Let’s Go Local: Plantation Island is the Place to Be: Moahmmed Arun
Executive chef Mohammed Arun’s most memorable part of his career was when he and his team cooked for the UK’s then royal couple, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
He was the head chef for the Grand Pacific Hotel.
Today, he is Raffe Hotels and Resorts Group’s executive chef.
Under the group, he oversees Plantation Island Resort, Lomani Island Resort and the Fiji Gateway’s menus.
Chef Arun was only 17 years old when he began his journey as a chef after migrating to New Zealand with his family.
Living abroad for many years, he dreamt of becoming a successful chef and one day give back to his place of birth.
“I did my apprenticeship with Regent Hotels and Resorts and I went overseas and enhanced my career in Australia,” he said.
“I’ve worked at some five-star hotels like Stamford Hotels for Hyatt Regency and some of the fine dine restaurants I ran in Australia and New Zealand.”
It was after this experience that Chef Arun decided to return to Fiji and make his dream a reality.
“I was at the GPH at the end of 2015 and later joined Raffe in 2019,” Mr Arun said.
“I catered for the royals and it’s all about our local food that we try to show off a little bit of our own home garden.”
Below is an excerpt interview with Chef Arun.
What Is The One Place You Would Take Visitors To And Why?
Plantation Island Resort to show guests what we’ve done with our marine and the farming at the back of the resort.
What Is Your Favourite Place For Coffee/Pie And Why?
CocoHut Café.
I think our coffee is quite lovely.
The best part about the coffee is the smile you get when you are served.
What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot And Why?
I would love to be around gardens, plantations, and herbs.
I spend my time out there, the fragrance of it, and I love to do my owngardening at home.
What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains On Your Bucket List And Why?
My home village in Nadi.
That is something which I will never forget.
In my younger days, I remember walking in my neighbourhood with no shirt and relaxing near the river.
I miss those days and if I get another chance to go and build a house there I would.
Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj
