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Captain Cook Cruises Fiji | Blog
When travelling, one of the best ways to experience a culture is to dive in and sample the local cuisine. In the case of Fiji, you might find you never want to leave after tasting the incredible range of food and drink that is on offer. With a philosophy and focus around using fresh, local ingredients, you can experience what the South Pacific has to offer while enjoying incredible views of the islands.
From internationally acclaimed restaurants to local family run diners, Fiji has a great selection of dining establishments to experience. Specialising in everything from traditional Indo-Fijian curries to Japanese Teppanyaki using seafood from the surrounding azure waters, there is no shortage of places to eat. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to meet the locals and get hands-on while learning about local foods and meals.
LOCAL PRODUCE AND INGREDIENTS
Situated in the South Pacific, Fiji basks in the hot sun and is surrounded by some of the clearest waters on the planet. The result is an incredible climate that supports the growth of delicious fruits and vegetables, as well as a thriving marine ecosystem. This contributes to a strong agricultural and seafood industry which provides the majority of food for this remote island nation, leaving little to be imported.
While in Fiji, take a walk through the markets and try some of the locally grown produce. You’ll find some of the sweetest bananas, juiciest watermelons and some of the richest coffee you’ve ever tasted. Why not try a local favourite, the Kavika, a sweet and crisp fruit that resembles an out-of-shape apple. Regardless of what produce you decide to try, you’ll taste the freshness and notice the difference between this locally grown food and the supermarket equivalent.
If you’re a fan of seafood, you’ve definitely come to the right place. With clear waters and a sustainable approach, these marine reserves offer some of the best fishing in the South Pacific. Red Bass and Giant Trevally grow big and strong before being caught and served fresh. This level of quality does not go unnoticed, with most of the restaurants on the island offering delicious seafood meals.
COOKING COURSES AND EXPERIENCES
Fiji is proud of its incredible cuisine and it shows with the number of culinary experiences available. Earn your meal with one of the many fishing expeditions that showcase these pacific waters or enjoy a relaxed tour of the country’s best wineries and plantations, before sampling some of the fruits and wines.
If you want to learn about the local culture and cuisine, why not enjoy a local cooking lesson? You’ll be in the hands of some of the most experienced chefs on the islands. Learn how to make delicious Kokoda (raw fish salad) or experience a traditional Lovo feast, eating delectable meat and root vegetables that have been cooked to perfection, while wrapped in banana leaf and buried underground.
RESTAURANTS IN FIJI
One of the best things to do while on holiday is to enjoy being cooked for. Fiji is home to a wide range of fantastic dining options, ranging from award-winning restaurants to smaller, hidden gems. Inspired by the rich cultural history of this small island nation, you can enjoy the incredible Indo-Fijian curries that have now become commonplace, or perhaps try a new Fiji-Asian fusion dish in one of the new Southeast Asian inspired restaurants.
If you’re feeling a little bit more adventurous, you can venture out and try a local diner and discover dishes that have been passed down through generations, and yet still continue to surprise. Family run restaurants and diners are an easy way to get a true taste of Fiji and its incredible foods on offer.
INTERNATIONAL CHEFS
With such a rich food culture in Fiji, it’s no surprise that many international chefs are attracted to its islands too. Lance Seeto, an Australian award-winning chef, international food and travel writer, author and television presenter based on Mana Island Fiji, will be joining passengers aboard Captain Cook Cruises 11 night Lau and Kadavu Discovery Cruise departing on 28 April 2015, as well as on the Four Cultures Discovery Cruise from 7th July 2015. Head chef Lance will be cooking up a storm for passengers and filming footage for his Fijian television show, Taste of Paradise. For more information or to book onto one of these once-in-a-lifetime adventures, contact Captain Cook Cruises on 02 9126 8160 today.
Let your tastebuds experience Fiji!
Fiji is the perfect place to try out unique and delicious Islander delicacies! Whether this is from a restaurant, a cooking course, or just from the local produce, you are guaranteed to have an amazing time in terms of food. Start planning for your trip today by taking a look at a number of our small ship cruises or holiday packages.
