Bula from Fiji.
The tomatoes I planted in our little yard have finally started to grow, and today, I was so happy to harvest three of them.
Holding these freshly picked, sun-warmed tomatoes in my hands instantly took me back to my childhood, recalling the memories of running around the backyard helping with our family vegetable garden.
Now, living here in Fiji, touching the warm soil and slowly growing various fruits and vegetables all over again brings a quiet sense of comfort to my days.
It’s been about two years since I moved to Fiji.
There are so many reasons why I fell in love with this country, but what I cherish the most is, without a doubt, the raw power of its nature.
Beyond the crystal-clear ocean, just being surrounded by the lush greenery is incredibly healing.
Watching the palm trees sway gently and looking up at the breathtaking, star-filled night skies, I often find myself deeply feeling, "This truly is a tropical paradise."
Out of all our daily routines here, my absolute favorite is visiting the local markets for fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish.
The markets are overflowing with fresh produce, and none of it is grown using chemicals.
Because everything is completely organic and natural, there are many times when the exact vegetable I’m looking for isn't available.
Yet, adapting to the natural seasons rather than demanding convenience feels wonderfully grounding and peaceful.
As a parent, cooking everyday meals for my children is a big part of my life.
I've always been a huge food lover and obsessed with trying different dishes—whether it’s exploring new restaurants or picking up unique treats at a deli.
My passion for food is so strong that a senior colleague at my old job once joked, "Your grocery bill must be through the roof! (laughs)."
While I’ve always enjoyed cooking, I started making almost everything from scratch after moving to Fiji.
Simply because the convenient ready-made bento shops and side-dish delis we have in Japan don't exist here.
Living in Fiji, working with whole local ingredients, and cooking daily meals for my family—I realized that this might be what I am best at and what I enjoy the most.
That realization is exactly why I decided to launch our new content series, "Tropical Recipes," running right alongside our regular journals.
For our very first feature yesterday, I shared a recipe for an easy, homemade Chicken Biryani—a beloved local favorite that is simple for anyone to make.
Every recipe I introduce will be easy and delicious.
I hope you enjoy trying them out and bringing a piece of Fiji's slow rhythm right onto your own dining tables!
[ View the Recipe ]
Embracing the Island Breeze and Spices: My Everyday Minimal Biryani from Fiji
Leave a comment