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Embark on a culinary journey to Fiji, where fresh, local ingredients and international influences celebrate the island's cultural diversity in a feast for the senses.
But in this island nation shaped by trade, international influences combine with the abundant local produce—from ocean-fresh fish to root vegetables like taro and cassava—to create a food culture that is a unique reflection of its cultural diversity.
“Fijian food is simple but packed with flavors,” explains Rafaele “Rafa” Galuvakadua, Chef de Cuisine of the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge at Nadi International Airport. Being surrounded by the waters of the South Pacific Ocean, seafood often takes center stage in Fijian dishes, including kokoda, a raw fish delicacy and one of Chef Rafa’s favorite dishes. “The freshness and saltiness from the fish is balanced with lime, the smokiness from the coconut cream, and just a hint of chili,” he says. A few times a year, and only when he can find the right kind of fresh fish, kokoda is put on the menu at the Premier Lounge.
Fiji Airways celebrates the rich diversity of Fiji's food culture, transforming the travel experience into an immersive cultural encounter. Experience a true taste of the archipelago with these culinary experiences recommended by Chef Rafa.
On Saturdays, his grandmother would bring seafood back in baskets from the market—a bounty that included a variety of fish, crab, lobsters, shellfish, mussels, and octopus—for a family get-together that included her 14 children and even more grandchildren.
During his childhood, Chef Rafa often watched his mother cook.
Through explaining the process and reasons why the dishes would turn out a certain way, she instilled in him a holistic approach to cooking that he upholds to this day. “She still nitpicks when she tastes the food I cook at home,” he says with a laugh, “but that brings me back to my happy childhood, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
At the Premier Lounge, he strives to recreate the flavors of his happy childhood, elevating them with modern techniques and standards to leave travelers with a lasting impression of his culture.
This collaborative approach has enabled the team to devise creations like the lounge’s signature dessert, the purini. Starting with the pastry chef’s grandmother’s recipe for the traditional steamed dessert, the team fine-tuned it through numerous trials to create a lighter version of the dessert that evokes a taste of their childhood but is presented with a modern twist.
“I believe there’s always an innovative way to elevate our cuisine, to make it more interesting for our customers,” says Chef Rafa, exemplifying Fiji Airways’ commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences.
“When it comes to food, Fiji has its own unique identity,” says Andrew Viljeon, CEO, Fiji Airways. “We try to adapt as many of these dishes as possible into our menu.” When he joined the national airline in 2015, it was ranked 100th in the Skytrax World Airline Awards. Today, the airline has leapfrogged into the 15th position, along the way recognized with multiple awards for onboard services, meals, seat comfort, and staff. “I am passionate about service and believe it should resonate through every aspect of the business,” adds Viljeon.
Full flight simulator training, initial Cabin Crew training, safety training, and other courses are conducted at the Fiji Airways Aviation Academy, a fully-integrated aviation training center near the airline’s Nadi International Airport hub, ensuring that local pilots and newly hired crew are trained with the Fijian touch.
By integrating traditional flavors with contemporary flair, Chef Rafa and his team continue to showcase the best of their culinary heritage to visitors from around the world, making every journey with Fiji Airways a memorable introduction to the heart and soul of this beautiful island nation.
Fiji Airways celebrates the rich diversity of Fiji's food culture, transforming the travel experience into an immersive cultural encounter. Experience a true taste of the archipelago with these culinary experiences recommended by Chef Rafa.
Fly to happiness with Fiji Airways directly from 26 destinations around the world, including Sydney, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Tokyo, with an extended network of over 100 international destinations through its codeshare partners.
