The Pacific Island Food Revolution has introduced a new cookbook titled “Eat Pacific” at the EDEN restaurant in Samabula. The launch took place on Wednesday evening and coincides with the global TV series of the same name. The cookbook is curated by Robert Oliver, an award-winning chef and the host of the television show.
In her foreword, Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Mafile’u Pilolevu Tuita of Tonga praised the culinary heritage of the region, urging readers to cherish and protect the land and sea’s bounty as a cherished inheritance. The cookbook features a diverse selection of recipes from Fiji and other Pacific islands, spanning over 400 pages, and draws inspiration from the show’s successful third season.
During his address, Mr. Oliver emphasized the significant potential of Pacific cuisine, comparing it to the gastronomic identity of countries like Thailand. He expressed his vision for Pacific food to play a vital role in both the economy and cultural identity of the region, much like in other parts of the world where food is integral to national identity.
Lenora Qereqeretabua, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, commended Mr. Oliver’s efforts and remarked on the pride in showcasing Pacific food on an international platform. She highlighted that the cooking challenges within the show reflect ongoing issues in the region, particularly concerning the shift from traditional foods to processed ones, which is linked to rising non-communicable diseases.
The “Eat Pacific” cookbook is now available for purchase at Baka Bookstore located on McGregor Road in Suva, with plans for it to be stocked at the University of the South Pacific Bookshop shortly.