Sautala and Taste: Bridging Generations through Food

Food has a unique way of carrying history, and never was that more apparent than at the recent Sautala and Taste event. Together with TASI (Tuvalu Alliance for Sustainable and Inclusive Development), we had a beautiful day dedicated to celebrating Tuvaluan culture, but more importantly it served as a bridge between generations.

It brought together elders and their young to celebrate the stories, knowledge, and connections that food creates. From the stirring welcome, opening karakia, and waiata, the day was filled with cultural pride, laughter, and community spirit.

The event featured six traditional Tuvaluan dishes including Fakasakava Panikeni, Suasua, Ika Fakaasu, Solomei, and Palusami - all family favourites and dishes that have likely been passed down through generations. As grandmothers, aunties and cousins prepared each dish live and shared the origins, ingredients, and stories behind them, something special happened: the gap between the elders and youth seemed to melt away.

Seeing the young Tuvaluans completely captivated by their heritage was a true highlight. You could see the pride shining in their eyes as they watched their national dishes take center stage. Beyond being incredibly delicious, the showcase was a reminder of how healthy and nourishing indigenous food truly is. For the youth, it was a rare and vital opportunity to not only taste the flavors of their culture but to deeply understand where they come from. By the time everyone shared the final tastings, it was clear that Sautala and Taste fed much more than just our appetites. It nourished this community's roots.

It was a celebration of preserving knowledge, strengthening connections, and passing traditions on to the one’s coming after.

Ika Fakaasu demonstration thanks to TASI.

Asita from TASI (Tuvalu Alliance for Sustainable and Inclusive Development) said:

“Sautala & Taste was more than cooking.. It was storytelling, identity, connection, and Tuvalu pride on a plate. Six incredible Tuvalu mātua brought our traditional kai to life, preparing six dishes while sharing recipes, laughter, and generations of wisdom. Our young people tasted, learned, and connected, filling the room with colour, memory, and joy.

This is what keeps us together.
This is what keeps our culture strong.
Food for life.

TASI sends our deepest thanks and gratitude to our partners, our six amazing mātua, and every guest — young and old — who came with open hearts and left inspired. Together, we created a zero‑waste, culturally proud event that honoured our past and nourished our future.

Let's keep sautala, keep cooking, and keep celebrating who we are.”

We were blessed to journey to Tuvalu without ever stepping on a plane. By sharing treasured recipes, stories, memories, and traditions, we experienced the richness of Tuvaluan culture through food. Fakafetai lasi to our knowledge holders, organisers, and supporters who made this special gathering possible.

Watch our reel of how this incredibly wholesome event unfolded, here and check out some photos from our day below. ☺