In most domestic settings, women rule the kitchen. However, a quick walk through any commercial operation or resort kitchen and it is largely male dominated.
But while this may be so for the majority of tourism properties, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort in Korotogo, Sigatoka, tells a different story.
There is a woman that heads that kitchen and her name is Priya Darshani. In an industry where the role of executive chef has traditionally been held by men, she was determined to create history. Growing up in Vatunawa, Sigatoka, known as the salad bowl of Fiji, she learned how to express herself through her love for cooking.
Ms Darshani attended Sigatoka Methodist Primary School and her secondary education was gained at Sigatoka Methodist College.
She later attained her National Training Council (FNTC) Trade Certificate in Commercial Cookery at the Fiji National University (FNU).
Today, Ms Darshani holds the title of Fiji’s first local female executive chef at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort where she manages a very large operation with around 85 staff and six restaurants.
She joined the resort in 2003 as a young and inquisitive trainee in a male dominated profession but she always had an ambition to one day run her own kitchen. On December 1, 2019, her dream finally came true after she was promoted to executive chef at the resort.
“My elevation is also a reflection of the dominant role of women in the kitchen at home,” the 37-year-old said.
“Fiji is very different to many overseas countries, as the cultural dominance of women at home remains strong and provides advantages to those seeking a professional career.
“With a workforce that has become accustomed to male leadership, I needed to apply my own management style and maternal instincts to install my inherent love of cooking for all those I was tasked to lead.
“And today, my kitchen is gender-balanced with 50 per cent females.” Ms Darshani has worked hard over her 20-year career and won numerous awards and recognition — both on the national and international stage — including winning Fiji Chef of the year at the Moffat Salon Culinaire.
She took home a bronze medal at the Global Chefs Challenge in Perth, Australia, competing against cooking gurus from Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific Island nations in 2013.
Ms Darshani also won best restaurant of the year at the Fiji Excellence in Tourism AON Awards, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort manager of the year in 2012 and Fiji Tourism Expo (FTE) master chef winner in 2014.
She has even received praises from resort general manager Darren Shaw who said the resort took pride in hiring and nurturing the talents of Fiji’s first female local executive chef in a large operational award-winning kitchen.
Under her guidance, the Outrigger kitchen team is the most awarded kitchen team in Fiji with a young team of dedicated individuals who have won all three major titles in the recent 2022 Moffat salon Culinaire — Fiji’s national chefs competition.
During the competition, the Outrigger team scooped the award for Fiji junior chef of the year, Fiji pastry chef of the year and Fiji chef of the year. “We have a very skilled team here at the Outrigger Resort and we take pride in our food and chefs.
“I, as a female, respect all cultures and genders providing equal opportunities among our kitchen team.
“The most important rule in our kitchen is treat people like you want to be treated and the result is we can see happy staff delivering happy services to guests.”
Ms Darshani said being a single parent after losing her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago, did not deter her from achieving her dreams.
“Being a single mum and balancing my work was not easy but excellence comes at a price.
“My son is my biggest inspiration and everything I do, I do it for him and my family.”
Her message to people who are passionate about food is “the right discipline, enthusiasm and passion — this will drive you to your goals and success.”
“Also to women out there, embrace your love and and turn it into a culinary profession.
“You can do anything you heart tells you to but in order to reach this, passion for food culinary profession. you will need to work hard.”
