Fiji’s Popular Food: Eat, Drink and be Merry
Fiji’s popular food is varied and innovative. One of the most exciting things about visiting a new country is sampling the food. For many, it’s the most exciting thing.
Fiji’s popular food includes some exceptional dishes with a great range of tastes and flavors.
The food mirrors the country’s history and its Modern Multicultural Society.
Native iTaukei, Indian, Chinese and European food are all widely consumed and enjoyed in Fiji.
Here are some of our top picks.
Kokoda
Ever wondered why Fiji produces some incredible athletes? It all starts with the diet.
Fijian people enjoy a healthy and delicious variety of food that includes farm produce and fresh fish.
Kokoda is about as fresh and delicious as it gets. They take a good chunk of raw snapper or dolphinfish and marinate it in citrus juices. The fish is then mixed in with coconut milk, onions and tomatoes to create a sensationally healthy and appetizing dish.
Other countries have their own version of Kokoda, such as Peru’s Ceviche or Samoa’s Oka.
Lovo
If you like barbecues, you’ll love a Lovo. A lovo is basically an underground oven, not unlike a hangi from New Zealand.
Underground? Of course!
First they dig a small hole of around 1m x 1m. This hole is about to become an oven.
Next, they place heated stones into the hole and lay thick leaves on top of the stones. This is the cooking plate.
Now for the fun part. They lay wrapped bundles of food onto the stones and leaves. This might be pork, chicken, beef and an array of vegetables such as sweet potatoes and yams.
Better yet, throw them all in!
A delicious and fun way to enjoy Fiji’s popular food.
Rourou
Every country has comfort foods and quite often they’re soups. Miso soup in Japan, pumpkin soup in Australia and North America.
Fiji is no exception. Rourou is a highly nutritious soup made with taro leaves, coconut milk and plenty of spices.
For extra goodness, Fijian people love to add some sliced sweet potato with their rourou.
They love it and so will you.
Fish & Chips
Fiji is the ideal location to eat fish and chips. The Pacific Ocean is on Fiji’s doorstep and you can enjoy some truly mouth-watering mountains of fresh fish and crispy chips.
Naturally, the fish comes straight out of the ocean. Popular choices include snapper, tuna and dolphinfish. Lightly battered with some lemon and a hint of chili…nice!
How about some cassava chips for a truly healthy and yummy side dish? Cassava is a root vegetable that is similar to a sweet potato.
Drool, yes please.
Fijian Curry
Fiji’s traditional food comes in all flavors. There is a large Indian population and curry is hugely popular. Chicken curry in particular, is a big hit all over. Chicken, potatoes, onions and spices all combine for stomach-filling goodness.
Fijian curries use traditional Indian recipes with locally produced meats, vegetables and herbs.
Fijian Chop Suey and Stir Frys
Chinese culture has a strong presence in Fiji and this includes the food. Chop suey is eaten throughout the country and stir fries are another go-to for Fijian people.
Restaurants, hotels and family kitchens all serve up a variety of Chinese dishes.
Stir fries often represent the diversity of culture in Fiji with native, Indian and Chinese influences.
International
There are also a wide range of international options to treat yourself to. Korean, Japanese and Australian restaurants offer some outstanding and authentic menus.
Fiji’s wide range of healthy options means life easy for vegetarian and vegan travelers. Indian restaurants, fresh fruit and vegetables are everywhere and top quality.
Want halal food? No problems. Fiji has a great range of halal restaurants, supermarkets and takeaways. There are also plenty of local pork-free options, with fresh seafood, vegetables and chicken.
Of course, the globally popular fast food chains are easy to find – pizza, hamburgers, fried chicken…whatever you’re in the mood for.
A multicultural society like Fiji has so many eating options. Fijian popular food and traditional cuisine is a unique experience that should be savored.
Try and sample as many as you can – then go back for more!