cat whines or meows when in the kitchen

hello, we just got a new cat, its my first cat and he's 12 weeks old. he is sweet, playful and affectionate. but everytime me and my husband are in the kitchen my cat just whines or meows..his got plenty of food and water on his food bowl...does anyone know what that behavior means?
thanks

Welcome to TCS. It may be that he is just looking for attention when he sees you are otherwise occupied, or it may be that he has already worked out that this is where the food comes from and he wants a treat!