The Chatter chats with Kamal and Mandeep, the owners of Breaking Bread Café in Ngāruawāhia, about their journey into café ownership as well as their passion for food and community.
When did you purchase and start to run the Breaking bread cafe?
We took over in may 2024 but it is running from 2019
What excited you about the decision ?
The decision excited me because it aligned with my values—using food as a way to connect people and build community.
Do you have a background in hospitality?
Yes, I have a hospitality background and am a qualified chef with 10+ years of hands-on experience in professional kitchens.
What have you changed to make it what it is today?
Over time, Breaking Bread Café has evolved with intention. We refined our menu to focus on quality, comfort, and consistency—food that feels familiar but thoughtfully made. We improved our sourcing, streamlined our kitchen processes, and invested in better training so every guest gets the same warm experience, every visit.
Beyond the food, we shifted our focus toward community. We created a space where people feel welcome to slow down, connect, and share a meal. That meant rethinking everything from service style to atmosphere—prioritizing kindness, accessibility, and genuine hospitality.
What makes Breaking Bread Café what it is today isn’t one big change, but many small, deliberate ones: listening to our guests, learning from mistakes, and choosing growth over convenience.
What kind of menu choices do you offer?
We offer an all-day menu with breakfast and lunch options, cabinet food for quick bites, and a catering menu for events, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Is there a specialty dish that is a favourite?
Yes, one of our café favourites is our garlic turkish eggs which is loved for its fresh ingredients and unique flavour.
What kind of feedback do you get from your customers?
Feedback is consistently positive, with customers appreciating our fresh, flavoursome food, friendly service, and welcoming café atmosphere.
What can visitors expect in 2026?
In 2026, guests can expect a vibrant café experience with fresh, flavourful food, attentive service, and a space designed for connection—whether enjoying a quick bite, a relaxed meal, or catering for an event.
What are your opening hours?
We’re open 7 DAYS from 8AM to 3 PM—come by anytime for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack from our cabinet or all-day menu.
Where are you and how do people get in touch?
Breaking Bread Café is at 2 Newcastle Street, Ngaruawahia 3720, and you can reach us by phone 07 949 8141, email [email protected], or via our social media facebook or instagram.
