The Pacific Island Food Revolution has unveiled a new cookbook alongside its global TV series at the EDEN restaurant in Samabula on Wednesday evening. Titled “Eat Pacific,” the cookbook is created by renowned chef and TV host Robert Oliver, who leads the Pacific Island Food Revolution series.
The foreword for the book is penned by Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Mafile’u Pilolevu Tuita, the Princess Royal of Tonga. In her forward, she emphasized the global admiration for the Pacific region and its rich heritage of harvests, underscoring the importance of protecting local produce as part of their inheritance.
This extensive cookbook, exceeding 400 pages, showcases a variety of colorful recipes from Fiji and other Pacific islands, drawing inspiration from the popular TV show that is currently in its third season. During his address, Oliver spoke about the significance of promoting Pacific island cuisine and its role in the inspiration behind the cookbook.
He remarked, “Pacific food has immense potential. Look at countries like Thailand, where food is integral to the economy and national identity, spanning from five-star dining to street vendors. That is the opportunity I envision for the Pacific.”
Lenora Qereqeretabua, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, commended Oliver for his efforts. She noted that the cookbook serves as a continuation of the successful TV series, expressing pride in seeing their culinary heritage represented on international television.
Qereqeretabua also pointed out that the cooking challenges featured in the series addressed pressing issues in the region, which persist today. She highlighted the battle against non-communicable diseases resulting from the shift from traditional to processed foods.
She warned that it is only a matter of time before Pacific peoples become overwhelmed by the influx of processed foods.
The cookbook is now available for purchase at Baka Bookstore on McGregor Road in Suva, with plans for it to be sold at the University of the South Pacific Bookshop shortly thereafter.