Introduction: Bhajia are crisp, spiced vegetable fritters brought by Indian settlers, now a fixture at Fijian tea time, markets and Diwali gatherings, usually made with whatever vegetables are on hand. Cultural Background: Bhajia are crisp, spiced vegetable fritters brought by Indian settlers, now a fixture at Fijian tea time, markets and Diwali gatherings, usually made […]
Introduction: A simple coastal village soup, Suisi ni Ika combines the day’s fish catch with coconut milk and root vegetables, cooked slowly over an open fire in traditional settings and enjoyed as a warming, filling meal. Cultural Background: A simple coastal village soup, Suisi ni Ika combines the day’s fish catch with coconut milk and […]
Introduction: Duruka, sometimes called ‘Fiji asparagus’, is a native flowering grass unique to the islands, harvested seasonally and prized for its tender, nutty stalks — this light broth is a traditional way to showcase it. Cultural Background: Duruka, sometimes called ‘Fiji asparagus’, is a native flowering grass unique to the islands, harvested seasonally and prized […]
Introduction: Nama, or sea grapes, are a delicacy harvested from Fiji’s reefs and shallow waters, prized for their briny pop and unique texture, traditionally tossed simply with coconut cream and tomato as a refreshing side. Cultural Background: Nama, or sea grapes, are a delicacy harvested from Fiji’s reefs and shallow waters, prized for their briny […]
Introduction: A hearty, filling salad made from boiled cassava tossed in coconut cream and lime, often served alongside grilled fish or lovo feasts as a starchy counterpart to richer dishes. Cultural Background: A hearty, filling salad made from boiled cassava tossed in coconut cream and lime, often served alongside grilled fish or lovo feasts as […]
Introduction: A staple of Indo-Fijian households, this tomato-based fish curry reflects the fusion of Indian spice technique with Fiji’s abundant reef and ocean fish, commonly served at family dinners. Cultural Background: A staple of Indo-Fijian households, this tomato-based fish curry reflects the fusion of Indian spice technique with Fiji’s abundant reef and ocean fish, commonly […]
Introduction: Rourou, tender taro leaves simmered in coconut cream, is one of Fiji’s most fundamental side dishes, appearing at nearly every traditional meal alongside root vegetables and fish. Cultural Background: Rourou, tender taro leaves simmered in coconut cream, is one of Fiji’s most fundamental side dishes, appearing at nearly every traditional meal alongside root vegetables […]
Introduction: A popular grab-and-go snack sold at Fiji’s markets and roadside stalls, curry puffs are flaky pastries filled with spiced potato and vegetables, reflecting Indo-Fijian influence on Fiji’s street food scene. Cultural Background: A popular grab-and-go snack sold at Fiji’s markets and roadside stalls, curry puffs are flaky pastries filled with spiced potato and vegetables, […]
Introduction: Reflecting Fiji’s historic Chinese community, chow mein has become a beloved local street food, sold from roadside stalls and takeaway counters across Suva and Nadi, distinct in flavour from its Chinese origins after decades of local adaptation. Cultural Background: Reflecting Fiji’s historic Chinese community, chow mein has become a beloved local street food, sold […]
Introduction: Karjalanpaisti originates from Karelia in eastern Finland and is one of the country’s most beloved slow-cooked lunches, traditionally left to simmer for hours in a wood-fired oven while the household went about farm work. Cultural Background: Karjalanpaisti originates from Karelia in eastern Finland and is one of the country’s most beloved slow-cooked lunches, traditionally […]