Fijian cuisine is a fascinating blend of native Melanesian elements and influences from Indian, Chinese, and European culinary traditions, all coming together to create a distinct gastronomic tapestry on this archipelago in the South Pacific.
At the heart of traditional Fijian food is the concept of sharing and community, often seen during a lovo feast. Like the Samoan Umu, the lovo is an earth oven, and it’s a gathering point where food is slow-cooked, wrapped in banana leaves, imbuing everything from fish to root vegetables with an earthy, smoky aroma that’s truly celebratory.
Key staples include taro root and cassava (tapioca), which are often the base of meals. The aquatic bounty provides a wealth of seafood options, from reef fish to crustaceans, which are typically grilled, wrapped in banana leaves, or added to stews and curries.
Now, let’s talk coconut. ‘Kokoda’ is Fiji’s answer to ceviche or ‘Oka’: fresh fish marinated in citrus juice and coconut cream, harmonized with onions and a hint of chili—an absolute must-try for a taste of the local sea.
Another gem is the Palusami, made with taro leaves and coconut milk, sometimes filled with morsels of meat or fish—a simplistic dish that revels in its creamy, rich flavors.
But perhaps more than anywhere else in Oceania, Indian influence is evident in Fijian cuisine. Brought by Indian laborers during British colonial rule, the flavors of India took root. Today, curries, roti, and Samosas occupy an eminent place in Fiji’s culinary offerings. Not to forget the fiery Fiji chutneys, packing a punch alongside every dish.
However, much like its Oceanian neighbors, Fiji faces modern dietary challenges. The shift from traditional diets to more processed foods is tangible. The prevalence of cheap, imported products high in salt, sugar, and fats leads to nutritional concerns, particularly non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions.
Moreover, the increased reliance on imported food has significant environmental and economic impacts. Shipping food to the islands creates a carbon footprint and can also make Fijians more vulnerable to global market fluctuations.
Within this reality, there lay questions of sustainability: overfishing and the loss of traditional farming practices pose a long-term threat to the culinary heritage and food security of Fiji.
And while we celebrate the famous Fijian Lovo and the beautiful array of fish dishes, a silent conversation must be had about accessibility. Many tourists enjoy these pleasures, yet there is a dissonance when considering the dietary intake of some local populations, where the economic divide makes such feasts less common.
The truth of Fijian cuisine, steeped in traditions that cross oceans, is splendid. It’s in the interweaving of food practices over time, creating something utterly Fijian, that we see culinary resilience. But it is also within that tapestry that we must observe the patterns and warn of the fraying edges—to protect both the health of its people and the legacy of its kitchens.
Lani Tama