life that people learn to cook and then they pass on what they learn. My 17-year-old son cooks for me and it’s so meaningful to me that he shows me love that way.”

It makes Tulasha feel proud and excited when people come to Share Kai and want to try her traditional food; she didn’t realize how many people would love her food. She feels like she is treated as part of the family by so many new people and the new opportunities, experiences and learnings have been exciting.