One hundred student and professional chefs have signed up for the annual Fiji Chefs Association National Salon Culinaire hosted by the Fiji National University’s Namaka Campus in Nadi.
Fiji Chefs Association vice president Amar Narayan said this year’s participants have been encouraged to focus on this year’s them of culture and heritage.
“We are very excited about this year’s competition and the participants that will be part of it,” Mr Narayan said.
“I would say it is totally different compared to previous years. It’s being run on a very different scale. We have more participants and sponsors, and we expect something unique and better from our participants this year.”
Association president Rakesh Kumar said the main awards up for grabs were the Fiji Chef of the Year, Fiji Pastry Chef of the Year and Fiji Young Chef of the Year.
“In addition to the major categories we are thrilled to introduce two new competition classes, the Fijian Cuisine Culture and Heritage which celebrates our rich traditions and native ingredients and the Vegan Class that reflects the growing global demand for plant-based innovation,” Mr Kumar said.
“This competition is not just about winning. It is about learning, sharing and elevating the culinary standards of our nation.
“It is a celebration of creativity, excellence and the vibrant flavours that define Fiji.”
