For the past 13 years, Satya South Indian Restaurant has been a beacon of hope and generosity for Aucklanders during the festive season. Despite facing tough financial challenges, the Akuthota family is preparing to serve free Christmas lunches for the 14th consecutive year, continuing their mission of spreading joy and nourishment to those in need, The New Zealand Herald reported.
This heartwarming initiative began in 1999 when Swamy and Padmaja Akuthota opened their first Satya South Indian Restaurant on Hobson Street. Their vision was to bring the flavours of South India to their new community in New Zealand. Little did they know their culinary endeavour would evolve into something far greater—a tradition of free Christmas meals that has touched countless lives.
“We need to give back to our community,” Herald quoted Samrudh Akuthota, the son of the founders. “It’s something my grandparents taught my parents and that they taught me.”
On Christmas Day, Satya will open the doors of its two Auckland restaurants—at 17 Great North Road and 515 Sandringham Road—to offer free sit-down meals between 12 pm and 2 pm. These meals are open to everyone, from the homeless and the lonely to struggling families, tourists, and anyone simply looking for festive companionship.
“Last year we had about 600 people come for the free lunch,” Samrudh shared with Herald. “It’s always a rewarding time. Everyone is so lovely. We had a few people come in and volunteer to help run food so everyone got their meal in a timely manner. We get a lot of families coming through, which is nice to see.”
The menu is a feast of South Indian favourites, featuring dishes like jalfrezi chicken masala curry, South Indian fish curry, yellow dhal curry, basmati rice, paratha bread, and an array of pickles, chutneys, and papadoms. Guests can enjoy as much as they like, ensuring no one leaves hungry.
Like many in the hospitality industry, Satya has struggled to stay afloat in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The family business has operated at a significant loss over the past two years, but this hasn’t deterred their commitment to the community.
“Despite running at a loss two years running, for us, it’s really important that it’s not always about taking,” Samrudh said. “It’s even more needed than last year. Similar people come in year after year. We try to reach those in need of meals and the feeling of togetherness around Christmas.”
The Akuthota family’s dedication is supported by their suppliers and sponsors, who have stepped in to help. “Without our suppliers, we aren’t able to do this across two restaurants,” he explained. “This year, AB International, MG International, Gylison Holding LTD, Reet Manufacturing & Packaging Ltd, K C Loo Fruit Centre, and Goodman Fielder have come to the party, which we are so thankful for.”
The roots of Satya’s Christmas tradition can be traced back to the Akuthotas’ early days in New Zealand. In the late 1990s, the family began cooking free meals for the poor near their first restaurant, which was located next to the City Mission.
In 2011, during the global recession, the family formalised this act of kindness by hosting their first free Christmas lunch—a gesture that has since grown into an annual event serving hundreds of people.
“People are really appreciative. Everyone is happy, and people just want to have a good time,” Samrudh said, encouraging those who might feel shy or anxious to attend. “We would love to have them along.”
Those who wish to support Satya’s free Christmas lunch can donate through the appeal. With the help of generous contributions, this enduring tradition of goodwill continues to make Christmas brighter for Auckland’s community.
Event Details:
Donation Link: https://www.ordermeal.co.nz/satya-christmas-donation/