In this episode of Bacon Butty, Daniel sits down with Kalliana Kong — better known as Wellingnoms, one of Wellington’s most trusted food voices.

Kalliana shares her story growing up in a Cambodian refugee family in Wellington, where food was central to daily life, and how that shaped her love of flavour, colour, and community. From her early days experimenting with Instagram to building Wellingnoms into a must-follow account, she talks candidly about the responsibility of reviewing, dealing with online criticism, and why she’s never monetised her passion.

We also dive into the role of influencers versus traditional critics, how social media has transformed the food landscape, and her hopes for Wellington’s dining scene — including her dream for a restaurant perched high above the city with harbour views.

Want to see Kalliana’s naan-based bacon butty creation? Head to www.ripplmedia.co.nz for photos.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Hospitality New Zealand – representing our industry for over 120 years. Learn more at www.hospitality.org.nz.

Upstock – Get your first month free at upstock.app/bacon.

Woodys Free Range – Get 15% off at woodysfarm.co.nz with the code BACONBUTTY.

Bacon Butty is made by Rippl Media – Daniel Todd, Karli Mitchell (Get Content.nz), Helen Lea Wall (Get Content.nz), and Sofia Wenborn.