His mother Olivia has been living with the 23-year-old for a week and his father Tevita Pangai snr was set to arrive on Tuesday.
It is the home cooking of his mum, and in particular a Tongan dish made with taro leaves, coconut cream, onion and meat that has Pangai, and his favourite dining companion Matt Lodge, licking their lips.
The Brisbane forward said his mum had been a "huge" influence on him.
"Sometimes I get a bit excited when her cooking comes but she is always trying to slow me down and make sure I only have one plate," Pangai grinned.