About Us

Back to My Roots – Tastes of the Pacific

Back to My Roots – Tastes of the Pacific is more than a name; it is a journey of culture, family, and tradition.

Ray was born in Vanuatu, from Mele Village, surrounded by the deep heritage of kava and its role in community life. I grew up in Vanuatu at Club Hippique on Namba Tu Lagoon, where my community included families from Tanna, Paama, and Pentecost, just a short distance from Erakor Village. Kava was always at the heart of gatherings, connection, and respect.

I have been drinking kava for over 20 years. Long before kava could be commercially sold in Australia, we would help coordinate orders through seasonal workers at the company we worked for. Every Friday and Saturday night, workers and friends would gather at our place to share kava together. We fondly nicknamed this space the Eubenangee Blu Laet Nakamal — a place of laughter, stories, and unity.

As our passion grew, so did our vision. We first became known as Vanuatu’s Kava House Australia, introducing noble kava to Australians, and continuing to enjoy it with family and friends from Vanuatu working in Australia, who valued authenticity and tradition. Today, under the name Back to My Roots, we carry forward that same mission — honouring our heritage, supporting Vanuatu’s farmers, and sharing the true taste of the Pacific.

At Back to My Roots, every shell tells a story: of chiefs and community, of heritage and resilience, and of the bond between Vanuatu and Australia.