Food brings people together. Whether you’re making something homemade, grabbing a bite on the run, or fine dining in a restaurant, the pageantry of food goes well beyond the need for sustenance. Traveling creates endless opportunities to experience what food means to other cultures. Being brave and trying something unique is part of the fun of being able to immerse in local cultures. If you’ve got Fiji on your mind (us, too!), we’ve compiled a list of our favorite must-try Fijian foods. Keep reading to experience the best of the cuisine of Fiji on your trip!
The Cuisine of Fiji: The Best of The Best
See, smell, and taste what makes Fijian culture so unique (and delicious).
1. Kokoda
When in Fiji, coconut is king! The traditional kokoda dish consists of raw fish or shrimp cured in lemon or lime juice, mixed with veggies of your choosing, and fresh coconut milk. Half of a kokoda cooking lesson is all about opening the coconut and that hard-won process makes the kokoda eating all the sweeter (ha).
2. Kava
In Fiji, Kava is a drink used in ceremonies and celebrations. Made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, it is meant as an honor, a greeting and a drink with which to toast a happy event. If you’d like to try Kava or participate in a Kava ceremony, sign up for our next Fijian Adventure and join the Bula Band (the resort’s music group) after dinner. Like the taste or not, if you’re offered kava in Fiji, it’s time to drink up!
3. Vevedu
If you’re more of a morning adventurer, ask for a “vevedu” shot at breakfast. It’s a green-juice-wellness shot that’s known to aid digestion, get rid of toxins and reduce inflammation (and wake up your taste buds…haha).
Ready to put a little Fiji on your plate? Explore the cuisine of Fiji and sign up for our Fiji adventure!
4. Fish Suruwa
When in Fiji, say yes to Fijian fish curry. It’s a spicy and tangy blend of coconut milk, tomatoes, onions and a whole bunch of herbs and spices. And when we say the fish will be cooked to perfection, we mean it. No overcooked fish here (I see you, overcook-ers back home!). Expect an explosion of flavor in every bite.
5. Palusami
This dish is made by wrapping taro leaves around a filling of onions, garlic, coconut cream and some like, reallllly delicious spices. The whole thing is then wrapped in foil and baked, so you get this gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. And let’s not forget about the health benefits—taro leaves are loaded with vitamins and minerals, so you can feel good about stuffing your face with this decadent dish. Adventure wellness, baby!
6. Taro Chips
Remember when you liked potato chips? Hilarious. Once you try Taro chips, you’ll never go back to potatoes. These bad boys are made by slicing up taro root, tossing it with some spices, and then frying it up until it’s crispy and golden brown. And the best part? Taro is way healthier than potatoes, so you can feel good about inhaling an entire bag in one sitting (not that we’ve ever done that…).
7. (Fijian) Cassava Cake
Cassava is a root vegetable, so that means this cake is basically a health food, right? Okay, maybe not, but it’s still delicious and that’s all that matters. This delicious treat is made by grating cassava, mixing it with coconut cream, and then popping it in the oven. The result is a sweet and slightly chewy cake that’ll have you licking your plate clean (not that we condone that kind of behavior…).
8. Mahi-Mahi
Ah, mahi-mahi—the fish that’s so amazing, they named it twice (well, sort of). This delicious fish is a staple in the cuisine of Fiji, and for good reason. It’s flaky, it’s flavorful, and it’s as versatile as it gets. You can bake it, fry it, grill it, or even make ceviche with it. And let’s not forget about the fact that it’s a sustainable choice—because who doesn’t love feeling good about what they eat? (We do!)
9. Cawaki
This root vegetable might look a little intimidating with its gnarled exterior, but trust us, it’s worth the effort. Once you get past the tough outside, you’ll find a sweet and slightly nutty treat that’s perfect for roasting, mashing, or even turning into chips (because let’s be real, everything is better in chip form… remember the Taro chips?).
Get Your Foodie and Adventure Wellness On
From mouth-watering fish dishes to starchy root vegetables and sweet cassava cakes, the cuisine of Fiji has truly blown our imaginative taste buds away. But you know the best way to experience Fijian food is to actually try it in real life. So, if you’re ready to take your foodie game to the next level, get your butt over to The Travel Yogi and sign up for the adventure of a lifetime. Your taste buds will thank you.