When you think of Fijian cuisine, picture bold island flavors blending tropical ingredients with hearty, comforting dishes.
Fijian recipes take the best of the Pacific and give you an explosion of flavors in every bite.
From fresh seafood and root vegetables to coconut-rich curries, every dish tells a story of culture and tradition.
This list of the best Fijian recipes will take you straight to the islands.
Whether you’re craving a hearty stew, something tropical and refreshing, or a dessert that transports you to a breezy Fijian beach, you’ll find it here.
Ready to dive into these mouthwatering dishes? Let’s go!
1. Kokoda (Fijian Ceviche)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh white fish (like mahi-mahi or snapper)
- 1 cup coconut cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 red chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 limes, juiced
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Start by cutting the fish into small cubes and placing them in a bowl. Add the lime juice, making sure the fish is fully covered.
Let it marinate for about 30 minutes until the fish turns opaque.
Drain the excess lime juice, then stir in the coconut cream, chopped onion, tomato, and chili for a little kick. Add a pinch of salt, mix well, and serve chilled.
Why did this make it to our list? It’s the perfect combination of fresh and creamy, with just the right amount of tanginess. It’s like a tropical escape in every bite.
2. Lovo (Traditional Fijian Feast)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken or fish
- 1 lb cassava (or sweet potatoes)
- 1 lb taro leaves
- 1 cup coconut cream
- Banana leaves or foil for wrapping
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
A lovo is essentially an underground oven where food is cooked in wrapped parcels.
If you can’t dig a pit in your backyard, you can recreate this at home in your oven.
Marinate your chicken or fish with salt and pepper. Peel and cut the cassava and sweet potatoes.
Wrap everything in banana leaves (or foil) with a splash of coconut cream and bake at 350°F for 1.5 hours. The result? Smoky, tender, and incredibly flavorful.
Why did we select this? Lovo isn’t just a meal—it’s a cultural experience. The earthy, smoky flavors are unlike anything else.
3. Fijian Fish Curry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh fish fillets (like barramundi)
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
In a pan, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add the curry powder and cook for another minute.
Toss in the diced tomatoes and cook until they soften. Add the fish fillets, coconut milk, and salt.
Simmer for about 15 minutes until the fish is tender and the sauce thickens. Serve with steamed rice.
Why we chose it: This dish packs serious flavor and warms you up with its rich, spicy goodness.
4. Rourou (Fijian Taro Leaf Stew)
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch taro leaves
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Remove the tough stems from the taro leaves and chop them finely. Boil the leaves for about 10 minutes to remove bitterness, then drain.
In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the boiled leaves and coconut milk. Simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Why did this make it to our list? It’s healthy, comforting, and full of island vibes.
5. Fijian Roti
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons oil
How to Make It:
Mix the flour and salt in a bowl. Gradually add water, kneading until you get a soft dough.
Let it rest for 30 minutes. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out.
Heat a pan and cook each roti for about a minute on each side until golden brown.
Why did we select this? Fijian roti is the perfect sidekick for any curry or stew. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make.
6. Palusami (Baked Taro Leaves with Coconut Cream)
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch taro leaves
- 1 cup coconut cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Layer the taro leaves and stuff them with onion and coconut cream. Wrap them tightly in foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
When done, the leaves are tender, and the coconut cream has soaked into every bite.
Why did this make it to our list? It’s a crowd favorite with its creamy, rich flavor.
7. Cassava Cake (Fijian Dessert)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs grated cassava (yucca root)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make It:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix the grated cassava, coconut milk, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and firm to the touch.
Let it cool slightly before slicing.
Why did we select this? Cassava cake is the ultimate island treat—sweet, sticky, and loaded with coconut flavor.
8. Fijian Chicken Curry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, diced
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 2 potatoes, diced
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger in a pan until fragrant. Add the curry powder and cook for a minute.
Toss in the chicken and cook until browned. Add the potatoes, coconut milk, and salt.
Simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Serve with rice or roti.
Why did this make it to our list? This dish is comfort food at its best—spicy, creamy, and filling.
9. Fijian Rice Pudding (Vakalavalava)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Cinnamon (optional)
How to Make It:
Cook the rice in a pot with 2 cups of water until tender. Add the coconut milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a creamy pudding. Sprinkle with cinnamon if you like.
Why we chose this: It’s simple, comforting, and gives you all those tropical vibes in one spoonful.
10. Fijian Fried Fish
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh fish fillets (like snapper or grouper)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup oil for frying
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How to Make It:
Season the fish with salt and paprika. Coat each fillet in flour, shaking off the excess.
Heat oil in a pan and fry the fish until golden brown on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and serve with lemon wedges.
Why did this make it to our list? Fresh, crispy, and ridiculously satisfying—it’s a classic island dish that never disappoints.
11. Boiled Tavioka (Cassava) with Coconut Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs cassava, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup coconut cream
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Boil the cassava chunks in salted water until tender (about 20-25 minutes). Drain and transfer to a plate. Drizzle with coconut cream before serving.
Why we selected this: It’s a simple yet traditional dish that highlights the beauty of cassava. With the rich coconut cream, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Conclusion
Fijian cuisine is a delicious blend of tradition and tropical goodness, bringing together fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Whether it’s the creamy richness of kokoda or the smoky depths of lovo, these dishes offer something unique for everyone.