Traditional Fijian Food You Must Try: From Kokoda to Lovo
Updated October 2025
Discover authentic Fijian cuisine through real traveler experiences. From the citrus-cured fish of kokoda to the earth-oven feast of lovo, learn what to eat, where to find it, and the stories behind Fiji's most iconic dishes.
Food & Culture Guide
Fijian food is about more than flavour—it's about community, tradition, and connection to the ocean and earth. Every dish tells a story of island life, seasonal harvests, and the ingenuity of cooks who created meals from what the sea and land provided. One traveler shared: "I came for the beach but fell in love with the food. Every meal felt like a celebration." To fully appreciate Fijian cuisine, understanding local customs is essential—read our cultural etiquette guide before dining with locals.
Essential Fijian Dishes You Must Try
Kokoda – The National Dish
Raw fish cured in citrus juice and coconut milk. It's Fiji's answer to ceviche, but with a distinctly island twist. Fresh fish is "cooked" by lime juice, then mixed with coconut milk, tomato, cucumber, and chilli. One foodie said: "Kokoda changed how I think about raw fish. The lime juice 'cooking' and coconut milk made it taste like the ocean itself."
What It Is:
- Raw fish (usually mahi, snapper, or tuna)
- Fresh lime juice (cures the fish)
- Coconut milk base
- Tomato, cucumber, onion, chilli
Where to Eat It:
- Local restaurants (best quality)
- Beachside cafes
- Resort buffets
- Street vendors (budget option)
Insider Tip: The best kokoda uses fish caught that morning. Always ask if it's fresh—quality varies. Avoid it if you have seafood sensitivities (the raw fish is only "cured," not cooked).
Lovo – The Earth-Oven Feast
A traditional feast cooked in an underground oven. Whole fish, taro, cassava, breadfruit, and meat wrapped in banana leaves cook slowly over hot stones for hours. The result: incredibly tender, smoky-flavoured food that connects you to centuries of island tradition. One traveler: "Attending a lovo ceremony was the most memorable meal of my trip. It's not just food—it's culture."
What's Included:
- Whole fish (usually trevally or mackerel)
- Taro leaves in coconut cream
- Cassava, taro root
- Breadfruit
- Chicken or meat (sometimes)
Experience It:
- Organized village tours
- Resort special events
- Local family invitations
- Weekend celebrations in villages
Fijian Curry – The Everyday Meal
Heavily influenced by Indian heritage (Fiji has large Indo-Fijian population), curries are the backbone of local eating. Fish curry, chicken curry, and vegetable curry served with roti or rice. Unlike Indian curries, Fijian versions often include coconut milk for a creamier texture. Local review: "The curries are milder than Indian food but more flavourful than I expected. Coconut milk makes everything better."
Popular Types:
- Fish curry (mild, coconut-based)
- Chicken curry
- Dhal curry (vegetarian)
- Chilli curry (spicy)
Where to Find It:
- Local restaurants (cheapest)
- Street food vendors
- Markets
- Resort casual dining
Palusami – Taro Leaves in Coconut Cream
Young taro leaves wrapped in coconut milk (sometimes with meat) and baked. Creamy, tender, and deeply flavoured. It's a staple throughout the Pacific but Fiji does it exceptionally well. One visitor: "I wasn't sure about eating 'leaves' but palusami was so creamy and delicious. I ordered it three times."
Tip:
Best eaten hot. The texture changes if it sits too long. Ask for fresh palusami at local restaurants—the difference in quality is significant.
Other Must-Try Dishes
Fijian Roti
Flatbread served with curry or as a wrap. Perfect street food. Buy it hot from vendors for $1-2. Pairs perfectly with any curry.
Fresh Grilled Fish
Whole snapper or mahi grilled with lemon, served with vegetables. Simple, incredibly fresh. Find it at beachside restaurants.
Cassava & Taro Root
Starchy staples boiled or fried. Often served with meals. Healthy, filling, and taste like potato but creamier.
Fried Plantain
Sweet, fried banana-like fruit. Addictive street food. Often served as a side dish or dessert.
Duruka (Fijian Asparagus)
Young sugar cane shoots. Tender, slightly sweet. Eaten as a side or in soups. Seasonal (July-Sept).
Coconut Ice Cream
Made from fresh coconuts. Creamier and more tropical than regular ice cream. Find it at local shops.
Where to Eat Authentic Fijian Food
Local Restaurants (Best Quality)
Family-run places serve authentic food at reasonable prices. Look for places with Fijian names. Main courses: $8-15. Check our budget travel guide for more affordable dining tips.
Street Food & Markets
Suva Municipal Market, Nadi wet market. Fresh produce, cooked meals, roti. Cheapest option: $2-5 per meal.
Resort Restaurants & Buffets
More expensive but reliable. Buffets often include lovo or traditional dishes. Price: $20-40 per buffet.
Village Tours & Cultural Experiences
Organized tours include lovo feasts and cooking demonstrations. Most authentic experience. Price: $40-80 per person. Explore sustainable options in our sustainable travel guide.
Beachside Cafes
Fresh grilled fish with ocean views. Good for lunch. Moderately priced: $10-20 per meal.
Traditional Fijian Beverages
Kava (Yaqona)
Traditional drink made from kava root. Ceremonial and social. Tastes earthy, slightly numbing on lips. Experience it in villages ($5-10). Causes drowsiness—don't drive after.
Fresh Coconut Water
Straight from young green coconuts. Street vendors crack them open for you. Refreshing, natural, $1-2. Best on hot days.
Fresh Tropical Juices
Mango, papaya, pineapple juice freshly squeezed. Markets and cafes. $2-4. Taste like liquid sunshine.
Fiji Bitter (Local Beer)
Popular local beer. Light, refreshing. Everywhere. $2-5 per bottle at bars. Perfect with grilled fish.
Fijian Food Etiquette & Culture
📍 Sharing is Central
Fijian meals are communal. Food is shared from one plate. Accept what's offered—it's a sign of respect and acceptance into the community.
🙏 Say Prayers First
In family or village settings, wait for prayers before eating. It's normal even at non-religious gatherings. Show respect by staying quiet.
✋ Remove Shoes
When eating in a bure (traditional Fijian house) or village, remove your shoes before entering. It shows respect.
🍽️ Eat With Your Hands or Cutlery
Both are acceptable. Follow the lead of locals. Many traditional dishes are eaten with fingers or pieces of roti.
💬 Accept Offers Graciously
If offered food by locals, accept it with appreciation. Refusing can be seen as rude. Even if you're full, taking a small portion shows respect.
Eating Tips for Visitors
💡 Safety Tips
- Eat where locals eat (safest)
- Avoid raw vegetables from tap water
- Cooked food is generally safe
- Check fish freshness (smell test)
🗺️ What to Expect
- Food is less spicy than Thai/Indian
- Heavy coconut use in many dishes
- Fresh seafood is common
- Portions can be large
Experience Fiji Through Its Food
Fijian cuisine is more than sustenance—it's connection. Every dish represents generations of islanders adapting to their environment, sharing meals with family, and celebrating community. By trying authentic Fijian food, you're not just eating; you're participating in a living culture that values sharing, respect, and gratitude.
Start with kokoda at a local restaurant, graduate to lovo in a village, and finish with fresh grilled fish at sunset. Your palate—and your memory—will thank you.