Taste These Drool-Worthy Fijian Dishes
A foodie’s guide to traditional Fijian cuisine
Sunshine, soft sands and shimmering turquoise waters might first come to mind when you think of Fiji, but Fijian cuisine is an experience in itself. Behind every beachfront resort and cultural village is a plate full of heritage, flavour and island soul. Fijians may live life on “island time”, but when it comes to food, they don’t miss a beat. Every dish tells a story, from ancestral traditions to ocean-fresh ingredients and slow-cooked feasts shared with family. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, exploring traditional Fijian food is a must-do on your next escape.
Ready to take your tastebuds on holiday? Here’s a curated guide to the best Fijian dishes you simply have to try.
Kokoda – Fiji’s national dish
No food adventure in Fiji is complete without tasting kokoda (pronounced ko-kon-da). Often referred to as Fiji’s answer to ceviche, this mouth-watering dish is made with locally caught mahi mahi, a firm white fish marinated in lime juice, chilli, tomato, onion and creamy coconut milk. Typically served in a coconut shell, kokoda is zesty, fresh and silky all at once. It’s light enough for lunch yet decadent enough to feel like an indulgence. Book a My Fiji holiday package with meal inclusions and you’ll often find this island favourite on the resort menu.
Duruka and sweet potatoes – Fiji’s humble heroes
Not every dish needs fireworks to impress. Duruka, often called Fijian asparagus, and the local variety of sweet potatoes are simple staples that have nourished generations. Boiled, baked or added to stews, they’re earthy, satisfying and often served alongside meat or fish dishes. These humble heroes show up in traditional village meals, resort menus and island feasts, quietly stealing the show with every bite.
Lovo
– The traditional underground feast
Lovo is more than a meal; it’s a ceremony. This traditional Fijian cooking method involves an underground oven, where meats, root vegetables and taro leaves are wrapped in banana leaves and slow cooked over hot stones. Expect tender chicken, smoky lamb and melt-in-your-mouth fish paired with coconut-infused sides. The aroma alone is unforgettable. Many cultural tours and sunset cruises with My Fiji include a lovo feast, giving you the chance to share in a beautiful cultural experience of flavour and heritage.
Palusami – Coconut comfort food
One bite of palusami and you’ll understand why it’s a local favourite. Made with taro leaves slowly simmered in rich coconut cream, this dish is silky, smoky and impossibly comforting. Often served alongside roasted meats or fish, it’s a vegetarian-friendly side dish you’ll crave long after your holiday ends. Try it at resort buffets or village-style dinners as part of your My Fiji island experience.
Coconuts – The ultimate island ingredient
From beach bars to island kitchens, coconuts are everywhere in Fiji, and for good reason. Fresh young coconuts offer sweet, hydrating water, while mature ones produce thick coconut cream, milk and flesh used in countless local dishes. Two iconic coconut-based Fijian foods include:
- Rourou, marinated taro leaves in coconut cream
- Tavioka, a hearty dessert made with banana and tapioca root, cooked in coconut milk
Stay at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort with My Fiji and enjoy a traditional coconut husking demonstration as part of your stay.
Mud Crab – A seafood lover’s dream
Caught fresh from the mangroves and served with bold flavours, Fijian mud crab is a local delicacy. Best enjoyed cooked in chilli sauce or garlic butter, this dish is as hands-on as it is delicious. Grab the shell crackers and dive in, it’s worth getting a little messy. For a truly immersive experience, join a mud crab catching tour en route to Robinson Crusoe Island with My Fiji and savour your catch beachside, with sunset views and live Fijian music to set the mood.
Kava – Fiji’s traditional welcome drink 
More ceremony than cocktail, kava is Fiji’s national drink and a core part of its social and cultural life. Made by grinding the root of the yaqona (pepper) plant and mixing it with water, this earthy beverage has mild calming effects. Participating in a kava ceremony is considered a sign of respect and community. You’ll kneel, clap, drink from a coconut shell and share stories – often during cultural tours or on My Fiji Island adventures. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this deeply rooted tradition.
A culinary culture worth savouring
Fiji’s food scene is steeped in its Melanesian heritage, with Indian, Chinese and European influences creating a vibrant fusion of flavours. Early settlers relied on farm-grown produce and fresh seafood, and these practices still form the foundation of Fijian cuisine today. From communal lovo feasts to market-fresh coconut treats, the food in Fiji is as much about connection and culture as it is about flavour.
Ready to taste Fiji for yourself?
Foodies, this is your sign: it’s time to book that tropical escape and indulge in the flavours of Fiji. With My Fiji’s exclusive holiday deals, you’ll enjoy perfectly packaged escapes featuring handpicked resorts, delicious dining credits and access to authentic Fijian experiences.
Your next flavour-filled adventure starts here.
Explore our latest Fiji holiday packages or speak to your My Fiji Expert and start planning your dream foodie getaway today.
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