Food Activities in the Mamanuca Islands
We all know that food says a lot about a culture. That’s why the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji offer some fabulous culinary experiences and food-orientated activities for visitors to understand the Fijian way of life. Have lunch in a Fijian village, attend a Fijian cooking class, or join a kava ceremony and just see how much you can learn through the sights, smells and tastes of a foodie activity in the Mamanucas. On top of that, a “things to do in the Mamanuca Islands” list should always include a few luxury indulgences like a private picnic or a teppanyaki feast!
While you’re here, check out our Foodie Guide to the Mamanuca Islands. Plus, bookmark The Complete Guide to Food in Fiji for even more tips!
1. Mix Your Own Tropical Drinks in a Cocktail Mixing Class
Tropical cocktails are pretty much the life and blood of a Fiji getaway! A favourite pastime for foodies in Fiji is trying all the creative cocktails the islands have to offer. Beachcomber Island Resort teaches guests how to create their own delicious Fijian cocktail in a cocktail mixing class! For cocktail inspiration, check out our 8 Drinks in Fiji You Have to Try.
© Beachcomber Island Resort
2. Learn How to Cook Fijian Cuisine in a Cooking Class
Learn how to cook your own island-style meals at one of the Mamanuca resorts’ fantastic cooking classes. At the Plantation Island Resort, take some time out to learn how to cook traditional Fijian dishes using tropical ingredients. Alternatively, Six Senses Resort offers lessons in their very own dedicated cooking school, TeiTei, which is located within their herb and vegetable garden. For more great foodie resorts, take a look at our 10 Accommodation in the Mamanuca Islands for Foodies.
© Tourism Fiji
3. Visit a Fijian Village and Eat With the Locals
An authentic way of engaging with the Fijian culture is through a village visit. Many of the resorts in the Mamanuca Islands share their islands with local villagers who invite resort guests to see their way of life. Some visits, such as with Six Senses Fiji, include lunch with the locals so you’ll get to try real Fijian food during this cultural experience!
© FijiPocketGuide.com
4. Try “Kava” in a Kava Ceremony
Kava is a drink of ground Yaqona root mixed with water. The result is an earthy drink that makes the lips and tongue tingle. Many nights in Fiji are spent around the tanoa (kava bowl), but a top experience for foodies is to join a kava ceremony. Kava ceremonies are usually performed when entering a new village, but many resorts will put on special kava nights for guests to experience the ceremony for themselves, for instance, at Malolo Island Resort on Wednesday evenings. Learn more about kava ceremonies in our 10 Best Ways to Experience the Fijian Culture.
© FijiPocketGuide.com
5. Indulge in a Private Picnic Lunch on the Beach
For foodie couples, don’t miss out on one of the most romantic dining experiences in the South Pacific. Treat yourselves to a private beach picnic, such as with the VOMO Island Resort or Treasure Island Resort. You’ll be whisked away to a private island or secluded sandbar where it’s just you, your loved one and a gourmet picnic to enjoy. For more romantic ideas, check out 10 Romantic Activities in the Mamanuca Islands for Couples.
© Treasure Island Resort
6. Take a Boat Trip to the Cloud 9 Floating Bar
Discover the Mamanucas’ most unique dining venue! Most resorts offer day trips out on the water to Cloud 9 – a floating bar serving up wood-fired pizzas and a wide range of local and international beverages. Floating above a coral reef, Cloud 9 is a stunning snorkelling location giving you a great way to cool off in between lounging on the deck chairs and sipping on Fiji Gold. Alternatively, you can get to Cloud 9 from Nadi or Denarau. Find out more on Viator and Tripadvisor.
© Cloud 9
7. Try Fijian Cuisine at the Flame Tree or Black Coral Restaurant
Only in Fiji can you try real Fijian cuisine, so at least spend one evening sampling local dishes in the Mamanuca Islands. A great option is at the adult-only Flame Tree restaurant at the Lomani Island Resort. Indulge in Fijian specialities like kokoda, palusami, ika ni cakau and Vuda pork belly. Alternatively, you might want to sit down at the Black Coral restaurant at the Plantation Island Resort serving a spectacular array of Fijian curries and kokoda. Take a look at our 10 Unique Foods in Fiji You Have to Try for more information on Fijian dishes.
© Lomani Island Resort
8. Enjoy a Teppanyaki Dining Experience
Perhaps Fiji isn’t the first place you would think of to sit down to a teppanyaki dinner but trust us, it’s definitely worth doing! One of the most prestigious options on the Mamanuca Islands is at Oishii Teppanyaki at the luxury adults-only Tokoriki Island Resort. Another option is at Nasu Teppanyaki of the Mana Island Resort offering Japanese cuisine combined with Fijian flavours. Alternatively, try Matasawa Teppanyaki at the Treasure Island Resort – just one of many MANY dining options the resort has to offer.
© Tokoriki Island Resort
9. Dine Under the Stars in a Private Dining Experience
Perfect for a special occasion, dine under the stars on your own private deck overlooking the ocean. Private dining packages usually include a gourmet three-course dinner, a personal butler and sometimes serenaders and a bottle of sparkling wine. Malolo Island Resort offers this experience on the island’s jetty or on the beach, Treasure Island has beautiful “Sunset Bures”, and Musket Cove offers a romantic set-up on their private jetty.
© Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina
10. Get Your Health Fix at the Tovolea Restaurant
A holiday in Fiji doesn’t mean you have to give up on the diet or eat unhealthy foods. Resorts like Six Senses Fiji are renowned for providing a sustainable and healthy holiday. Their Tovolea restaurant has a fabulous array of superfoods but not at the expense of great taste. Another option for healthy eating is at the Kura Spa of the Mana Island Resort, serving up stir-fries, sushi and health foods.
© Six Senses FijiMore Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands for Foodies
