Think Fiji and you might start daydreaming of powder soft beaches and azure water the temperature of a bath. Food is probably not the first thing that springs to mind.

But that could be about to change. Although Fiji has historically, and perhaps unfairly, suffered from a poor reputation for food, the destination’s dining scene has evolved to become a major part of Tourism Fiji’s marketing efforts.

Fijian cuisine has reemerged over the past few years as a force to be reckoned with, enriched by its cultural diversity to stand out in the south pacific. Here, Indian, Chinese, Polynesian and native Fijian culinary traditions come together to create something quite unique.

So forget those outdated perceptions of boring buffets and mournful menus, and get with the times.

We round up five of the best ways to get a taste of Fiji:

1. For a holiday with a flavoursome twist, head to the Coral Coast.

Why? Because Nanuku Auberge Resort recently beat off strong opposition from the upper echelon of Fiji’s hotels and resorts to snap up the Dining Experience Award at the 2016 ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards.

Garden fresh, organically grown produce and fresh caught seafood and the finest of imported meats all blend to create a fabulous fusion of both international and Fijian dishes.

Guests can even take part in a Nanuku Food Safari that will take them to local markets, a mud crab farm and to catch freshwater prawns with those very ingredients prepared by the resort’s culinary team and served for dinner.

In business for less than two years, the hotel has placed significant emphasis on food and beverage in order to help position Fiji as the “culinary capital of the South Pacific”.

Are its efforts working? There’s only one way to find out…

2. Check out the work of Aussie celebrity chef Lance Seeto on Castaway Island

Simplicity is the key at Lali Sandbar restaurant on Castaway Island in Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands chain, and at first glance the low-key dining set-up on the sand may not seem like much. But a knife and fork are all you need to discover why this joint has been celebrated by both guests and food critics since the launch of Aussie chef Lance Seeto’s 1808 concept menu.

Seeto spent more than four years travelling around the Fijian islands to develop an in-depth understanding of the local cuisine before devising the menu which fuses the Chinese, Indian and Fijian flavours that have simmered in Fiji’s metaphorical cooking pot during its history with some of his own touches.

Since its launch, he has become something of a culinary champion for Fiji, working with the national carrier Fiji Airways as culinary brand ambassador and other major players such as ultra luxury cruise line Seabourn to spread the word. Just a month ago, he presented a series of signature dinners and cooking classes aboard Seabourn Odyssey as it made its way from Sydney to Fiji on a 15-day voyage through the Pacific islands.

3. Find out how another Aussie chef is making waves over at Laucala Island. 

Executive chef Anthony Healy focuses on creating “refined” seasonal menus from fresh produce mostly grown on the island or harvested from the surrounding seas for his Plantation House Restaurant on Laucala Island.

Under his belt, Healy has experience at luxury Australian reef resorts such as Lizard Island and Hayman Island and who has also gathered experience at La Cote Saint Jacques in France.

Think dishes such as line-caught Walu with fennel, citrus and heart of palm, Laucala-farmed quail with artichoke, coral trout, coconut, samba, spiked eggplant and, for dessert, apple caramel parfait with Fiji vanilla ice cream.

Menus change daily and are simply described on the menu in order to maintain the element of surprise, with lobsters ever present.

“We offer an eight course menu every night, and if you come to the restaurant every night during your stay you will not receive the same dish twice,” Healy said.

Is your stomach grumbling yet?

4.  Learn how to cook the “Fijian way”

Even more satisfying than simply tucking into some local Fijian fare, is the experience of actually cooking it yourself. Flavours of Fiji offers interactive half day cooking classes at fully equipped individual cooking stations that will inject a serious dose of foodie fun into any holiday.

Menus are diverse, ranging from Fijian feasts to Indian thalis and tropical sweets. Taking place daily, the classes catering to everyone from experienced cooks to beginners and even kids.

The action kicks off each morning at the markets where you’ll shop for the freshest produce before heading back to rustle up some delicious dishes that you’ll then be able to devour with your hosts sharing their techniques, hints and stories that will give you a real insight into Fijian cuisine.

5. Take a food safari to a rural mountain village

Image credit: www.fiji.travel

If authentic cuisine is your flavour, then this is the experience for you. Great Sights Fiji Tours will carry you off by 4WD to Navilawa Village deep within Koroyanitu National Park where you’ll get a comprehensive introduction to the local cuisine in just half a day.

Getting there is half the adventure. The journey begins at the base of Mount Batilamu in Nadi, climbing up to the head of the “sleeping giant” and then winding along the Sabeto River until you arrive at Navilawa. There you’ll be greeted with a ‘Sevusevu’ or traditional kava ceremony in the community hall where you’ll be blessed by the village chief before you join in with the Fijian ways of preparing and cooking food before feasting on the results.

Need to walk off all that food? Then join the Great Sights Fiji Guide for a brief walk into the rainforest which ends at a natural cave by a refreshing swimming hole, or take a tour of the village.

Hungry for more? Visit Fiji Airways now to satisfy your craving!