In Fiji, the culinary scene is vibrant and diverse, influenced by a range of cultures. With busy schedules, many people look for quick, healthy meal options. Unfortunately, when not cooking at home, they often resort to street vendors or restaurants, where barbecue predominates. This raises the question: why is barbecue the dominant street food choice, overshadowing other traditional dishes made from local ingredients?
To inspire local street food vendors to expand their offerings, the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Council, part of the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF), is organizing the inaugural Cook-Off on September 27.
The event will take place at Paradiso Restaurant and will feature 12 selected participants, showcasing the talents of individuals running food businesses, cloud kitchens, or home-based food operations. The goal is to highlight the creation of healthy, quick street food alternatives beyond the usual barbecue fare.
Watesoni Nata, chair of the MSME Council, expressed, “We want the people of Fiji to recognize that there is more to street food than just barbecue, whether during the day or night. We encourage the creation of a variety of quick, easy meals that can be enjoyed on the streets.”
With rising concerns over non-communicable diseases (NCDs), promoting healthy eating is crucial. Fiji is rich in fruits and vegetables, providing a wealth of options for nutritious street food.
The Cook-Off was officially announced on August 16 at the FCEF, with 300 tickets available for $30 each through Ticket Max. The competition is open to anyone enthusiastic about food, whether they’re in the industry or students.
Out of the 12 contestants, the top three will be selected by a panel of judges, with prizes of $3000 for first place, $2000 for second, and $1500 for third, along with a year’s membership in the MSME Council.
Chef Philippe Garand, known for his global culinary experience, will be one of the judges for the Cook-Off. He emphasized the need for creativity in using local ingredients to create diverse, quick street foods.
“It has to be more than just barbecue. We have so many options, and we want people in Fiji to realize that,” Garand stated. “We need skills, creativity, and the ability to use local produce to create something delicious and quick that people can enjoy.”
The MSME sector serves as a vital component of Fiji’s economy, with many enterprises being family-run or individually managed. The MSME Council plays a critical role within the FCEF, which prioritizes addressing the needs and recognizing the contributions of these businesses.
FCEF fully supports the MSME Council’s initiative and encourages food vendors to join the upcoming Cook-Off, aiming to celebrate culinary talents and foster lasting connections and growth opportunities.
The FCEF and the MSME Council are grateful for the support from various organizations, including the Fiji Development Bank, the Ministry of Trade, and the Reserve Bank of Fiji, among others.