Lavaki, Fihaki use local ingredients to conquer Reality TV competition

Season Two of the reality TV show ‘ The Pacific Island Food Revolution’ ended with Krystelle Lavaki and Sikipio Fihaki announced winners on Thursday night.

Surrounded by families and friends at the Café 30, the duo team ‘ Have To Can’ were speechless as they received the $ 5000 cash prize.

As owner of ‘Lady Kupcake’, Ms Lavaki said: “Winning the Food Revolution is a huge thing for us and to be honest, we never thought we would get past the Fiji rounds because we are not qualified chefs.

“One thing we made sure of was using ingredients we were familiar with, stuff we grew up with and always keeping it simple as much as possible.”

The Food Revolution is an innovative, multi-mediabased intervention using the power of reality TV as well as traditional and social media to encourage people to make better food decisions.

It was developed by celebrity chef Robert Oliver, Pacific health experts, foodies and communicators.

The duo dedicated the win to their parents as their source of inspiration and reason for their food interest. “I dedicate the win to my mum because she taught me at a very young age that I can be anything I wanted. She always had the time and patience to teach me how to do the most complicated and simplest things and for that I pay homage to her for the patience and time she took out to show how beautiful food can be,” Ms Lavaki said.

“My parents have been the basis of flavours and taught me to keep it real and simple,” said Niu Grillz owner Mr Fihaki.

“This show has given us the opportunity to make healthy food that is accessible to everyone and not making a healthy dish that is hard for people to cook or have expensive ingredients.”

The show aims to activate local cuisine knowledge and excite people into eating fresh, local and indigenous food.

I dedicate the win to my mum because she taught me at a very young age that I can be anything I wanted. She always had the time and patience to teach me how to do the most complicated and simplest things and for that I pay homage to her for the patience and time she took out to show how beautiful food can be. Krystelle Lavaki Pacific Island Revolution winner

Photo: Kelera Sovasiga Pacific Island Food Revolution Season Two winners, Sikipio Fihaki and Krystelle Lavaki were presented with a tanoa and cheque from Australian Counsellor-Development Cooperation, Joanna Houghton and New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner, Michelle Podmore.