The Foodie Guide to Suva

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How to Get to Suva

Before you can indulge in the flavours of Suva you will need to work out how to get there. Here are your options for getting to Suva. Check out the full guide in the Suva Transport Guide: 6 Ways to Get to Suva.

Suva by Plane

As most international travellers in Fiji arrive at Nadi International Airport, the quickest and most convenient way to get to Suva is to take a domestic flight from Nadi to Nausori. Flights are 35 minutes, costing around FJ$290 return. Nausori Airport to Suva Central is about a 35-minute drive, which is a cheap taxi trip away.

Suva by Bus

One of the most economical ways to get to Suva from Nadi is via express bus. Bus trips to Suva from Nadi International Airport take around five hours, costing around FJ$16 one way. Find out more about taking an express bus in Fiji in our Where to Book Bus Transport in Fiji?

Car Rentals

Suva is connected to the rest of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, by two main roads: the Queens Road and the Kings Road. If you’re wanting to visit multiple locations around Viti Levu and have Suva on the itinerary then renting a car is a good option to get around. Check out The Best Car Rentals in Fiji.

Suva by Cruise Ship

Suva is the main port of Fiji, so if you are visiting Fiji on a cruise ship then you will arrive in the heart of Suva. Cruises that visit Suva are referenced in the 10 Cruises that Visit Fiji.

Suva by Taxi or Airport Transfer

Enjoy your own private space in a taxi or private transfer to Suva from Nadi International Airport, which takes around three to four hours. The difference between the two is that an airport transfer is a driver service booked prior to arrival in Fiji. Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport ready to take you straight to your chosen accommodation in Suva. Taxis wait at the exit of the airport ready to take passenger where ever they need to go. Make sure you agree on a fare before getting into the taxi to avoid any nasty surprises. Transfer by taxi or airport transfer can range from FJ$160-$500 one way. Check out transfer recommendations in our Suva Transport Guide.

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Foodie Activities in Suva

Want to experience Suva while tickling your tastebuds? Then you have a few food-related activities in Suva to choose from.

Visit the Suva Produce Markets

Probably one of the most popular food activities in Suva for foodies and non-foodies alike is visiting a produce market. Not only will you get to browse through a wide range of fresh local produce, but it provides an easy way to access the local culture. Stall owners are usually enthusiastic to talk to punters, sharing recipe ideas and striking up conversations.

One of the most exciting markets is the Suva Municipal Market (Usher Street at Rodwell Road) where the street is lined with every fruit and vegetable imaginable. There are two floors to the market and most stall will be selling similar produce depending on what is in season. For real foodies, we recommend staying in self-catering accommodation (see recommendations beside/below this guide) so you can really complete this produce market experience by cooking your purchases.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Suva on a Saturday morning, don’t miss the Suva Fish Market (waterfront between Stinson Parade Road and Scott Street). It’s a bustling place where you’ll see an array of tropical fish and the freshest catch!

Suva Cooking Classes

Get hands-on cooking experience with a cooking class in Suva. Ruby’s Masterclass (Queen Elizabeth Drive) offers Indo-Fijian cooking classes. There are day and evening classes to learn how to make spectacular Indian dishes, as well as giving you the opportunity to meet the locals.

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Best Restaurants in Suva

As Fiji’s capital city, it’s no surprise that there’s a vast array of culinary delights. It feels like most international cuisine is represented in Suva, which you can get wised-up on with our Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants in Suva. But for now, here are some of the culinary highlights for visitors wanting to experience the local cuisine.

Where to Try Fijian Food

Specialising in classic Fijian food, such as most items on our 10 Unique Foods in Fiji You Have to Try, The Old Mill Cottage (Carnarvon Street) is a must-visit! You’ll also find Fijian-style seafood dishes in the Eden Bistro & Bar (Bureta Street).

Where to Try Indo-Fijian Food

With its large Indo-Fijian population, curry houses are certainly not hard to come by in Suva. Some of our favourites include Singh’s Curry House (Gordon Street) with a mouthwatering range of South Indian food. We also like Maya Dhaba (Victoria Parade) for its more dining-in experience rather than a takeaway curry house.

Unique Restaurants in Suva

For places that offer more than your average dining experience, try Governor’s (Knolly Street) which is Fiji’s “only museum-themed restaurant”. There’s also Tiko’s Floating Bar (Stinson Parade), which is, you guessed it, a restaurant on a boat!

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Cheap Eats in Suva

For foodies on a budget, you won’t be too shocked by the price of food in Suva. The restaurants in Suva are some of the cheapest in Fiji, especially compared to any resort restaurant. While the restaurants we have mentioned in this food guide to Suva so far are all affordable, here’s where you can pick up some of the cheapest food in Suva.

Cheap Restaurants in Suva

While not exactly Fijian, the Hot Bread Kitchen (Scott Street) is an experience you have to have in Fiji, as it has branches all over the country. The bakery is famous for its uber-cheap pies, rolls and pastries.

Curry houses are notorious for being cheap in Fiji and it doesn’t get any better-priced than Govinda’s Vegetarian Restaurant (Cumming Street) with its selection of seriously authentic Indian food (you’re unlikely to see any tourists here) and scrumptious Indian sweets. Ashiyana (Victoria Parade) is an affordable curry house with character in terms of both flavour and decor!

Food courts are kind of a big thing in Suva, and while you might turn your nose up at food courts back home, that’s where you can find some real hidden gems in Suva. We’re thinking about Joji’s Noodle Bar (MHCC Foodcourt) the Chinese noodle bar where the price, portion sizes and taste all too good to pass on.

And that’s just the start. Take a look at our guide to the Cheap Eats in Suva to get all our recommendations.

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Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Suva

With a multi-national population, finding vegetarian food is not a problem in Suva. What’s more, there are a few vegan options too!

Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Suva

One that ticks all the boxes is Highland Natural (Victoria Parade). The all-vegan cafe serves healthy options like smoothies, juices, sandwiches, wraps and all sorts of yummy options for breakfast until the early evening.

Of course, there are plenty of vegetarian curry houses in Suva, including Govinda Vegetarian Restaurant (Cumming Street), Bollywood Cafe (Usher Street), Bhikha Bhai (Grantham Road) and much more!

For something a little different, try the Veggie Restaurant (Bau Street) serving vegetarian and vegan Chinese and Italian dishes.