Is food in Fiji expensive?

It depends entirely on where you eat. Resort dining is expensive ($30-80 per person for dinner), but local food is remarkably affordable. Roti and curry from a roadside stand costs $2-5, a full plate of kokoda with rice is $5-8, and a grilled fish dinner at a local restaurant runs $8-15. Markets sell tropical fruit for pennies. The strategy is to eat at the resort for 1-2 special meals and go local the rest of the time.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Fiji?

Tap water is generally safe in urban areas (Suva, Nadi, major resort areas) but not recommended in rural areas or outer islands. Most resorts provide filtered or bottled water. To be safe, drink bottled or filtered water everywhere, especially on smaller islands. Bring a water bottle with a built-in filter (like LifeStraw) for eco-friendly hydration during adventures.

The Foodie's Guide to Fiji: From Traditional Lovo Feasts to Modern Fusion Cuisine

Fijian Food Is the Pacific's Best-Kept Culinary Secret

When travelers think of great food destinations, Fiji rarely makes the list — and that's a shame. Fijian cuisine is a vibrant fusion of indigenous Melanesian, Indian, Chinese, and European influences that creates something entirely unique. Nearly half of Fiji's population has Indian heritage, which means you'll find incredible curries alongside fresh-caught seafood and traditional underground-cooked feasts.

The food scene ranges from $3 roadside roti stands to $200 resort tasting menus, and honestly? Some of the best meals I've ever had in Fiji cost under $10.

10 Must-Try Fijian Dishes

These are the essential dishes every visitor should seek out.

Essential Fijian Dishes

Kokoda

Fiji's National DishRaw fish marinated in citrus and coconut cream — Fiji's answer to ceviche. Found everywhere from beach shacks to five-star resorts.

Lovo

Traditional FeastMeat, fish, and root vegetables slow-cooked underground in an earth oven lined with hot stones. Reserved for celebrations and special events.

Roti & Curry

Indian-Fijian StapleFlaky Indian flatbread with curry (chicken, lamb, or fish). Available at roadside stands for $2-4. Some of the best Indian food outside India.

Cassava Cake

Sweet TreatDense, sweet cake made from grated cassava, coconut cream, and sugar. Served at every village gathering and local bakery.

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Where to Eat Like a Local

Skip the resort buffet for at least a few meals and try these.

Suva Municipal Market — Fiji's largest market with fresh produce, spices, kava, and cooked food stalls. The upstairs food court serves incredible curries for $3-5
Nadi Town food stalls — hole-in-the-wall roti shops and curry houses along Main Street. Follow the locals, not the guidebooks
Roadside BBQ stands — look for smoke rising from oil drum grills on any main road. Fresh-caught fish grilled whole for $5-8
Village lovo experiences — many resorts arrange authentic village visits with lovo feasts. Always participate if invited — it's the most memorable meal you'll have in Fiji
Tu's Place (Savusavu) — legendary local restaurant serving the best kokoda in Fiji alongside burgers and curries. Outdoor seating overlooking the harbor
First Landing Resort (Nadi) — excellent restaurant using local ingredients. Their kokoda and grilled mahi-mahi are outstanding. $15-25 per entrée

A Quick Guide to Kava

No food guide to Fiji is complete without mentioning kava — Fiji's traditional drink.

Pro Tips

•Kava (yaqona) is a mildly sedative drink made from ground pepper root — it tastes earthy and slightly numbing
•Accepting kava when offered is a sign of respect — clap once before drinking, say 'Bula!', drink the entire cup (bilo) in one gulp, then clap three times
•Your lips and tongue will tingle — that's normal. The effect is relaxing, like a mild muscle relaxant
•Kava sessions are social rituals — sit cross-legged, listen more than you speak, and let the ceremony unfold naturally
•Don't mix kava with alcohol — it amplifies sedative effects and is considered disrespectful in traditional settings
•You can buy kava at any market ($5-15/bag) and participate in sessions at many hostels and resorts