The Cost of Food in Fiji (What to Expect when You Visit)

Want to know the cost of food in Fiji? Well you’re going to enjoy eating Fijian food when you visit, so let’s explore what you can expect to pay for food in Fiji!

Exchange Rate Note: One Fiji Dollar is worth about 68c Australian, 72c New Zealand, or 44c US

Indication only, check with your bank for Current Rates!

Choice of Dining Options

Fiji caters to a diverse range of tastes, featuring a mix of traditional Fijian dishes, international cuisines, and fresh seafood. The cost of eating can vary based on the type of establishment and location. Let’s go through your options, starting with the lowest prices:

Budget-Friendly Fiji Food

The cheapest food you can get in Fiji is from the local markets and supermarkets. Here’s what to expect price-wise:

Local Markets and Street Food

When we visited a local fruit and veg Fiji market we bought:

Item	Quantity/Size	Price (FJD)
Sweet Potatoes	Giant Heap	$5
Spinach	Giant Bunch	$1
Pineapples	Heap of 5	$5
Avocado	Very Large	$2
Avocado	Giant	$3
Ginger	Large Heap	$1
Chilis	Large Heap	$1
Corn	Heap of 4	$2
Lettuce	Heap	$3
Tomatoes	Heap	$3
Okra	Heap	$1
Eggplants	Each	$1
Pumpkin	Each	$2
Bok Choy	Large Bunch	$1

We discovered a treasure trove of fresh produce at the local market in Fiji. Sweet potatoes were abundant, with a generous heap selling for $5. A massive bunch of spinach could be yours for just $1, while a heap of five small pineapples was a steal at $5.

Avocado enthusiasts had options too, with a very large one priced at $2 and a giant avocado available for $3.

Ginger and chilis were sold in large heaps, both priced at $1. Corn lovers could grab a heap of four for $2. Lettuce and tomatoes were offered in substantial quantities for $3 each, and okra was a bargain at $1 per heap.

Eggplants and pumpkins were individually priced at $1 and $2, respectively.

Market Tips

Enjoy the vibrant local culture and save money by exploring markets like Nadi Market or Sigatoka Market. Try the very affordable snacks and Fijian specialties from street vendors. You’ll find that English is widely spoken, but a few Fijian phrases can show respect for the local culture!

• Greet Politely:
  • Start your conversation with a friendly “Bula” (pronounced boo-lah), which means “hello” in Fijian. It’s a common and welcoming greeting.
• Use Basic Fijian Phrases:
  • Learn a few basic Fijian phrases. For instance:
    • “Vinaka” (vee-nah-kah) means “thank you.”
    • “Yadra” (yahn-drah) means “good morning.”
• Ask for Prices:
  • Politely ask for prices by saying, “How much is this?” which is often understood, or use the phrase “E dua na bilo, vakacavotu na cakacaka?” (Can I have the price, please?).
• Negotiate Respectfully:
  • If you want to negotiate prices, do so respectfully. You can say, “E vaka vinaka, e dua na ucu” (Please, a lower price).
• Express Appreciation:
  • When you make a purchase, express appreciation by saying “Vinaka” or “Vinaka vakalevu” (thank you very much).

Local Supermarkets and Grocery Stores

You’ll find packaged food and lots of home-faves in the supermarkets and larger grocery stores. There are five major supermarket chains: MH Supermarket, NewWorld, RB Patel Supermarket, Prouds, abd Shop N Save.

Expect to pay about 30% less than you would for equivalent products in Australia. For example, a can of tuna costs about FJD$2 and a small pack of chips is about FJD$1.

Casual Dining

Local cafes and casual eateries offer cheaply priced meals, allowing you to enjoy Fijian flavours without breaking the bank. The local Indian and Fiji-Chinese restaurants max out at about FJD$20 for a big main meal, but you can get some decent dishes for as little as FJD$7.

A step up from the local eateries are casual-dining restaurants which cater for budget tourists. For these, you can expect to pay a bit less than what you’d pay for lunch at McDonalds in Sydney. For example, fish and chips at Sailor’s Beach (Wailoaloa, Nadi) costs FJD$18.90 (about AUD$12.80).

Mid-Range Dining

As a tourist in Fiji, you’ll probably be eating more than a couple of meals at your hotel or resort. The mid-range hotels and resorts are priced comfortably to match (more or less) what you’d pay for equivalent meals at home. There are also a number of familiar-looking independent bistros and restaurants for when you want some comfort food.

And remember, tips are not customary (although welcomed), and VAT is usually included in the price!

Tipping is Not Expected!

If you’re and Aussie or Kiwi, you’ll feel right at home =D

Resort Restaurants

Resorts often have on-site restaurants serving a mix of international and Fijian dishes. Expect to pay FJD$30 to FJD$60 (about $20-$40 Australian) for a large-portioned meal made with fresh Fijian ingredients served in an Insta-worthy setting!

Independent Restaurants

Explore independent restaurants in urban centers like Suva and Nadi for a mix of local and international cuisines. Prices in these establishments typically fall within the mid-range category. A steak meal costs about FJD$30 whilst chicken and chips will cost about FJD$22, including taxes and fees.

Here’s an extract from the Daikoku (Japanese Teppanyaki chain) menu:

Fine Dining and Resorts

If you enjoy fine dining in luxurious restaurants, Fiji has you covered!

Luxurious Resorts

Fiji boasts world-class resorts with fine dining options. Expect higher prices at these establishments, but relish exquisite meals with stunning views. That said, if you’re accustomed to eating at typical upper-end restaurants back home, you’ll find Fiji’s luxury resort restaurant prices on-par or cheaper.

You’ll get a nice steak for about FJD$70 (AUD$48) and premier wild-caught fish for FJD$50 (AUD$33). This is an extract from Lomani Island Resort’s menu with prices:

Specialty Cuisine

Some restaurants offer specialty cuisines, including seafood extravaganzas. While these experiences can be more expensive, they deliver a culinary adventure.

Price Range Overview

To re-cap, here’s an overview of the cost of food in Fiji:

1. Budget-Friendly Options:

• Street Food: FJD 5 – 15
• Casual Dining: FJD 15 – 30

1. Mid-Range Dining:

• Resort Restaurants: FJD 30 – 60
• Independent Restaurants: FJD 20 – 50

1. Fine Dining and Specialty Cuisine:

• Luxurious Resorts: FJD 60 and above
• Specialty Dining: FJD 40 – 100+

Tips for Budget-Friendly Dining

1. Explore Local Markets:

• Immerse yourself in the local culture by trying affordable and delicious options from markets.

1. Casual Eateries:

• Opt for local cafes and eateries for a budget-friendly taste of Fijian cuisine.

1. Meal Packages at Resorts:

• If staying at a resort, inquire about meal packages that may offer cost-effective dining options.

BONUS TIP: Cost of Beer in Fiji

Beer is cheap in Fiji! Cheap Cheap Cheap! If you buy beer from the supermarket, you’ll pay about FJD$3 for a local 330ml stubbie (like Fiji Gold) and about FJD$5 for a foreign brand (like Heineken).

The price of a local beer at a mid-range restaurant or bar is about FJD$8 whilst a top-end luxury resort restaurant might charge FJD$50 for a pint of craft IPA.

By exploring the different dining experiences in Fiji, you can tailor your meals to suit your budget and preferences. Whether indulging in street food or splurging on fine dining, there’s an option for you in Fiji!