Abel Nanovu, a 27-year-old native from Yasawa-i-Rara, is proof that overcoming adversity can lead to success. Growing up in Raiwai, where peer pressure and crime were commonplace, he was guided by his parents through the teachings of the church, which helped him chart a positive path.
From a young age, Abel aspired to be a professional chef. He recalls his childhood visits to the Travelodge (Holiday Inn) in Suva with family, where he first met Chef Naidu, whose culinary skills inspired his passion for cooking. He began his journey by mastering simple dishes, eventually moving on to more complex flavors and techniques as he honed his skills. Abel’s determination blossomed during Year 11 at Marist Brothers High School, and he later pursued a Certificate III in Cookery at Fiji National University, laying the groundwork for his culinary career.
“Formal education is important because it’s the foundation of intellectual development,” he emphasizes, highlighting the significance of training in shaping his understanding of flavors, cultural experiences, knife skills, and time management. His first major culinary competition in Fiji was in 2017, marking a significant milestone in his journey.
Abel’s professional career took off with an attachment at Plantation Island Resort, followed by a position at Holiday Inn Suva, where he learned under inspiring leaders like sous chef Sitiveni Rabici and head chef Apikali Ratumaiwai. Though moving abroad was a tough decision, he chose to seek better opportunities for his family. His time in Australia proved transformative; he quickly rose to the position of head chef, a role he embraced while maintaining a strong team spirit and a commitment to providing excellent service.
Working in a high-pressure environment, where he managed kitchens serving 250 to 300 guests nightly, Abel discovered the importance of teamwork and resilience. “I was being ‘seasoned to perfection,’” he noted, reflecting on his growth in the culinary arts. His faith plays a crucial role in his life, as he seeks guidance from the “Great I Am” before every shift, with his family serving as his main motivation.
His dedication and hard work have been recognized with two promotions and the prestigious Silver Eminence Awards, thanks in part to mentorship from Ainslie Bond. Abel identifies passion, composure under pressure, and smart working as critical traits for success in the culinary world.
Looking toward the future, he dreams of becoming an internationally recognized chef within the next five years, believing that the “Great Divine” has significant plans for him and his family. To the youth of Fiji, he offers this heartfelt advice: “Always put God first. Be yourself. Be faithful in the small things — because those will carry you far.”
In a culinary landscape that is both challenging and rewarding, Abel Nanovu stands as an inspiring figure, symbolizing hope and the power of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams.