Fiji Times Sunday 28 May 2017 TOMORROW a groundbreaking culinary event descends upon on Denarau Island — Master Class Fiji — and all of Fiji’s aspiring young cooks are invited. The week-long event is a once in a lifetime chance to cook alongside some of our best local and international chefs, especially if you are a female cook trying to break into what is traditionally a male-dominated professional.
Whether it’s because of the extreme pressure, sweat or heated shouting in the professional kitchen, few women have made it to the top ranks of Fiji’s resorts. Which is ironically strange because they have a big advantage over the boys when it comes to cooking with love.
Traditional role in the kitchen
Regardless of race or creed, it is usually the women who spend the most time in a traditional household. Cultural traditions often dictate a women’s role in the family but especially the kitchen, something I have witnessed across most of our island communities. While some may say it is sexist in the 21st century, the reality is that Fiji is steeped in cultural tradition, and we all know who are the best home cooks are anyway – mum! Read more…
