Fiji Travel Guide - Going Out

Local cooking is Fijian 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.

National specialities:
• Kakoda (a marinated local fish steamed in coconut cream and lime).
• Rourou (a taro leaf dish).
• Kassaua (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 (feast of meat, fish, vegetables and fruit cooked in covered pits).

National drinks:
• Kava (traditionally prepared by virgins, who chewed the root of the pepper plant into a soft pulpy mass before adding water). 
• Carlton (a local beer brewed in Suva).
• Fiji Bitter (brewed in Lautoka).
• Meridan Moselle and Suvanna Moselle (local wines).
• Booth’s Gin, Bounty Fiji Golden Rum, Cossack Vodka and Old Club Whisky (produced by South Pacific Distilleries).

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: Generally not neccessary; only small amounts for special services.

Major hotels and resorts offer live bands, dancing and Fijian entertainment (meke). The biggest range of evening entertainment is in Suva - Victoria Parade is lined with restaurants, nightclubs and bars. Cinemas are found throughout the islands and show both English-language and Bollywood films.

Favourite buys are filigree jewellery, woodcarvings (such as kava bowls), polished coconut shells, woven work (such as mats, coasters, hats, fans and trays), tapa cloth and pearls. Bargaining is not the norm in shops. 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.