Authentic Fijian Food & Recipes - Fiji
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Destinations > Oceania > Fiji > Authentic Fijian Food & Recipes
Authentic Fijian Food & Recipes
If you have ever been to Fiji, then you know there are a number of delicious and unique foods that beg you to come back to the islands. As there are so many unique foods, you really should at least know what to look for before you go!
Fijian cuisine is a reflection of the country’s vibrant multicultural landscape. With traditional Fijian flavors at its heart, the cuisine has been influenced by Indian, Chinese, and even European culinary styles, resulting in a dynamic fusion that appeals to a wide variety of palates. Rooted in the abundant natural resources of the islands, Fijian dishes frequently feature fresh seafood, tropical fruits, root vegetables like taro, and rich coconut milk. Whether it’s the famous lovo (an underground earth oven feast), the tangy flavors of kokoda (a Fijian-style ceviche), or the comforting simplicity of rourou (taro leaves cooked in coconut milk), Fijian food offers a diverse and unforgettable experience.
In addition to helping you decide what to try on your trip to Fiji, this article can also be used as a recipe book to help you cook a few of them at home. In fact, the Fijian flavors could add a welcome surprise to your home menu, or even as a perfect dish to bring to parties. These recipes are more than just meals; they are a window into the culture and lifestyle of the Fijian people, reflecting a deep connection to the land and sea. Sharing these dishes with friends and family is a wonderful way to bring a taste of Fiji’s warmth and hospitality into your own home.
Here are a few of our favorites:
A Fijian man sticks his tongue out during an authentic Fijian meke, a communal form of spiritual folk dance. Photo by Old Youth on Unsplash
Authentic Fijian Recipes
Authentic Fijian Mud Crab with Spiced Salt Dipping Sauce on a plate
Mud Crab with Spiced Salt Dipping Sauce
Mud Crab with Spiced Salt Dipping Sauce is an authentic Fijian food that showcases the island's abundant seafood. Fresh mud crabs are steamed or boiled to perfection, maintaining their sweet, tender meat. The highlight of this dish is the spiced salt dipping sauce, which features a combination of chili, garlic, and other local spices, offering a bold and flavorful contrast to the delicate crab. This Fijian recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a hands-on, flavorful seafood experience that highlights the bounty of Fiji's waters.
Mud Crab Ingredients:
1 Gallon of Water
1 Cup of Rock Salt
2 Lemons (cut in half)
2 Uncooked Mud Crabs (3.3 pounds each)
1 large bowl of Ice Water
Dipping Sauce Ingredients:
3 cloves of Garlic (minced)
3 tsp Lemon Zest
3 tbs Fried Shallots
1/2 cup finely chopped Cilantro
1 tsp Sea Salt
3 tbs Olive Oil
3 tbs Lemon Juice
1 tsp Sesame Oil
Ground Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions:
Bring water, salt, and lemon to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the crabs and cook for 15-17 minutes until the shells turn red.
Remove the crabs and place into the iced water to completely cool them as quickly as possible to stop the cooking process.
Clean, break the crab into chunks, and serve with the dipping sauce.
Sauce: Mix the garlic, lemon zest, fried shallots, cilantro, and salt in a bowl.
Stir in the olive oil, lemon juice, and sesame oil. Season with black pepper.
Authentic Fijian Tamarind Shrimp
Tamarind Shrimp
Tamarind Shrimp is a delicious Fijian recipe that brings together sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The shrimp are sautéed and then coated in a tamarind sauce, which is both slightly sour and sweet, complemented by garlic, ginger, and chili. This authentic Fijian food uses tamarind as a key ingredient, an influence from the island’s Indian-Fijian culinary traditions. It’s a refreshing and vibrant dish, often served with steamed rice, and reflects the multicultural food scene of Fiji.
Shrimp Ingredients:
1 oz of Fresh Tamarind
5 tbs Water
11 oz Large Tiger Shrimp
4 tbs Canola Oil
1 tbs Sugar
1 tsp Sea Salt
1 tbs Soy Sauce
Coconut Cream Rice Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups Medium Grain Rice
2 1/4 cups of Water
2 tbs Thick Coconut Cream
2 diced Spring Onions
1/2 a Cucumber, thinly sliced
Cooking Instructions:
Mix tamarind and water until thick and creamy. Add the shrimp and marinate for 2 hours.
For the Rice: Mix the rice and water and cook in a rice cooker. Alternatively, boil the water in a large pot and then add the rice. Decrease the heat to medium-low and let cook for 10-15 minutes until tender. Remove from rice cooker or pot and place onto a dish.
For the Coconut Cream: Pour the coconut cream into a small saucepan and cook over low heat. Mix continuously and do not let it boil. After 5 minutes, remove and pour over top of the rice.
For the Tamarind Shrimp: Heat the oil in a saucepan or wok over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 minute. Continue cooking and slowly add the sugar, salt, and soy sauce. Once it caramelizes, remove from heat and place onto the dish.
Garnish with spring onions and cucumber.
Authentic Fijian Kokoda from Tu’s Place in Nadi, near Denarau Island, Fiji
Kokoda - Creamy Coconut Ceviche
Similar in some ways to Hawaiian Poke, but different enough that you wouldn’t dare compare the two in the same category, this dish is more like ceviche. However, it is one of many raw fish dishes that are common in the Pacific Islands. This one balances the acidity of the citrus with the creaminess of the coconut cream.
Kokoda is an authentic Fijian food that perfectly embodies the fresh and vibrant flavors of the islands. This dish is made from raw fish, typically walu or mahi-mahi, marinated in freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice. The fish is then combined with coconut cream, onions, tomatoes, and chili peppers, creating a Fijian recipe similar to ceviche but with a rich tropical twist. The creamy coconut flavor balances the tangy citrus, making this dish a refreshing appetizer that's a must-try when visiting Fiji.
Kokoda Ingredients:
1 1⁄2 lb (~700g) of boneless, skinless fillet of Snapper or Mahi Mahi - cubed
3⁄4 cup of Lime Juice (approx 4-6 limes)
1⁄2 cup of Thick Coconut Cream or 1 cup Coconut Milk
1⁄2 cup of finely chopped Red Onion
1-3 finely chopped Ripe Tomatoes - seeds removed
1⁄4-1⁄2 cup of finely chopped Coriander or Parsley
1-2 finely chopped Green or Red Chillies
2-4 finely chopped Spring Onions / Shallots / Scallions / Green Onions
Optional Items:
1-2 diced & seeded small green, red, or yellow bell peppers (capsicums)
1 finely diced Persian cucumber
Fresh ground Black Pepper
Kosher Salt
Cooking Instructions:
Submerge your cubed fish in the lime juice, mixing well.
Allow mixture to marinate in the fridge for 2-8 hours. When ready, drain the excess juice.
Pour the Coconut Cream over the top and then combine and gently stir in all of the other ingredients.
Serve immediately in small bowls or lettuce cups.
To store in fridge for up to one day, add additional lime juice and cover.
Authentic Fijian lolo fish from Tu's Place in Nadi, Fiji
Fijian Lolo Fish
One of my favorite dishes was the Lolo Fish - it reminded me a little of the Khao Soi I loved in Chiang Mai, Thailand!
Lolo Fish is a simple yet flavorful authentic Fijian food, perfect for those who love fresh seafood. In this dish, fish such as snapper or mahi-mahi is cooked gently in lolo, a traditional coconut cream sauce that is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet. The fish absorbs the delicate coconut flavor, making this Fijian recipe a comforting yet exotic meal. Lolo Fish is often served with steamed taro or cassava, making it a hearty and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Fijian coastal cuisine. While we tried ours at Tu’s Place in Nadi, you can make something similar by using one of these amazing recipes:
Authentic Fijian Rourou from the Nadina Fijian Restaurant in Denarau Marina
Fijian Rourou
Rourou is a classic Fijian recipe featuring the soft, delicate leaves of the taro plant. These leaves are slow-cooked in rich coconut milk, creating a flavorful and creamy dish that is often served as a side with other main courses. The combination of the nutty taro leaves and the smooth coconut creates a comforting, nutritious, and authentic Fijian food that pairs well with grilled fish or lovo-prepared meats. Rourou is a staple in Fijian homes and is loved for its simplicity and heartiness.
We particularly enjoyed the Rourou Balls that we had at Nadina Fijian Restaurant at the Denarau Marina, but here are our 2 favorite recipes that you can try for yourself at home as well:
Authentic Fijian Lovo
A true celebration of authentic Fijian food, lovo is a traditional method of cooking using an underground oven. Meats such as chicken, pork, and fish are marinated with island spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slowly cooked over hot stones buried in the earth. Alongside the meats, root vegetables like cassava, taro, and yams are also cooked in the lovo, infusing them with smoky, earthy flavors. This Fijian recipe is often reserved for special occasions and communal feasts, offering a unique and delicious way to experience Fijian culture.
Although this is something you really should try while in Fiji, if you’re really looking to try making this yourself, check out this authentic Fijian recipe by Earth Oven:
Palusami
Palusami is an authentic Fijian food that is popular across the Pacific islands. This dish consists of taro leaves stuffed with a mixture of corned beef, onions, and coconut cream, all wrapped up and slowly baked or steamed. The result is a savory and creamy delight, with the rich coconut cream balancing the saltiness of the beef. A traditional Fijian recipe, palusami is often served at large gatherings, offering both bold flavors and a taste of Fijian hospitality.
Check out this recipe by Dinner by Dennis to fix it yourself:
Authentic Fijian Cassava Cake sits on a platter waiting to be eaten
Fijian Cassava Cake
A beloved dessert in Fijian households, cassava cake is an authentic Fijian food made from grated cassava (a starchy root vegetable), coconut milk, sugar, and butter. This dense, sweet cake is baked until golden, with a chewy texture that makes it a delightful finish to any meal. A traditional Fijian recipe for celebrations, cassava cake reflects the island's use of local ingredients, creating a dessert that is simple yet irresistibly flavorful.
If you’re looking to make this cassava cake, check out this video by Exotic Spices:
Castaway Island Resort beachfront, Fiji
Fijian Articles Recommended for Travel in Fiji
Exploring authentic Fijian food is not just about savoring delicious dishes, but also about experiencing the heart of Fijian culture and tradition. Whether you're trying your hand at a Fijian recipe in your own kitchen or indulging in local favorites like Lolo Fish or Mud Crab with Spiced Salt Dipping Sauce during your trip, these flavors are sure to transport you to the islands.
Planning to visit Fiji and want to try out some of these authentic Fijian foods? Check out our Fijian articles recommended for travel in Fiji. They provide in-depth guides on where to go, what to try, and how to fully immerse yourself in the rich culinary landscape of this beautiful island nation. From bustling markets to beachfront resorts, you’ll discover the best places to enjoy these Fijian recipes and more during your stay!
• A Guide to Nadi, Denarau, and the Coral Coast
• Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands - PLUS the Island from the movie Castaway
Eating some authentic Fijian food at Castaway Island Resort in Fiji
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