Food Activities on Denarau Island
If your way of discovering a new country and culture is through the flavours, then you’ll love Denarau Island. The luxury resort island is packed with eateries from five-star resort restaurants to a bustling dining precinct at the Port Denarau Marina. On top of that, foodies are spoiled for choice with the amount of food-orientated activities available with cooking classes all the way to traditional cultural feasts. So take a look at this list of things to in Denarau for foodies and start adding to your bucket list!
While you’re here, don’t miss our Foodie Guide to Denarau Island. Plus, bookmark The Complete Guide to Food in Fiji for even more tips!
1. Go to a Fijian Cooking School
Learn how to cook Fijian dishes at the Flavours of Fiji cooking school! This hands-on experience gives foodies the opportunity to visit the local Nadi produce markets before returning to an air-conditioned kitchen to learn how to cook Fijian dishes with seasonal ingredients.
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© Flavours of Fiji 2. Learn to Cook Fijian Food in a Fijian Village
For adventurous foodies, the Great Taste of Fiji tour with Tourist Transport Fiji whisks you from your Denarau hotel to the remote Navilawa Village in Koroyanitu National Heritage Park. There, you’ll experience a cooking lesson to create an authentic Fijian meal, as well as experience a kava ceremony. Kava is a ceremonial drink made from ground Yaqona root – a must-try in Fiji! Learn more in our 10 Unique Foods in Fiji You Have to Try.
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© FijiPocketGuide.com3. Try a Traditional “Lovo”
A cooking method used for hundreds of years, a lovo is food slow-cooked in an underground oven. The result is a smokey melt-in-your-mouth meal of succulent meats and tropical vegetables. Many resorts on Denarau offer lovo nights with an unveiling of the lovo before a lovo buffet feast. Try the Sofitel Fiji Resort‘s Fiji Cultural Dinner, the Lovo Night at Mamacita’s Mexican Restaurant at the Wyndham Resort, or Coco Palms at The Westin Resort – all of which include cultural entertainment. Alternatively, tours to the Fiji Culture Village offer an immersive night of culture as you visit a traditional-style village and watch fire dancing and “meke” cultural performances concluding with a lovo feast.
Check Fiji Culture Village out:
© Fiji Culture Village4. Experience an In-The-Water Restaurant
That’s right, there is a restaurant on Denarau Island where you will feast while cooling off in knee-deep water. The Lomani Wai restaurant at the Radisson Blu Resort is Denarau’s only in-the-water restaurant where guests will be treated to a Kava ceremony and fire show before indulging in a set three-course dinner.
(C) Lomani Wai Radisson Blue Fiji Resort5. Visit the Nadi Produce Markets
A Fijian produce market is not just about browsing the incredible array of tropical fruit and vegetables; it’s a cultural experience. Stallholders are keen to share recipe ideas for preparing their produce, where you can cook your purchases back at your kitchen-equipped apartment (see our 9 Accommodation in Denarau for Foodies). Either take the bus/taxi into Nadi to explore the markets independently or join a Wonders of Nadi sightseeing tour with Excite Tours & Travel.
Check Excite Tours & Travel out:
© FijiPocketGuide.com6. Enjoy a Private Waterfront Dinner
Treat your loved one, friends or family to a private waterfront table at the Radisson Blu Resort or Sofitel Fiji Resort. Both resorts offer dining experiences under the stars where you’ll enjoy a culinary journey under the stars. The experiences also include your own personal butler for the evening. It’s the perfect activity to share with that special someone (check out more in the 10 Romantic Activities in Denarau for Couples).
© Signature Tables Radisson Blu Resort Fiji7. Cruise to the Islands With Lunch Included
Staying on Denarau Island is not just about keeping within the confines of your resort. Get out and explore the gorgeous outer islands with one of the many cruises departing from Port Denarau Marina. Cruises like the South Sea Island Day Cruise with South Sea Cruises (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) and Tivua Island with Captain Cook Cruises (on Viator and Tripadvisor) include barbecue lunches in the great outdoors mixing a day of fun with fabulous food. See more options in the 10 Best Day Cruises in Fiji.
© Captain Cook Cruises 8. Experience Fine Dining at Ports O’ Call
Denarau’s only classic fine dining establishment, Ports’ O Call has been going strong since the opening of the Sheraton Fiji Resort in 1987. The intimate booths make a romantic setting for a special occasion. You’ll certainly be made to feel special with the side silver service. As for cuisine, expect impeccably presented steaks, seafood and speciality dishes. Check out more options with our 6 Fine Dining Restaurants on Denarau Island.
© Ports O'Call Sheraton Fiji Resort9. Join a Sunset Cruise with a Lobster Dinner
Enjoy the vibrant colours of a Fijian sunset as you sail from Denarau on an evening dinner cruise. Choose between a barbecue dinner or upgrade to a fresh-caught char-grilled lobster. You’ll also receive a welcome cocktail and cultural entertainment throughout the evening. Check out this cruise with Captain Cook Cruises.
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© Captain Cook Cruises 10. Get Your Health Fix at the Waitui Beach Club
The Sofitel Fiji Resort‘s Waitui Beach Club is Denarau Island’s most complete adult-only complex. Part of the offering includes access to their restaurant serving up nutritious food suitable for all diets with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Find out more in our 10 Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Denarau Island.
© Sofitel Fiji ResortMore Things to Do in Denarau for Foodies
