Taste of Paradise: Top 5 Fiji Foods & Drinks to Try

When you’re picturing Fiji, you’re probably picturing beaches and sunshine, but it’s almost a shame if you don’t think about the yummy foods, too! It’s true, there’s so much tasty grub waiting to be tried! Foods from Fiji offer something a bit different, kind of like a fusion of Polynesian, Melanesian, Indian, and Chinese cooking styles. All these cultures coming together in one place equals one super flavorful plate! In fact, Fiji’s flavors are really as vibrant as its coral reefs and sunny beaches. Thinking about the local eats offers a totally awesome window into the history and heart of this island nation.

1. Kava: Fiji’s Ceremonial Drink

When thinking about Kava, it’s really good to see it as way more than a beverage, it’s like the heart of Fijian culture. Basically, this drink is made from the root of the yaqona plant and has a rich history as, I’d say, a ceremonial and social drink. Traditionally, Kava is often used in welcomes, important ceremonies, and just daily socializing. When you participate in a Kava ceremony, it is in a way like you’re taking part in centuries of tradition. The taste is often described as earthy, and the effect? Very calming. Actually, it’s the sort of drink that encourages relaxation and conversation, that, I think, just brings people together. It’s such a central part of Fijian life that no visit is complete without giving Kava a try.

How to Enjoy Kava Like a Local

There are a few etiquette points that really make drinking Kava an experience and it helps you show some respect: When it’s offered, clap once with a cupped hand and say “Bula!” Next, accept the bowl called a “bilo”. You really need to drink it all in one go. Afterwards, you clap three times and say “matha”. Usually, the ceremony will occur sitting cross-legged on a mat, and honestly, it’s so welcoming.

2. Kokoda: Fiji’s Take on Ceviche

Talking about super refreshing and, yeah, full of flavor, there’s Kokoda. Honestly, this dish is like Fiji’s answer to ceviche. Small cubes of raw fish are typically marinated in coconut cream, lime juice, onions, and chilies. It might sound a bit simple, but in effect it’s got this amazingly zesty and creamy flavor that hits all the right spots, you know? The acidity from the lime “cooks” the fish and you get this tender, zesty delight that is just perfect for the tropics. Kokoda makes for a brilliant appetizer or light lunch, plus you’ll see it served all over the islands, from restaurants to family gatherings.

Perfect Pairing

In truth, Kokoda is especially tasty with a side of starchy root crops like cassava or taro. As a matter of fact, the creaminess balances nicely with the richness of the coconut and these local staples make it even more filling. A glass of Fiji Bitter really completes it!

3. Lovo: Earth Oven Feast

Next up? Oh, there’s Lovo! When you think about Fijian cuisine, this way of cooking stands out so much as it’s very traditional. A Lovo is literally an underground oven where foods wrapped in banana leaves are cooked on hot stones. It’s normally used to prepare large meals for gatherings, celebrations, and yeah, just regular Sunday family eats. Now, the slow cooking gives the food a very smoky flavor, and seriously, the mix of earth and leaves imparts something so wonderful, doesn’t it? Meats, fish, and veggies all taste outstanding prepared in a Lovo! Plus, taking part in a Lovo is kind of like a social event in itself where everyone joins to help set it up. In fact, a Lovo feast is often at the center of significant cultural events, so if you ever get the chance to attend one, then just go for it.

What to Expect in a Lovo

You typically find pork, chicken, fish, dalo (taro), and vakalolo (a taro and coconut dessert) in a Lovo. Of course, the flavor is something special, really distinct, and yeah, deeply comforting.

4. Fiji Style Curry: A Spicy Fusion

So, you might think “curry in Fiji?” That seems a bit strange, but it’s pretty popular here because Fiji has a rather sizable Indo-Fijian population. So, it’s a brilliant fusion of tastes! Fiji Style Curry uses lots of fresh local ingredients, so we’re talking coconut milk, heaps of seafood, and locally grown veggies. Usually, spices are milder compared to their Indian counterparts, yet this creates a flavor profile, oh it’s unique! You know? This cuisine mirrors Fiji’s cultural mashup in every single bite and there’s curry to suit every taste, if you think about it! Curries appear throughout, at family tables and fancy eateries as well! It’s certainly just got a homey, wonderful feel, no? Notably, many Fijians of Indian descent brought their culinary traditions.

Must-Try Curries

In Fiji, there’s the goat curry which is pretty tender and just bursting with flavor and there’s also fish curry. Yeah, so tasty if you love seafood! If not, vegetable curry? Always just brimming with freshness!

5. Fresh Tropical Fruits and Juices

Basically, because Fiji is so tropical, you can bet the fruit is out of this galaxy and freshly picked right off the trees! As a matter of fact, everything’s super flavorful because of the sunshine, wouldn’t you agree? Actually, you can just get mangoes, pineapples, papayas, bananas, and watermelons just from local marketplaces and road stands! Apparently, they are really awesome by themselves. Actually, the juice is so refreshing in Fiji’s heat, that this also features in lots of drinks. Like the guava or passion fruit or the pineapple mixes! Don’t forget the coconuts, of course! They’re plentiful in Fiji, plus the juice from them tastes great! You might just find it’s like tasting pure paradise!

Fruity Treats to Try

• Pineapple: Way more sweeter and tangy than any one you’ll get elsewhere.
• Mango: I mean so luscious and drippy that you’ll have to use a napkin to avoid staining clothes.
• Watermelon: Utterly a super way to quench your thirst in all that heat, yeah?