About Us

Yompai is based in Gisborne, New Zealand. We import handcrafted Teak wooden utensils from Thailand.

All of the kitchen utensils are made in a small village in the north of Thailand, Baan Lek Nam Pai Yai, people we  personally know from having spent 13 years living and working in Bangkok.

We met some of the villagers who sold their handcrafts at the Bangkok Farmers Market. Over a couple of years of going to the market we got to know the people, their story, how they had started making utensils - (read about that here)

We loved the story, and we certainly loved the things they made, we bought quite a few different style spoons, chopping boards  and bowls. They were so beautifully crafted but we also loved they were made for use. We learned about teak and why it is such a highly prized wood, not only for building and furniture but also for kitchen utensils.

We returned home in 2017 to be with and help my father who had cancer. Needing to find work that was flexible I started to bring some of the kitchen utensils over in small quantities to sell at different markets in Gisborne, Ohope, Napier. It has grown from there.

We love that we can help friends and people we know. We love that doing what we are doing helps small communities and villages to have work with dignity. We are not an NGO but we buy direct from them. We pay them directly at the price they ask. All of your purchases from us help the villagers directly.

For me, one of my favourite things are the cups. Because Teak is waterproof you can use them for drinking from, even tea or coffee. I use mine most days for coffee.

 Please feel free to contact us if you have any queries paul@yompai.com or you can call if you have a question or query. Ph 0275114769

If you are a shop wanting to stock our products we are always happy to talk with you.

 Shipping overseas: We are based in NZ. Because of the cost of international shipping we currently do not sell outside of New Zealand and Australia. 

ph 0275114769

Our address is 

Yompai Limited

36 Kelvin Street

Gisborne

New Zealand 4010