Fiji Airways Premier Lounge Chef De Partie, Graham Temo has been named Fiji Chef of the Year 2026 after taking top honours at the Crest Chicken National Salon Culinaire 2026.
The three-day competition, organised by the Fiji Chefs Association, was held from the 19th to the 21st of October at the Fiji National University's Nadi Campus which attracted more than 130 participants, with 155 entries across 17 classes.
Representing Fiji Airways, Temo competed against chefs from some of the country's leading hospitality establishments, including Laucala Island Resort, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Grand Pacific Hotel.
Apart from winning the overall title, Temo also received a Gold Medal for meeting the competition's highest standard.
The Chef of the Year challenge required competitors to prepare and present a three-course menu within three hours, featuring octopus for the entrée, lamb loin for the main course, and chocolate and local fruit for dessert.
Competitors were judged on their technical skills, organisation, food safety, creativity, presentation, flavour and overall execution.
Temo says years of dedication, sacrifice and passion for cooking have led to this defining moment in his career.
He says winning the title means a great deal to him and is more than an individual achievement, as it reflects his journey of perseverance, faith and the support of those who have believed in him.
Temo says being part of the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge team has challenged him to continually develop his skills and raise his standards as a chef.
He also acknowledged the support of his family, colleagues and leaders, and hopes his achievement will inspire others to follow their passion for cooking.
Meanwhile, Fiji Airways Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Paul Scurrah says Temo brings skill and passion to the lounge every day, and it is wonderful to see him recognised on a national stage.
Scurrah says the achievement comes soon after Condé Nast Traveler readers voted the Fiji Airways lounge among the world's best, highlighting the talent behind the experience offered to guests.
Fiji Chefs Association President Rakesh Kumar says Temo's achievement reflects the talent in Fiji's culinary industry and the dedication required to reach such a high level.
