top 20 best dishes of fiji
Fiji is a paradise of over 300 islands in the South Pacific, offering stunning palm-lined beaches, rugged landscapes, and coral reefs. The country is also known for its ancient museums and unique cuisine, with a plethora of delicacies that you should try. Here are the top 20 best dishes of Fiji that you shouldn’t miss:
1. Curry Chicken
This is a delicious and popular Fijian recipe. The chicken is chopped and cooked with a blend of rich spices that create a mouth-watering taste. Served with rice or roti, this dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Fiji.
2. Fried Corned Beef/Mutton with Onions and Tomatoes
This dish is quick and easy to make, yet incredibly delicious. Onions, tomatoes, and beef or mutton are fried and served with rice or bread, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal.
3. Kai Vakalolo
If you’re a seafood lover, you can’t miss out on Kai Vakalolo – a perfect mussels recipe from Fiji. The mussels are boiled and chopped before being mixed with spices, veggies, and herbs, and combined in fresh coconut milk. The result is a delicious and fragrant dish that is a must-try.
4. Lote
For those with a sweet tooth, Lote is a must-try dessert from Fiji. Made with boiled pumpkin, coconut cream, and bananas, the pumpkin is cooked in sugar water for sweetness, and fresh coconut milk is mixed in. This dessert can be served as it is or with ice cream.
5. Lovo Food
Lovo Food is a unique and traditional cooking method in Fiji. It involves an underground oven with hot stones where root vegetables and meat are cooked. The ingredients are kept for 2-3 hours for cooking, resulting in a delicious and succulent meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
6. Boiled Fish With Miti And Ota
Boiled Fish with Miti and Ota is a delicious recipe from Fiji. It is prepared with fresh fish that is boiled with veggies. It is perfectly cooked and served with fresh and creamy coconut milk with watercress (ota). This dish is not only tasty but also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients.
7. Curry Vakalolo Mud Crabs
If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll love this mud crab recipe from Fiji. The crabs are deshelled and chopped. They are cooked in a pot with spices and curry mixture. Coconut cream is added to enhance its taste. It is served with rice. This dish is not only tasty but also a great source of protein and healthy fats.
8. Fresh Goat Curry
Fresh goat curry is a popular delicacy in Fiji. It is prepared with spices and herbs that give it a rich and delicious taste. The goat meat is slow-cooked to create a tender texture. This dish is usually served with rice and salads. It is a great source of protein and other essential nutrients.
9. Mangoes
Mangoes are a widely available and popular fruit in Fiji. They are used in numerous recipes such as jams, juices, chutney, or mixed with other desserts. They are also enjoyed on their own as a healthy and refreshing snack. Mangoes are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and other important nutrients.
10. Nama With Miti
Nama is a popular sea grapes recipe from Fiji. These sea grapes are not only tasty but also have great nutritional value. They are usually served with fresh coconut milk and salad, creating a unique and refreshing dish that is perfect for hot weather. This dish is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iodine, calcium, and iron.
11. Curry and Roti Parcel
Curry and Roti Parcel is a convenient and easy-to-make dish in Fiji. The filling can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian, including potatoes, pumpkin, okra, fish, or meat, which are wrapped in a roti or flatbread. It is a popular and delicious street food in Fiji.
12. Kokoda
Kokoda is a popular and refreshing raw fish dish from Fiji. The fish is cut into small cubes, marinated in lime juice, and mixed with chopped onions, tomatoes, chili, and coconut milk. It is chilled before serving and is a perfect appetizer or snack.
13. Kuita Vakalolo
Kuita vakalolo is a savory and delicious octopus stew from Fiji. The octopus is simmered with onions, tomatoes, chili, and coconut milk to create a rich and thick texture. It is often served with other vegetables for a satisfying and hearty meal.
14. Fresh Duck Curry
Fresh duck curry is a must-try dish in Fiji. The meat of the duck provides a gamier and richer taste, which blends perfectly with the spices and herbs. It is a traditional and authentic Fijian recipe that is often served with rice and salad.
15. Vakalolo
Vakalolo is a mouth-watering dessert recipe from Fiji. It is made with cassava starch, coconut cream, and brown sugar, mixed together to create a sweet and creamy texture. The cassava is peeled and pounded until soft before mixing with other ingredients, and it is a perfect way to end a Fijian meal.
16. Coconut Purini
Coconut Purini is a delightful dessert recipe from Fiji. It has a thick and creamy texture and is made using coconut milk instead of dairy milk. It is often flavored with cardamom, nutmeg, or vanilla and is served with custard and jam.
17. Banana Cake
Banana Cake, also known as Vudi Vakasoso, is a beloved Fijian dessert. This cake is made using ripe bananas and is cooked with milk and brown sugar. Shredded coconut is often used as a topping to enhance its taste.
18. Cabbage with Coconut Milk
Vakasikera is a delicious Fijian cabbage recipe. The cabbage is mixed with onions, tomatoes, and chili peppers and then cooked with crispy fried fish. Coconut milk is added to it for a rich and creamy taste.
19. Rewa Bread with Butter
Freshly Baked Long Loaf With Rewa Butter is a bread recipe that originated in Fiji. The bread has a crispy crust and a soft interior. It is often enjoyed with Rewa butter, a local specialty.
20. Fijian Chicken Stir Fry
Chicken Chop Suey is a popular stir fry recipe in Fiji. The chicken is marinated in a spice mixture and stir-fried with vegetables such as onions, carrots, and peppers. It is served with rice and has a delicious flavor.