By Tupou Vaipulu Jr

Malia Lolini Sime won the Heilala 2024 Best Chef competition, with her seafood dish a Fish Curry along with a twist on the classic Tongan dessert, a Faikakai Lesi (Pawpaw) on the second day of the Heilala Festival, 25 June in Nuku'alofa.

Malia won a cash prize of $1000 pa’anga. She showed her determination to win performing under pressure, thinking outside the box. When another contestant made her original dessert, Malia switched to her back-up dish. She whipped up a last minute Faikakai and instead of the classic Topai, Mei or Ngou’a, Malia took a risk and used what she had, Lesi.

First Runner-up Mele 'Akauola an 18-year-old Queen Salote College student, won a cash prize of $700 for her ‘Ota Ika and Faka’ovaka or Vailesi.

Mele was initially supposed to be Malia’s sous-chef. However, due to no-shows from three other contestants, Mele was asked to compete.

The second-runner up was Susana Heitukutonga, with a cash prize of $500 for her Miti Seafood that had seaweed, mussels and prawns and her classic Tongan dessert, a Faikakai Ngou’a.

Best Bartender 2024

In the afternoon only three of the five contestants turned up for the Best Bartender competition. But this meant that they all won prizes,

Mary Jane Fahamokio's spicy Margarita, infused with local Tongan chili peppers, dazzled the judges with its bold flavors and perfect balance. Representing a Waterfront Restaurant, Mary Jane won a cash prize of $1000.

Sauvaba Toge of Top Restaurant, was first runner-up with her coconut-cocktail, blended with Tongan coconut cream, with a hint of citrus and a cherry on top. She won a cash prize of $700.

Second runner up and cash prize of $500 cash was awarded to Rachel Kaihau of the Bill Fish Bar and Restaurant.