Cafe Malaahi — Restaurant in Kaikohe-Hokianga Community

A quaint cafe in a small town in Northland Aotearoa NZ. It has survived & thrived through COVID. Such a powerful testimony to the quality of service, fare & enterprise of the tuahine (sisters) who own and operate Cafe Mallahi. The rear car park backs onto the Kaikohe library and the auto workshop. I’m waiting a vehicle service. that is servicing my vehicle. A narrow fernery & rustic sculptures line the southwest facing wall. Although overcast, muted sunlight is bathing the fernery & seating areas. I made my way through a narrow hallway to the counter, and was greeted with a pleasant “Kia ora” (to wish one well) by 2 of 3 sisters, and a kaimahi (employee) as I passed by. The hallway is lined with postcard pictures that celebrate the beautiful places and heritage of Te Taitoketau (Far North). The menu is simple and a tempting bounty of homemade savouries, cakes & biscuits are on display. I ordered the special. Seafood chowder and paraoa parae (fried dumpling bread) and a large flat white. The chowder is beautifully seasoned with a light creamy consistency, sliced kutae (muscles), crab meat, & slightly sweet flavour on the top of my toungue. The paraoa does not soo up the chowder, but can be used to scoop the remnants of the bowl. It’s a really good portion. Not too much or heavy, but a portion to hold the cool breeze at bay made even more reka (sweet) by the light banter and laughter coming from the kitchen. I’m not one for nostalgia, but I felt welcome and at home, and am having pangs of remorse. I’m heading back overseas soon and an only hope that this beautiful cafe remains tuu toonu (firm and upright) when I return. A humble cafe in the hands of exceptional wahine toa (women...

Came to Malaahi for the first time in a while, I usually just got coffee when I have come there and the food had always been good the few times I had ordered food but the other day when I was passing through I paid $18 for the most mediocre smoked chicken salad that was such a small portion. Nothing was cooked by the cafe, was just spinach, the smoked chicken and noodles were straight from a packet, and could tell the salad dressing was just a cheap store bought one. Could have just grabbed this from the supermarket and whacked it together in two minutes for half the price. Was really disappointed and felt very ripped off. Do better please...

A great menu for freshly made light meals. An excellent range of hot and cold drinks. A modest selection of slices, cakes and biscuits from which to choose.

The nicely set out seating/tables make for a pleasant, quiet place to chill, or the enjoy a quiet catchup with someone special.

Service second to none. Friendly, pleasant and helpful...