Shasha Ali with a one of her favourite dishes, Nasi Uduk, made with coconut rice, tempeh and served with cucumber and peanuts.

It was about this time last year Shasha Ali thought about taking her own life.

Now she's rediscovering the spice of life by sharing her love of food and culture with Auckland.

The West Harbour resident, who once worked for a women's refugee, has started up the pop-up Nusantara Indonesian Tea Cafe, serving traditional Indonesian and Malaysian vegan food.

The 31-year-old, who is originally from Singapore, wants to be an inspiration to others going through mental health illnesses, including other Muslims.

"As a minority and immigrant you feel you have to prove your worth in New Zealand," Ali says.

"Minority and Muslim cultures don't talk about depression, they just pass it off as the person being unwell or stressed."

The pop-up cafe started out as a free community meal for her neighbours when she lived in Ranui, West Auckland.

"Ethnic communities live in a culture of food and eating. They come together and eat. It's a tradition," Ali says.

"It's also about showing you care about that person you're sharing food with and you're caring for yourself."

Now Ali is raising funds to set up a regular stall at a market and eventually she plans to start a permanent cafe.

"I love markets. They are all about communities and connecting with the place you live in. It's about sharing the food you've grown or cooked."

Ali's feeling of depression started about four years ago.

"I think it's important for people to know to seek help before depression leads to suicidal thoughts."

It was through hard work and reaching out for help that Ali has turned her life around.

"It was hard to come out of it at first, I had to think about simple things like making a cup of coffee or feeding myself. I've learnt to enjoy every day as it comes even if it's a bad one."

The tea cafe will be hosting a community tasting at West Harbour Community Hub on September 28 from 3pm till 4.30pm.

Entry is by gold coin donation.

Ali has set up a kickstarter.com page for those who wish to help finance her business.

If you or a family member feel you need help, call the Depression Helpline on 0800 111 757, open daily from 8am to midnight.