The Food Guide to Lautoka, Rakiraki and the Suncoast [2025]

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The Best Food Tours in Lautoka, Rakiraki and the Suncoast

With food being such an integral part of the Fijian culture, you can be sure that many of the activities on the Suncoast are food-related. Jump on a culinary journey to experience the customs of the Fijian people or learn how to catch your own dinner.

Fijian Cooking Class

A Fijian cooking class is a celebration of Fijian cuisine and culture through gastronomy. Join the chefs at the beachfront kitchen of the Volivoli Beach Resort in their cooking class where students will learn how to make kokoda – fresh fish marinated in coconut cream, fruit and chillis.

You’ll also learn how to make a staple Indo-Fijian side dish known as roti, as well as have the opportunity to pay a visit to the local farmer who grows the ingredients used.

Similar experiences can also be enjoyed at Bularangi Villa – an Indo-Fijian cooking class in your own private kitchen, and at Dolphin Island.

Fishing

Fishing is a way of life on the islands of Fiji and a major source of food. Experience making your own catch for the day then return to your resort where the resort chefs are usually happy to cook up your catch for you.

Handline fishing is the traditional Fijian method of fishing where you’ll get the opportunity to catch reef fish with accommodation providers such as Dolphin Island and Bularangi Villas.

For something more hardcore, jump onto a sports fishing trip with Golden Point Resort, Wananavu Beach Resort, Volivoli Beach Resort or Dreamview Villas. You’ll get the chance to snatch up some of Fiji’s largest fish, from sailfish to giant trevally!

Markets at Rakiraki, Lautoka or Ba

Visiting a Fijian produce market is a must for any foodie visiting Fiji for the first time. Not only will you discover vibrant displays of colourful tropical fruit and vegetables which make for excellent photos, but you’ll also experience the friendliness of the local growers.

Sellers will be eager to talk to you (but are not too pushy to sell) to tell you more about the food they sell and give tips on how to prepare them. There are produce markets in Lautoka, Rakiraki and Ba, which can be visited independently, as well as on resort tours.

For more excursions like those to Rakiraki and Lautoka, see The Best Day Trips from the Suncoast.

Beach Picnic

For something utterly romantic combined with delicious food, how about a picnic on a secluded beach? Joiji & Alisi’s Homestay (Ring Gold Divers) organises beach picnic boat trips where you and your loved one or family will be whisked away to an off-shore island.

You’ll get the day to sunbathe, snorkel, swim and indulge in a local picnic. Dolphin Island can also organise a picnic for you and your loved one to take on a kayaking trip as you paddle to the nearby islands of Nananu-i-Cake and Nananu-i-Ra.

Kava Ceremony

The Fijian culture is extremely accessible on the Suncoast where village visits and village stays are readily available (more on that below). Often, your first encounter with a Fijian village involves a kava ceremony – a welcoming ceremony where you will share a bilo (coconut cup) of a narcotic drink called “kava” with the village chief.

It is customary for the visitors to gift yaqona roots used to make Kava, which your tour guide will provide. Otherwise, you will need to bring some yaqona yourself if visiting a village independently.

See Fiji Village Etiquette: What to Do When Visiting a Fijian Village for more advice. Kava ceremonies are also demonstrated in accommodations like the Natalei Experience and Joiji and Alisi’s Homestay (Ring Gold Divers).

More Things to Do on the Suncoast for Foodies

• Try a traditional lovo feast
• Take part in a cultural village visit or village stay
• Try Fijian cuisine at the Suncoast’s restaurants
• Scout out the street eats in the Suncoast’s towns
• See a coconut husking demonstration.

For more information on each activity, take a look at the 10 Best Foodie Experiences on the Suncoast.

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Best Restaurants on the Suncoast

The Suncoast has a wide range of dining experiences. In towns such as Lautoka, Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki, restaurants and extremely affordable and mainly dominated by Indo-Fijian restaurants among Western and other Asian eateries.

Your more “upmarket” dining experiences are more exclusive to the Suncoast’s hotels and resorts, whereas in-villa catering is also available at Bularangi Villa, Dolphin Island and Villa Vanua.

Where to Eat: Restaurants in Lautoka

Lautoka offers a diverse culinary scene with affordable options. Masala Magic (Tappoo Lautoka) and Kruepa Vegetarian Restaurant (Vidilo Street) serve delicious thalis for a very cheap price.

For Chinese cuisine, try Nan Yang (Naviti Street), while Blue Ginger Cafe (Elizabeth Square) offers Western favourites. The Bula Velo Resort (Bekana Island) features a small but pleasing Fijian menu.

South Seas Restaurant (Nede Street) is a hidden gem offering Indian cuisine with sea views. The Northern Club (11 Tavewa Ave) serves Indian-style food in a vibrant social setting.

For Korean cuisine, visit Grace Garden Vitogo (Kings Road) for fresh smoothies, desserts, and dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi. The Chilli Tree Cafe (Tukani Street) is perfect for hearty breakfasts.

Where to Eat: Restaurants in Ba

When travelling between Lautoka and Ba, stop at Tukuni Restaurant (Kings Road) for local delicacies. In Ba, Chands Restaurant (Main Street) is popular for Chinese cuisine, while Seaview Restaurant (Kings Road) offers a mix of Indian and seafood dishes.

Where to Eat: Restaurants in Rakiraki

The Nuku Bar & Grill at Volivoli Beach Resort serves fresh Fijian dishes. Golden Point Resort (Kings Road) offers a diverse menu including Fijian cuisine.

In Rakiraki town, try Maharaj Spicy Kitchen (Vaileka Road) for affordable Indian meals or Pacifika Senikai Restaurant at Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel (Kings Road) for Indian-Fijian fusion. Sue’s Restaurant (Vaileka Road) serves affordable Chinese dishes.

Where to Eat: Markets on the Suncoast

Don’t overlook the markets as fantastic dining spots on the Suncoast. These vibrant hubs not only offer fresh produce but also serve up delicious home-cooked meals, with rotis being a local favourite. These mouthwatering flatbreads, often filled with savoury curries or vegetables, are a delightful staple of Indo-Fijian cuisine.

You’ll find some of the most delectable rotis at the bustling Lautoka Market (Naviti Street), usually at the stalls outside the main building. The same applies to the Rakiraki Market (Rakiraki Town Centre) and the Ba Market (Varoka Street).

These markets are not just great spots to grab a quick, tasty meal; they’re also perfect for immersing yourself in local life. So why not treat yourself to a roti (or two) while soaking up the lively atmosphere? The flavours and aromas will transport you straight to the heart of Fijian culinary culture!

Vegetarian and Special Diets on the Suncoast

Vegetarian options are mostly limited to Indian restaurants but are certainly available. Kruepa Vegetarian Restaurant (Vidilo Street, Lautoka) is a great example. Resorts like Volivoli Beach Resort and Dolphin Island can cater to dietary needs with advance notice. For more options, check Fiji for Vegans & Vegetarians and The Gluten-Free Guide to Fiji.

Fijian Food in Homestays

Experience authentic Fijian cuisine through homestays or village stays. Hosts often offer meals to share with the family for around FJ$15 per person.

Find suitable options in our 5 Best Homestays on the Suncoast. Discover more foodie experiences in 10 Things to Do on the Suncoast for Foodies.