Stretching east from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, the Southeast (SE) Asia region is nestled in the Indo-Pacific belt and therefore the influx of Southeast Asian cuisine to the Pacific region is explanatory.
The SE Asian region is a fascinating cultural crossroad that forms both a geographic and a culinary link between Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Let us admit it that SE Asian is one of the world’s most delectable and sought-after cuisines.
Having toured most of the SE Asian countries and residing in Myanmar for six months is a testament for my never-ending love for SE Asian cuisines. Culinary culture is intrinsically linked to lifestyle choices and hence in this edition, I aim to offer insights into the influx of SE Asian culinary experience in Suva, Fiji.
SE Asian cuisine, in my opinion, can be best described as a Picasso artwork palated with a fusion of exotic aromatic tastes combined with subtle complexity whilst the presentation is always bold and spectacular.
One of the primary reasons which makes me a fan of SE Asian cuisines is that it usually has no set courses. All the parts of a meal are usually served at once and eaten together. Therefore, as a result, the culinary experience is not an individual one, but an experience to be relished with family, friends, and the community.
This is clearly a lifestyle choice and if you have travelled to SE Asia, you will attest to the experience of family dining in groups which might not be so common in Western cities.
Usually, my preference to dine out at a SE Asian restaurant in Suva, Fiji would either involve celebration of a family event or dining with a close group of friends. balance of salty, sour, sweet, hot and cool flavours.
An Pho, Vietnamese restaurant in Garden City Suva is one of my go to places for a Vietnamese favourite, pho – a light broth containing flat rice noodles. A squeeze of lime juice, dollop of pungent fermented fish paste, a twist of basil, chilli flakes, and a pinch of cilantro fused gives it the perfect balance.
The Laksa, which typically is not a traditional Vietnamese dish and usually is much more famous in Malaysia and Singapore, is one of my favourites at An Pho in Suva. In life one needs to maintain a perfect balance and hence eating balanced meals is usually a lifestyle choice for greater longevity.
There is usually a stereotype that SE Asian cuisine is entirely dominated by spicy curries. However, apart from the curry selections, salads are another highlight of the wide variety of cuisines on offer from this region.
The famous Thai shredded green papaya served with a refreshing mix of crunchy nuts, aubergine, sour lime and chilli is clearly a favourite. Apart from the Nutta Thai kitchen in Lami, Fiji it is difficult to find the authentic Thai experience in Suva.
Speaking of salads, I used to love the local tomato salad in Myanmar, seasoned with chickpea flower, sesame seeds, garlic and fresh leaf coriander which was utterly scrumptious.
For those who chose a healthy lifestyle, the SE Asian salads on offer are clearly underrated in my opinion and more restaurants in Suva, Fiji need to offer this as part of their menu.
Reflecting its strategic position at cultural crossroads between China, India and Melanesia, as well as trade routes with the Arab world and African coast, SE Asia has fused the recipes and produce of its immigrants and traders with indigenous spices to create an array of unique dishes.
Speaking of spices, Friday and Saturday nights in Suva, Fiji just got spicier in Suva.
KANU Suva’s new Sri Lankan chef introduces traditional specials of HOPPERS, curry and a fiery stir fry which is intended to tantalise your tastebuds.
My usual preference for Sri Lankan food is Chef Lanka Wine & Dine Fiji restaurant located in Tamavua which offers mouthwatering dishes complemented with the most soul soothing view.
To sum up this edition, if you are missing out on the five flavours of life – salty, sweet, bitter, sour and spicy – indulge in an authentic SE Asian culinary experience in Suva, Fiji and if you find the opportunity, travel to the SE Asia region to experience the lifestyle and culinary culture which will leave you craving for more.
• AVANEESH RAMAN is the content curator of blog The A Connection – https://theaconnection.blogspot.com/. The views expressed in this article are his and may not necessarily be shared by this newspaper. For more, log on to www. fijitimes.com.fj
