Country Guides
Fiji
Going Out
Going Out
Fiji
Food and Drink
Local cooking is Fijian, Chinese and Indian. International cuisine is also available. Table service is normal, although some establishments offer buffet-style food at lunchtime. Hotels often serve meals to non residents. Bars and cocktail lounges have table and/or counter service. Only licensed restaurants, clubs and hotel bars can serve alcohol on Sunday.
National specialities:
Kokoda (raw fish marinated in coconut cream and lime).
Rourou (a taro leaf dish soaked in coconut cream).
Tavioka (manioc or tapioca, often boiled, baked or grated and cooked in coconut cream with sugar and mashed bananas).
Duruka (an unusual asparagus-like vegetable in season during April and May).
Lovo (a covered pit or underground oven used to cook meat, fish, and vegetables).
National drinks:
Kava (traditionally prepared by virgins, who chewed the root of the pepper plant into a soft pulpy mass before adding water but nowadays the roots are pounded in a wooden bowl using a vertical metal rod usually operated by hand).
Fiji Bitter (a beer brewed in Suva by Carlton Brewery).
Booth's Gin, Bounty Rum, Czarina Vodka and Regal Whisky (produced by South Pacific Distilleries, Lautoka).
Legal drinking age: 21.
Tipping: Generally not necessary; only small amounts for special services.
Nightlife
Major hotels and resorts offer live bands, dancing and Fijian entertainment (meke). The biggest range of evening entertainment is in Suva where Victoria Parade is lined with restaurants, nightclubs and bars. Cinemas are found throughout the islands and show both English-language and Bollywood films.
Shopping
Favourite buys are woodcarvings (such as kava bowls), polished coconut shells, woven works (such as mats, coasters, hats, fans and trays), tapa cloth and pearls. Bargaining is not the norm in shops but is expected at handicraft markets. Some shopkeepers will give a discount with large purchases. Duty-free items are available and include electrical goods, pewter, crystal and porcelain.
Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300. Many places close for lunch 1300-1400.
Food and Drink
Local cooking is Fijian, Chinese and Indian. International cuisine is also available. Table service is normal, although some establishments offer buffet-style food at lunchtime. Hotels often serve meals to non residents. Bars and cocktail lounges have table and/or counter service. Only licensed restaurants, clubs and hotel bars can serve alcohol on Sunday.
National specialities:
Kokoda (raw fish marinated in coconut cream and lime).
Rourou (a taro leaf dish soaked in coconut cream).
Tavioka (manioc or tapioca, often boiled, baked or grated and cooked in coconut cream with sugar and mashed bananas).
Duruka (an unusual asparagus-like vegetable in season during April and May).
Lovo (a covered pit or underground oven used to cook meat, fish, and vegetables).
National drinks:
Kava (traditionally prepared by virgins, who chewed the root of the pepper plant into a soft pulpy mass before adding water but nowadays the roots are pounded in a wooden bowl using a vertical metal rod usually operated by hand).
Fiji Bitter (a beer brewed in Suva by Carlton Brewery).
Booth's Gin, Bounty Rum, Czarina Vodka and Regal Whisky (produced by South Pacific Distilleries, Lautoka).
Legal drinking age: 21.
Tipping: Generally not necessary; only small amounts for special services.
National specialities:
Kokoda (raw fish marinated in coconut cream and lime).
Rourou (a taro leaf dish soaked in coconut cream).
Tavioka (manioc or tapioca, often boiled, baked or grated and cooked in coconut cream with sugar and mashed bananas).
Duruka (an unusual asparagus-like vegetable in season during April and May).
Lovo (a covered pit or underground oven used to cook meat, fish, and vegetables).
National drinks:
Kava (traditionally prepared by virgins, who chewed the root of the pepper plant into a soft pulpy mass before adding water but nowadays the roots are pounded in a wooden bowl using a vertical metal rod usually operated by hand).
Fiji Bitter (a beer brewed in Suva by Carlton Brewery).
Booth's Gin, Bounty Rum, Czarina Vodka and Regal Whisky (produced by South Pacific Distilleries, Lautoka).
Legal drinking age: 21.
Tipping: Generally not necessary; only small amounts for special services.
Nightlife
Major hotels and resorts offer live bands, dancing and Fijian entertainment (meke). The biggest range of evening entertainment is in Suva where Victoria Parade is lined with restaurants, nightclubs and bars. Cinemas are found throughout the islands and show both English-language and Bollywood films.
Shopping
Favourite buys are woodcarvings (such as kava bowls), polished coconut shells, woven works (such as mats, coasters, hats, fans and trays), tapa cloth and pearls. Bargaining is not the norm in shops but is expected at handicraft markets. Some shopkeepers will give a discount with large purchases. Duty-free items are available and include electrical goods, pewter, crystal and porcelain.
Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300. Many places close for lunch 1300-1400.
Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300. Many places close for lunch 1300-1400.
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