Rumaki
Rumaki is Aotearoa's first total immersion reo Māori cafe/restaurant, located in Rotorua. While we have great food and coffee, our main purpose is to normalise te reo Māori by being a total immersion space. From the time you walk through the doors, Māori is the only language you'll hear. Cafe by day, restaurant by night, fully licensed and ready to share kai with whānau, hold hui, sit and do your mahi, or wind down at the end of the day with a glass of wine or a cocktail.
In Rotorua City Centre, Rumaki Cafe leans into comfort, craft and a few unmistakable nods to Aotearoa. From 7am through to late, its day-to-night rhythm is stitched together by frybread, brisket and bright, herb-lifted touches like kawakawa, all pointing to hearty flavours treated with care.
Daytimes favour generous plates and familiar pleasures. Eggs Bene arrives on fried bread with the choice of brisket, salmon or mushroom, while the Brisket Frybread Burger layers smokiness and softness, with the option to crown it with a fried egg or swap to a lettuce bun. A side of chips or frybread keeps things satisfyingly simple.
As afternoon slides into evening, the focus turns to sharing and slow, convivial grazing. Pizzas range from the Cowboy, laced with brisket, horseradish, pickled red onion and pickles, to a classic Margherita with fresh basil, mozzarella chunks and olive oil. Boards titled Meat Lovers and Cheese Lovers invite lingering with their bounties, while fried chicken with kawakawa aioli and edamame with chili salt add a playful crunch.
To finish, Marae Stylez brings proper nostalgia in steamed pudding with custard and cream, and the Ultra Dark Chocolate Pot deepens the mood with a berry compote. Book a spot, bring an appetite, and let the good times roll. Frybread and friends are very much encouraged.