Taste Of Paradise

OVERVIEW

Watch traditional Fijian cuisine being prepared and sample the dishes as soon as they are ready. Before Fiji was colonized, the diet consisted mainly of tubers, coconuts and fresh seafood, which are still staples. But over time, Indian, Chinese and British influences have altered the cuisine by introducing spices and other ingredients. One of the traditional dishes that you will see being prepared is Kokoda, a ceviche-like raw fish that is marinated in lemon or lime juice. Fresh coconut milk, which you will also sample, is added to balance the acidity of the juice. Kokoda is so popular that it has become the national dish of Fiji. You can also expect to see how other dishes are prepared, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked for hours in an underground oven known as a lovo. This style of cooking is usually reserved for large feasts, holiday gatherings and other special occasions.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe several traditional Fijian dishes such as Kokoda being prepared.
• Sample the dishes and come away with a deeper appreciation for Fijian cuisine.
• See how Fijians traditionally cook food in an underground oven known as a lovo.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.