traditional lovo dinner experience
Join us for a unique and intimate Lovo dinner at Simione & Lavenia Saravanuas home. Simione and Lavenia are the directors of Saravanua Transfers and tours and they welcome you to join them and their family for a traditional experience you wont forget. Located just five-minutes drive from the Marriott Hotel, The hosts promise a genuine immersion into their traditional Fijian culture. Savour the flavours of a traditional Lovo feast, where food is cooked in an earth oven, and enjoy an evening filled with cultural richness. This exclusive event promises a truly traditional and meaningful experience, connecting you with the heart of Fiji’s heritage.
NIGHT DINNER
4:00 PM – Arrival and Welcome
- Guests are picked up from the Marriot Hotel
- Traditional Fijian welcome with a “Bula!” greeting and a garland of flowers.
- Brief introduction to the significance of the Lovo feast in Fijian culture.
4:30 PM – Kava Ceremony
- Begin with a traditional Kava ceremony, an integral part of Fijian hospitality and culture.
- Guests learn about and participate in the ceremonial preparation and serving of Kava, a mildly narcotic drink made from the ground roots of the Yaqona plant.
5:00 PM – Tour of the Lovo Preparation
- Guests are shown the Lovo pit and learn about the traditional method of cooking.
- Explanation of the different foods being prepared, including the techniques and ingredients used.
5:30 PM – Sunset Photos with views
- While the Lovo meal cooks and the sunsets, guests can take photos with the pacific ocean as your backdrop.
6:30 PM – Unearthing the Lovo
- Guests gather around the Lovo pit for the unveiling of the cooked meal.
- The food is removed from the earth oven, showcasing the unique cooking method and the delicious, smoky aroma of the feast.
7:00 PM – Dinner
- The Lovo feast is served buffet-style, featuring the variety of dishes cooked in the Lovo.
- Guests are invited to enjoy their meal, complemented by traditional side dishes, salads, and local fruits.
8:00 PM – Relaxation
- Post-dinner, guests can relax and ask any questions or hear any fijian story they wish to know.
9:00 PM – Departure
- Guests depart and return back to their accomodation with a heartfelt “Vinaka” (thank you) and fond memories of a unique cultural experience.
Traditional Lovo Dinner
What is a Lovo:
A Lovo is an ancient Fijian cooking technique where food is cooked in the earth. It’s a communal and celebratory method, often used during significant events and gatherings. The process involves digging a pit in the ground, heating stones in the pit with firewood, placing the food on top of the stones, and then covering everything with banana leaves and earth to cook for several hours. This method imparts a unique, smoky flavor to the food.
Typical Dishes in a Lovo Feast:
Palusami: This dish is made from taro leaves filled with coconut milk, onions, and sometimes meat or fish, then wrapped in foil and cooked in the Lovo.
Taro Root (Dalo): A staple in Fijian cuisine, taro root is cooked until soft and often served as a side dish.
Kasava (Tapioca Root): Another root vegetable that is a staple in the Fijian diet. It’s peeled, sliced, and then cooked in the Lovo, resulting in a soft and fluffy texture.
Fish or Meat: Fish, chicken, pork, or lamb are marinated with traditional Fijian spices and then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in the Lovo. The slow cooking process makes the meat incredibly tender and flavorful.
Coconut Milk: A key ingredient in many Fijian dishes, adding a rich, creamy texture and flavor.
Serving:
The food is typically served buffet style, allowing guests to experience a variety of flavors and dishes. It’s often accompanied by fresh fruits, salads, and local beverages.