What Food To Try in Nadi and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Nadi for 2025.
National currency: Fiji Dollar, symbol — (international currency code FJD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Nadi cafes and restaurants
$5
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $3.72
$19.9
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $14.92
$7.5
Combo Meal
Starting from $7.46
What to Try in Nadi
Must-try Dishes
Cassava Scone - Koko - These are crispy, golden scones made from cassava flour, often transformed with cheese or coconut. Locals enjoy them as a breakfast staple, typically paired with a cup of tea in the morning.Fish Curry - Lovo - A rich stew featuring local fish, simmered with coconut milk, ginger, and spices, served bubbling hot. It’s a common dish at family gatherings, often made for lunch and served over rice to soak up all the flavors.
Taro Leaf Dish - Rourou - Taro leaves cooked in coconut milk with onions and spices, resulting in a creamy texture that’s both savory and comforting. You’ll find it at roadside stalls during lunchtime, and it pairs perfectly with rice or on the side of grilled fish.
Pork in a Banana Leaf - Vaka vaka - Tender pieces of pork marinated in spices and wrapped in banana leaves, then slow-cooked to perfection. This dish is often reserved for special occasions, served at community feasts where locals gather to share food.
Vegetarian Stir-Fry - Fijian Veggie Mix - A vibrant mix of locally sourced vegetables seasoned with soy sauce and garlic, giving it a nice umami touch. It’s often enjoyed during lunch and is a popular choice among health-conscious locals.
Street Style Sausages - Sulu - Skewered sausages grilled over charcoal, infused with hints of local spices for that extra kick. Snag one from street vendors in the evening; it’s a popular snack option while mingling with friends.
Pumpkin Curry - Kiri Aloo - Creamy pumpkin simmered with spices and coconut milk, served with rice for a wholesome meal. Best enjoyed during the cooler months when pumpkins are in season and locals crave hearty comfort food.
Desserts & Drinks
Fiji Bitter - Fiji Bitter (local beer) - A crisp, refreshing lager made with local Fijian ingredients, best enjoyed ice-cold. Locals often gather for a cold one at sunset, while it’s a regular companion at festive celebrations, making for a perfect way to wind down after a hot day.Qaloqalo - Qaloqalo (coconut water drink) - Freshly harvested young coconut water served chilled, often with a sprinkle of lime for an extra zing. It’s a common thirst-quencher on sweltering days, especially at beachside cafes after snorkeling or just lounging in the sun.
Palusami - Palusami (taro leaves dessert) - Creamy taro leaves cooked in coconut milk, sometimes mixed with corned beef or fish, wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed. Often enjoyed during family gatherings or special occasions, this dish is a staple at weddings or communal feasts, and its rich taste is surprisingly comforting.
Tropical Sorbet - Sorbet Tropical (fruity ice dessert) - A delightful blend of tropical fruits, like mango and passionfruit, churned into a smooth sorbet and served on a hot day. Typically enjoyed at street vendors or beachside stalls, you can find some locals enjoying it after a long day of coastal activities.
Rusi - Rusi (sweet coconut cake) - A soft and sweet cake made from coconut and flour, usually baked in a banana leaf. Commonly served during celebrations such as Diwali or weddings, this sweet treat hits all the right notes, especially when paired with a cup of strong tea in the evening. By the way, watch out for overly sweet varieties—you'll want a balance in flavor!
Food and Groceries in Nadi
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.37 |
| Oranges | $2.49 |
| Potatoes | $1.31 |
| Apples | $1.99 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.29 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.49 |
| Imported Beer | $2.49 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $6.96 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $5.97 |
| Cigarettes | $1.99 |
| Rice | $0.9 |
| Local Cheese | $5.97 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Recent evenings in Nadi reveal a fascinating dining rhythm. While walking through the bustling local markets, I noticed families gathered around street food stalls as the sun began to set. It’s quite common here for dinner to start around 7 PM, with people enjoying a variety of items like roti and curry or the beloved fish and chips, an influence from the colonial past.
Nadi's dining options range widely, from roadside stalls to more upscale restaurants. Street food typically costs between 5 to 15 FJD, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. In contrast, sit-down meals at restaurants can range from about 20 to 50 FJD, depending on the dish and venue. For instance, a hearty curry might cost around 20 FJD, whereas a similar dish in a hotel restaurant could set you back at least 35 FJD.
The popular dining areas include the Nadi Town market, where local flavors shine, and the beachfront eateries, which cater more to tourists. However, it's essential to know that many locals favor the town market for authenticity and affordability.
When it comes to payment, cash remains king, particularly in smaller establishments. I've learned that some places won't take cards, so keeping some FJD on hand is wise. A tip: always check if there’s a service charge included on the bill, which is becoming more common in restaurants. Tipping isn't as critical as in some cultures, but leaving small change—perhaps rounding up—always helps the staff.
Oh, and before I forget, one local custom is to share food. When dining with friends or family, it’s typical to order multiple dishes and let everyone sample a bit of everything, which fosters a sense of community at the table.
One common mistake tourists make is to overlook the market's closing times—many stalls start winding down by 9 PM, so plan your visits accordingly.
As we transition into the drier months, expect some price fluctuations due to tourism peaks. More visitors can lead to higher menu prices, especially in coastal areas. It’s always wise to explore dining options off the beaten path to find the best value.
Nadi's dining options range widely, from roadside stalls to more upscale restaurants. Street food typically costs between 5 to 15 FJD, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. In contrast, sit-down meals at restaurants can range from about 20 to 50 FJD, depending on the dish and venue. For instance, a hearty curry might cost around 20 FJD, whereas a similar dish in a hotel restaurant could set you back at least 35 FJD.
The popular dining areas include the Nadi Town market, where local flavors shine, and the beachfront eateries, which cater more to tourists. However, it's essential to know that many locals favor the town market for authenticity and affordability.
When it comes to payment, cash remains king, particularly in smaller establishments. I've learned that some places won't take cards, so keeping some FJD on hand is wise. A tip: always check if there’s a service charge included on the bill, which is becoming more common in restaurants. Tipping isn't as critical as in some cultures, but leaving small change—perhaps rounding up—always helps the staff.
Oh, and before I forget, one local custom is to share food. When dining with friends or family, it’s typical to order multiple dishes and let everyone sample a bit of everything, which fosters a sense of community at the table.
One common mistake tourists make is to overlook the market's closing times—many stalls start winding down by 9 PM, so plan your visits accordingly.
As we transition into the drier months, expect some price fluctuations due to tourism peaks. More visitors can lead to higher menu prices, especially in coastal areas. It’s always wise to explore dining options off the beaten path to find the best value.