Sashimi, Coconuts & Kokoda – From the Sea to the Plate

The tropical waters around Fiji abound with sea life. Thousands of years ago it was primarily reef and maritime eco-systems that provided food for the Lapita people, Fiji’s first settlers. They must have been excellent harvesters, gatherers and in due course custodians. You too can experience the hunter gatherer vibe during your stay.

Today the settlers’ descendants live on, continuing to rely upon and harvesting resources in ways very similar to their forebears. The only real differences are that there is now a bigger population, and there have been technological advancements in boats, engines and fishing gear, leading to more pressure on the ecosystems.

Many communities including the tourism sector are now more actively involved in managing these precious resources than ever before, while incorporating the basic harvesting principles of thousands of years ago.

You too can easily share the hunter-gatherer vibe. Probably the easiest way is to hire a spot on a boat that will let you keep a fish for dinner. Out you go and if all goes according to plan you will bring home a fresh feed for that evening. Your resort will be happy to prepare it for you, however you would like.

Another way would be to join some village kids as they fossick for bush chillies and seasonal fruit. Perhaps try your hand at climbing a coconut tree for some fresh coconut milk and meat. Or more prudently look for mature fallen coconuts.

How you eat your catch depends a bit on what you catch and individual preference. Many fish here are delicious eaten sashimi style. Ask your captain to bleed the fish when caught. Cut correctly, with some wasabi and soya sauce, they are simply delicious. Go on, if you like that sort of thing, give it a go! Otherwise, or in addition, ask the kitchen to fry it up, perhaps with some cassava chips and a salad! Or ask for it to be prepared as the Fijian delicacy kokoda.