Inspired by the foods of his homeland in Israel, Yinon brings home-style vegetarian and vegan foods to the Britomart La Cigale Market every Saturday.
Are you from Auckland? If not, where are you from and how did you end up in Auckland?
Yes, I have been living in Auckland for a few years now. I was born in Israel and grew up there as well. Later on, I travelled for 10 years around the world.
What do you sell at the market?
I sell a range of vegetarian and vegan foods, made fresh every week, with locally sourced ingredients. I sell falafels, pita pockets, different types of bread, hummus, chilli and more. I make all the food the way it’s supposed to taste – you won’t be able to enjoy commercialised versions of it once you have tasted how it’s supposed to be prepared. I make everything myself on a weekly basis.
How did you get into it?
Even a as kid I always liked to cook and have cooked many times for my friends as a fun thing. I enjoy experiencing different types of cooking. I used to be a dairy farmer and after a few years in dairy farming I was involved in a bad car accident so decided to change to cooking as i love cooking.
What was your first job?
My very first job was working with acoustic ceilings and Gib board.
What’s your favourite thing to spend money on?
My three kids and travelling.
How do you spend your days off?
Doing volunteer work
What do you love about having a stall at the Britomart market?
I have been in the Britomart market from the very first time it opened many years ago and have never missed a weekend. The regulars that are down here every week is what differs the Britomart market to others I attend, and are the reason I keep coming back. No matter the weather, whether it’s rain or shine, they are down here every week buying my food. If they weren’t continuously showing their support, I wouldn’t have kept coming back for as long as I have.
