Tupu'anga Coffee - Mt Eden — Restaurant in Albert-Eden

A Hidden Gem with Heart: Snapper Fish and Chips with a Purpose

When the fish and chips arrived, I knew instantly this wasn’t your average takeaway. The color and texture were noticeably different—golden, crisp, and inviting. One bite in, and I was hooked. The batter was light and crunchy, not oily or heavy, while the fish inside was thick, juicy, and wonderfully springy. It was the kind of meal that lifts your spirits and makes you feel, strangely, more alive.

The coffee surprised me too. It looked modest at first glance, but the flavor was unexpectedly delightful—smooth, bright, and full of character. My taste buds approved.

I walked into the place with a bit of hesitation, but left genuinely impressed. Curious to learn more, I did a little digging—and that’s when the story became even more remarkable.

The café is run by Alipate and Emeline Mafile’o, through a community-focused organization called Affirming Works. Their eatery, Tupu’anga—a Pacific educational model meaning “growth from the roots”—is more than just a restaurant. It’s a social enterprise dedicated to addressing key needs in the community, from literacy and numeracy to helping youth transition from school to the workforce.

The coffee they serve is 100% Arabica, grown in Tonga through fair trade practices. Profits from the café go directly back into social programs, supporting more than 400 children and their families each year.

Co-founder Emeline Afeaki-Mafile’o brings a wealth of experience in social work. She authored Tonga’s Family Violence Conceptual Framework and developed training manuals for practitioners. She served for seven years on the Ministry of Social Development’s Pacific Advisory Group and was named one of New Zealand’s most influential women (Community and Social Enterprise category). In 2006, she was awarded the Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Award.

Because the café doubles as a training ground for young people entering the workforce, you may find the service a little shy, a little rough around the edges—but it’s earnest, heartfelt, and filled with potential. You’re not just buying a meal; you’re giving someone a start.

This isn’t just food—it’s a story of culture, empowerment, and community. Highly...

Absolutely loved our visit to Tupu’anga Coffee! The service was super friendly, and they got everything out quickly without compromising quality. No lies—it was the best big breakfast I’ve ever had from a café! The scrambled eggs were the fluffiest and most flavourful I’ve ever tasted, the bacon was perfectly crispy, the sausages were juicy and full of flavour, and the mushroom sauce was rich and delicious. Even the grilled tomato was done beautifully, adding the perfect touch of freshness.

The Eggs Benedict was just as incredible—the hollandaise sauce was silky and well-balanced, the eggs were poached to perfection, and the whole dish was beautifully put together. The Flat White was smooth and expertly made, while the Feijoa & Apple Smoothie was refreshing with the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. And the Otai? Absolute perfection—so fresh, fruity, and authentic!

Unfortunately, no photos because we were so famished that we devoured everything as soon as it came out—but trust me, it was that good! Everything was generously portioned and reasonably priced, making this place an absolute gem. We’ve found our new favourite café and will definitely be back....

If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying start to your day, Tupu’anga Café’s Big Breakfast is the perfect choice. The dish offers a generous spread featuring fluffy scrambled eggs, crisp hash browns, succulent sausages, perfectly grilled bacon, and juicy grilled tomatoes. Complemented with baked beans and toasted bread, it covers all the breakfast essentials, leaving you happily full and content.

What stood out to me was the quality of ingredients and how well everything was cooked to perfection. The creamy scrambled eggs were deliciously soft and seasoned just right, and the crispy hash browns added a delightful crunch. The sausages were juicy, while the bacon and tomatoes were well-grilled, adding that comforting and classic taste we all look for in a big breakfast. The accompanying butter and sauce choices enhanced the experience.

Pair this delightful spread with their well-crafted coffee, featuring a perfect balance of robust flavor and creamy texture. The presentation of both the meal and the coffee was elegant, making it feel like a treat.

If you find yourself near Tupu’anga, do give their Big Breakfast a try—it’s a hearty meal to...