From 18-20 October, thirteen women from Talanoa Treks’ four partner communities came together to share their recipes, learn, cook, and, very importantly – share in the eating of some fine local kana!
These ladies, along with others in their communities, are the ones who regularly prepare all the food enjoyed by guests on Talanoa Treks trips. This event provided a chance for them to get to know each other a bit better, share recipes and talanoa about all sorts of things, including about the ins and outs of feeding and hosting the hungry trekkers who visit their villages.
It was a busy few days, with the ladies enjoying a cooking class at Flavours of Fiji led by Ethee and her team, and they also heard from APTC Cookery Trainers Anne-Maree and Alisi about ways to improve food hygiene. Darren, the Executive Chef of The Rhum-Ba at Denarau, then took us on an exciting tour of their commercial kitchen and whipped up a special ‘Tuna Pokey’ for everyone to try.
The ladies overnighted in a traditional bure in the picturesque Sabeto Valley at Aviva Farms. They had the chance to visit Rise Beyond the Reef to learn some new handicraft weaving techniques, and a highlight had to be the early morning zumba class, set against the backdrop of the Sleeping Giant at the Sabeto Mudpools.
A big thank you to everyone who hosted and contributed to this event, including our MDF partners who co-financed the training. The ladies left for home feeling proud of what they know, proud to serve traditional Fijian cuisine, and perhaps also inspired and confident to try out some new dishes!