Fiji Airways has officially launched its Chef’s Table innovation, a new Fijian fine-dining experience for all travellers to savour at the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge at Nadi International Airport.
It’d be fair to say that Fiji’s Nadi Airport has never been renowned for its fine-dining offerings, until now.
As of 21 May 2024, any traveller can now reserve a seat at the new Chef’s Table, regardless of the airline they are travelling with.
Created to immerse travellers in “Fiji’s rich history and cultural diversity”, the new four-course culinary offering is served in a private dining space within Fiji Airways’ stylish Premier Lounge at Nadi Airport.
With a farm-to-table approach, Fiji Airways says the bespoke menu will change throughout the year to feature the freshest seasonal produce direct from local farmers and markets.
Aimed at passengers in transit, the curated four-course experience, which costs FJD$150 (AU$100), includes a complimentary cocktail or mocktail on arrival, followed by a tasting platter, appetiser, main course and dessert.
There are up to three sittings available each day and each sitting can accommodate up to 10 guests at one time, lasting between 60-90 minutes.
Chef’s Table guests also get complimentary access to the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge, complete with state-of-the-art amenities to unwind and relax which makes it a pretty compelling offer.
How does the Chef’s Table work?
- Chef’s Table is available to all travellers to book, no matter the airline they are travelling with
- Fiji Airways guests must pre-book via the Chef’s Table booking form on fijiairways.com with more than 24 hours notice
- There are up to three sittings available each day. Lunch is available to book at 1.00 pm, and dinner is available at 6.30 pm. A second dinner sitting is scheduled to launch later in the year
- Each sitting can accommodate up to 10 guests at one time and will last between 60-90 minutes.
- The Chef’s Table is provided in a private dining area of the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge at Nadi International Airport
- Prices start from $150 FJD per person (AU$100) for the four-course meal, with all ages welcome
- The experience features a complimentary cocktail or mocktail on arrival, followed by a tasting platter, appetiser, main course and dessert
What’s on the menu?
TASTING PLATTER: COCONUT – THE TREE OF LIFE
- Lolo rice arancini, young coconut (bu) noodles with smoked Tahitian chestnut (ivi) and coriander pesto, coconut apple (vara) with sea salt and chilli flakes, and coconut water shot.
- As the curtain-raiser to our degustation menu, we present the prolific coconut in its myriad forms, celebrating its ability to captivate the palate and transport diners to our sun-kissed shores.
APPETISER: KUSIMA – FROM THE SEA
- Spiced seaweed & coconut jelly (lumi), tempura sea grapes (nama), fresh yellowfin tuna, wild-caught ocean water prawns, ginger & wasabi espuma, tomato caviar and pumpkin fronds.
- Indulge in the essence of the ocean with our second course, which evokes the Fijian concept of “kusima” — a symphony of sea flavours.
MAIN COURSE: FIRE & SMOKE
- Lamb two ways – flame-grilled tenderloin, six hour braised & smoked lamb, cassava pave, braised cabbage puree with a balsamic onion mousse.
- This course is inspired by open-fire cooking, which is prevalent in kitchens around the country, including roadside barbecue culture and Fijian street food.
DESSERT: SUGAR & SPICE
- Curry leaf & cardamon ice cream, spiced steamed pudding (purini) and mango lassi.
- This dessert recipe celebrates the influence of Fiji’s Indian population on Fiji’s cuisine by introducing delicious exotic spices.
“We are thrilled to introduce Chef’s Table, a new culinary journey that celebrates the essence of Fiji and redefines the expectations of airport lounge dining,” says Fiji Airways CEO and Managing Director Andre Viljoen.
“Our talented local chefs have combined traditional Fijian cooking methods with modern culinary techniques to delight your senses with every course. Each dish will reveal a story about Fiji, paying homage to the nation’s people, its myriad of cultures and its rich history,” adds Viljoen.
“We believe that every aspect of the travel experience should be exceptional, and our new Chef’s Table fine dining offering reflects our commitment to providing our guests with unparalleled service,” explains Viljoen.
Fiji Airways’ new Chef’s Table experience launch follows a record year for the airline in 2023, carrying a staggering 2.1 million passengers marking an impressive 57 per cent lift from 2022.
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2024, the airline is already ahead of 2023 by 9.5 per cent and on track for another record end-of-year financial result.
Read: FTE 2024: Fiji Airways thanks agents for two record years of “Growing together”
Read: FTE 2024: Tourism Fiji on track to beat record 2023; More Australian visitors incoming
