Celebrity chef to showcase local ingredients

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Chef Duncan Welgemoed, the visionary behind Adelaide’s Africola, brings his bold flavours and vibrant style to Fiji this January. Picture: SUPPLIED
Chef Duncan Welgemoed, the visionary behind Adelaide’s Africola, brings his bold flavours and vibrant style to Fiji this January. Picture: SUPPLIED

SOUTH Africa-born celebrity chef Duncan Welgemoed will be showcasing his craft to guests at two Fiji National Provident Fund-owned hotels, who will be hosting him later this month.

The Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH) and the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa released a joint statement yesterday highlighting details of the chef’s planned arrival into the country.

Welgemoed is known for his fearless approach to flavour and globally acclaimed dining experiences in his celebrated restaurant Africola.

Trained in France and now residing in Adelaide, Australia, Welgemoed will bring his signature style through immersive dining events at the sister hotels.

The events will showcase a fusion of African-inspired cuisine with local ingredients, offering extraordinary taste for food enthusiasts and guest at the hotels.

General manager for FNPF owned IHG Hotels and Resort, Lachlan Walker said chef Welgemoed is one of the most dynamic talents in the culinary world.

“His ability to create unforgettable dishes with local ingredients is an incredible opportunity for our guests,” Mr Walker said.

He said the GPH would highlight the finale of the chefs visit in Suva, while exclusive experiences will be showcased at the InterContinental Fiji, Natadola.

Event highlights include:

  • Dop & Chop (InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa): A three-course gastronomic journey at Navo Signature Restaurant on January 16–17, featuring dishes such as raw snapper with coconut milk and slow-smoked wagyu rump.
  • Shebeen Pop-Up (InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa): An elevated street food experience at Kama Lounge on January 19, offering creative bites like BBQ snapper baguette and cauliflower shawarma.
  • Eating House Beachside BBQ (InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa): A relaxed beachfront BBQ at Kama Beachfront on January 20, celebrating bold, smoky flavours.
  • The Real Makoya Grand Harbour Feast (Grand Pacific Hotel): A grand finale event at Na Toba Poolside in Suva on January 23, featuring a lavish spread of Africola’s signature dishes, live entertainment, and a Polynesian fire show.