Good Day Catering is Hamilton's first authentic Samoan kitchen, proudly located in Frankton. Founded by Lelevaga and Manila Laulu, this family-run kitchen and catering service shares genuine Samoan soul food and warm hospitality with the entire Waikato region.
Whether dropping by for a casual lunch, picking up takeaway feasts, or organising large-scale event catering, Good Day Catering serves hearty Pacific favourites made from cherished family recipes. The kitchen provides everything from midday combo plates and substantial meat pairings to generously sized food trays designed for celebrations and gatherings.
From slow-cooked traditional meats and hearty chop suey to freshly baked sweet treats like panikeke and panipopo, every dish reflects the family's deep passion for food, culture, and community. Good Day Catering welcomes everyone to sit at their table and enjoy a true taste of Samoa.
Bringing people together through generous hospitality and rich island flavours, Good Day Catering stands out as Hamilton's first authentic Samoan kitchen. Located along Commerce Street in Frankton, this dedicated kitchen and catering service was founded by Lelevaga and Manila Laulu with a clear mission: to bring authentic Samoan soul food and a slice of paradise to tables across the Waikato.
What began as a family passion has blossomed into a cherished community gathering spot. Grounded in the values of happiness, family, and heritage, Good Day Catering welcomes everyone with open arms. Whether you are well-versed in Polynesian cooking or stepping up to try these island flavours for the very first time, the team ensures you feel right at home the moment you walk through the doors.
At the culinary core of Good Day Catering is head chef Manila Laulu, known affectionately as the flavour queen. Leading the kitchen alongside head cook Junior and master baker AJ, the culinary team relies on traditional methods and time-honoured family recipes. The lunch counter offers an enticing array of hot dishes that showcase the richness of Samoan home-style cooking.
A standout dish loved by regulars is Sapasui Māmoe, the beloved Samoan chop suey prepared with tender cuts of lamb and slurpable vermicelli noodles soaked in rich seasonings. Meat lovers also gravitate toward Falai Maukegi Māmoe—lamb stir-fried with generous chunks of sweet island pumpkin—and Falai Pī Māmoe, a fragrant mix of garlic, lamb, and sweet green peas. For those seeking comfort in a warm sauce, the Kale Moa serves up tender chicken simmered gently in an aromatic island-style curry.
From the oven come succulent roasted favourites including slow-cooked Māmoe (mutton), juicy baked chicken pieces, and Pīpī (baked turkey tails). Diners can pair these hearty mains with authentic Island staples such as firm, steamed taro root, cooked green bananas (fa’i), or fluffy white rice. To balance the feast, the chilled surimi salad delivers a creamy, cool crunch that rounds out any hot plate.
Good Day Catering operates both as a casual walk-in kitchen and a full-scale caterer for functions across the Waikato region. For day-to-day lunch visits, guests can customise meals to suit their appetite, ordering combos, pair plates, or building the Big Samoan Lunch that combines hot favourites, oven meats, and traditional sides.
For family milestones, corporate gatherings, church events, and private celebrations, Good Day provides substantial catering support. Their signature food trays offer generous portions of crowd favourites, allowing hosts to share authentic island dishes seamlessly without fuss. With scheduled pickups from the Frankton kitchen and delivery options across Hamilton and the wider Waikato, the team takes pride in relieving event stress through attentive service and plentiful portions.
No Samoan meal is complete without something sweet, and the bakery section at Good Day is a major attraction in its own right. Freshly baked every day, treats like Panipopo—golden, pillowy buns baked in rich, sweet coconut milk—offer pure comfort. Visitors also line up for Panikeke, the iconic round deep-fried Samoan pancakes, alongside traditional Suafa’i banana pudding and Supoesi papaya pudding.
Pair a fresh batch of panikeke with a cold cup of Vai Fala—a refreshing island drink made from crushed pineapple and coconut milk—and you have the quintessential Pacific treat. Front of house, the family team keeps the atmosphere warm, relaxed, and full of positive energy, making every visit to Frankton a truly good day.