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Captain Cook Cruises Fiji | Blog
Fiji is known for it’s incredible beaches and fascinating culture, but what many people don’t expect on their trip to this island paradise is to be presented with a range of local culinary delights that utilise the local produce. Here we’ve created a listed of Fijian cuisine you must try on your holiday.
Related: The Vegetarian’s Guide to Food in Fiji
MEAL BASICS
Many Fijian dishes are based around rice, taro, coconut, sweet potato and fish. The majority of the cooking is also done using an open fire or underground. Due to the Indo-Fijian culture, much of the food of Fiji also includes delicious curries that include fragrant and colourful spices.
KOKODA
Fiji is well-known for it’s seafood, and so it makes sense that some of the most delicious dishes you can try during your visit will involve fresh fish. Kokoda is a very popular dish of Mahi-mahi fish marinated in lemon or lime juice for several hours, allowing it to ‘cook’. Fresh coconut milk is then added along with diced tomatoes, chillies, spring onions and salt and pepper. It really is the perfect entree.
LOVO
The Lovo is the name given to a traditional Fijian feast which is cooked underground in an oven. Meats such as pork, lamb and fish are cooked using this method, as well as vegetables. The practice of cooking food like this dates back thousands of years, and it’s a real treat to experience this style of cooking while visiting Fiji.
PALUSAMI
Baked in taro leaves, Palusami is a favourite dish of fish or corned beef with coconut milk. People enjoy it served both hot or cold.
CURRIES
With a unique Fijian flavour, the curries you’ll experience here are unlike any other you’ve tried before. Utilising the local produce and chicken and meat, plus seafood, they are a delight for the tastebuds. Just make sure you try a mild or medium curry first before tasting something hot.
COCONUT BREAD
Known commonly among the locals as the “tree of life”, the coconut tree is a commonly used ingredient in their dishes. Naturally, one of the more popular staple dishes served during lunch or as an afternoon snack is the coconut bread.
LOCAL CUSTOMS TO BE AWARE OF WHEN DINING
If you are invited to a Fijian home for a meal, it is custom for the guest to start eating first. No one will remind you to start eating either as this is seen as impolite, so don’t be afraid to make the first move towards dinner.
Related: Fiji Etiquette You Should Know
ENJOY THE DELICACIES OF FIJI!
Fiji has so much to offer visitors. The next time you visit make sure you don’t miss out on trying a range of traditional Fijian dishes. We offer a range of amazing small ship and day cruises to let you discover the delicious food of Fiji. Check our availabilities and find the cruise that is perfect for you!
