JUK turns 8 years old!

It’s a week worth celebrating here at JUK! We turned 8 years old yesterday. We’ve come a long way since 2013 and my first ever JUK meal — a Thai green chicken curry (still a firm favourite!). JUK’s first few meals started organically when a friend flippingly said: “I’d love to pay you to cook my meals during the week.” Seemed like an interesting challenge and it was not long before customers started picking up from the pink house in Ponsonby. 

Fast forward a few years and I opened my first flagship store in 2016 in Herne Bay and My Underground Kitchen became more of an overground kitchen! We added Parnell, Remuera and our latest store in Devonport last year. Our customers across Auckland can now grab a fresh and healthy lunch, a nutritious meal for dinner and of course enjoy good coffee, all in one spot! Answering the question of “what’s for dinner” on busy weeknights, for last-minute dinner guests or to give the gift of food as a care package — is what JUK is here for! 

Luckily, we were able to continue doing this through 2020 and still get delicious, home-cooked meals on tables around NZ. During this unprecedented time, we managed to release my latest cookbook, too — My Underground Everyday. A collection of my favourite recipes that I cook at home. It’s full of freshness and flavour, with seasonal ingredients and clever tips on how to use up leftovers. Perfect for when many of us were eating at home each and every day! We also launched our supermarket range during lockdown last year, Gourmet Everyday — helping get a healthy, nutritious meal on the table for thousands more. So where ever you are, a delicious home-cooked meal is only 5 mins away! 

We're excited about 2021 and what's in store for JUK — watch this space. Look forward to feeding you all your next delicious, home-cooked meal. Jess x