BY INDY MAEALASIA

A celebration of traditional taste and culinary creativity took center stage yesterday, Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at the National Trade Fair SINU Village, where a cooking competition showcased the richness of local cuisine.

The competition featured contestants; Leandra Imbe, David Iro and Alfred Rifalu, each presenting their unique culinary skills, island flavors and creativity to impress the judges.

First contestant, Leandra Imbe presented a local Guadalcanal dish known as “Chululu”, a local delicacy made with purple yam, “Ovibaka”, slippery cabbage and thick coconut cream.

During the first yam harvest, we prepare the yam by cooking it with slippery cabbage and freshly squeezed coconut cream. The dish is prepared in a traditional bowl called a “tambili” and is first shared with the children, without adding any extra flavoring, just the natural taste of the yam and coconut,” Imbe said.

The second contestant, David Iro showcased a modern twist on traditional ingredients with his dish which was grilled reef fish served with baked kumara and vegetables.

“This is a very simple and healthy meal that anyone can prepare at home for lunch or dinner,” Iro said.

Meanwhile, Alfred Rifalu, the third contestant displayed baked chicken wrapped with slippery cabbage, ngali nut and coconut cream, served alongside baked kumara.

“I chose only local ingredients from the market and I believe this dish is a good example of healthy eating,” Rifalu said.

The competition’s judging criteria focused on taste, presentation, creativity and use of local ingredients.

The winner of the competition is expected to be announced on Thursday, the final day of the fair.

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