Traditional Fijian Foods

Traditional Fijian foods include, of course, an array of tasty tropical fruits. Papayas and bananas grow all year round, and pineapples (some of the sweetest on earth) are also found most of the time also. Some tropical fruits are seasonal, such as mangoes, with the main season in the months leading up to Christmas. One can also find guava, passionfruit, delicious mandarins, starfruit, and soursop at certain times of the year. Tropical fruits are a perfect start to the day at breakfast, or to quench the thirst at any time!

Meats and seafoods

Since Fiji is an island nation in the South Pacific, it is blessed with rich surrounding warm oceans so one can enjoy exquisite fresh seafood and fish when dining in Fiji. Included in the menus of Fiji's many resort restaurants and local cafes can be found such items as lobster, prawns, walu, wahoo, tuna, and more! Walu fish is used in the traditional marinated fish appetizer known as kokoda (koh-kon-da), a must to try while visiting Fiji Islands. One of the nicest fish is yellow fin tuna, so watch out for that also. Whilst marine foods are expected in Fiji, it is less commonly known that Fiji raises excellent beef (the Yaqara region in northern Viti Levu being one of the most famous cattle-grazing areas). Chickens and pigs are, of course, available at all times. Most larger hotels and resorts also import other specialty meats.

Fiji vegetables

The Fijians traditional diet consists of many root crops. These include dalo (taro), cassava, and sweet potatoes. In villages these are either boiled, or roasted in an underground 'oven' of hot stones (a lovo). Included in the lovo are whole fish, or pork or chicken. Another popular starch food staple are vudi (voon-dy). These grow like bananas but are not eaten raw, but boiled in the skins and often served as part of a main course. While in Fiji you will also find imported vegetables, but don't miss the opportunity of tasting these exotic varieties. Most hotels and resorts organise traditional evenings, with meke dance displays and lovo banquet.

Fiji's population includes many cultures in addition to indigenous Fijian people. Indians, Chinese, Korean, European and so on. This cultural blend means that Fiji restaurants are diverse, with spicy curries, tasty Asian dishes, hot Thai food, and western style meals. From 5-star resort dining, to local roadside markets and cafes, enjoy eating in Fiji !