If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of Dhi Ferrari Cakes, consider this your sign. Tucked inside The Welder, a foodie hub in the heart of Christchurch, Dhi Ferrari has quietly become one of the city’s most exciting culinary talents—bringing Brazilian flair, European technique, and pure pastry perfection to local dessert lovers.
As Christchurch celebrates its vibrant Rainbow community, Oliver Hall meets the maker. He discovers Ferrari’s journey as a gay, Brazilian-born, award-winning pastry chef adds another rich layer to the city’s cultural and culinary scene.
From Brazil to Christchurch: A Sweet New Start
Dhi Ferrari’s journey to Aotearoa wasn’t part of the original plan. A celebrated pastry chef and chocolatier in Brazil, he ran one of Rio’s largest culinary schools and his own cake shop by the age of 21. But after years of hustle, he craved something new.
“I felt that because I started my business so young, I had missed out on other things—and NZ was a time for me to really enjoy life,” Ferrari explains.
Then came COVID, grounding him in Christchurch far longer than expected. Instead of being a setback, it became the moment he realised this city could be home.
“Life in Brazil is very hectic, and Christchurch is much more relaxed. I quickly understood that I could have the kind of life here that I couldn’t have at home.”
His Kiwi partner, Sam, was also a huge part of that journey. “Sam was my biggest motivation. He believes in me more than I believe in myself. I didn’t think I would have my own patisserie again, but in the first month of our dating he made me my website and encouraged me to open my own store.”
The Art of Pastry, Ferrari-Style
With a fusion of French, Italian, and Brazilian influences, Ferrari’s pastries are unlike anything else in Christchurch. “What really makes our cakes different is the blending of influences,” he says. “Our tiramisu is a Brazilian cake inspired by an Italian flavour, our French choux pastry is filled with Brazilian flavours, and my layer cakes aren’t filled with buttercream—they’re made with custard, chocolate ganache, or milk caramel.”
Beyond the glass display of exquisite cakes, Ferrari has another passion: teaching. His baking classes at The Welder have been an instant hit, selling out within hours.
“I used to say that teaching chose me—it was never my plan,” he says. “But I had the largest culinary school in Rio, and knowing that what I teach can change someone’s life in a country like Brazil, where jobs are hard to come by, is incredibly rewarding.”
The Rise of Christchurch’s Food Scene
Ferrari’s love for Christchurch extends beyond his own patisserie. He’s an advocate for the city’s food scene, which he believes is on the cusp of something big.
“The Christchurch food scene is amazing, and there’s potential for it to become very well known NZ-wide,” he says. “Many great places here are still waiting to be discovered.”
For those visiting during Pride Month, Ferrari has the ultimate foodie itinerary. “Unknown Chapter for Eggs Benedict, Story for a great dinner with friends, Casa Nostra for delicious Italian food, Arbour Woodfired Pizza, Sweet Soul for desserts, and Addington Coffee for excellent coffee.”
Pride, Community, and Sweet Support
While Christchurch has embraced Ferrari’s work, it’s been the LGBTQ+ community that first showed up for him.
“Many from the LGBTQ+ community were my first customers and continue to support me and share my work,” he says. “It’s also worth mentioning that Christchurch has a strong Brazilian community that has been incredibly supportive.”
Ferrari is just getting started. This year, he’s introducing Brazilian Easter cakes and a hot and cold dessert menu.
But one thing remains the same: his passion for making life a little sweeter, one cake at a time.
Dhi Ferrari Cakes can be found at The Welder, 20/26 Welles Street, Christchurch. Or follow on socials @dhiferrari.cakes
Photos | Chris Sharpe http://www.
