The Gluten-Free Guide to Fiji + 15 Best Restaurants & Resorts

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Fiji with Coeliac Disease

Of course, the most serious form of gluten intolerance is coeliac disease, which comes with the most challenges. While many restaurants in Fiji’s most developed areas happily claim to be “gluten-free” on their menus, there’s no telling whether there could be cross-contamination with wheat products, so precautions must be taken depending on how intolerant you are to gluten.

If staying at a resort with a restaurant, we recommend contacting the resort before booking. While some larger higher-end resorts have gluten-free menus at the ready, such as VOMO Island Resort, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, Blue Lagoon Beach Resort and Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, more remote resorts with set meal plans are happy to cater to special diets with advanced notice, such as The Remote Resort, Matava Eco Adventure Resort, Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Naviti Resort and Taveuni Island Resort & Spa.

For the rare few staying at Fijian homestays or B&Bs, you are typically hosted in accommodation with meals provided.

As you’ll be one of the only or very few people staying at the accommodation, hosts are typically happy to cater to dietary requirements, especially gluten-free, as the typical Fijian diet outside is certainly not heavy on the gluten – take a look at the Traditional Fijian Food: 20 Foods to Try in Fiji to get an idea of what they eat.

For eating out at Fiji’s cafes and restaurants, we highly recommend that you bring your own gluten-free bread and/or soy sauce, depending on what sort of dishes you prefer to order. In addition, always ask if a meal that you would typically eat gluten-free, whether it’s a steak and salad or curry, is still cooked without wheat or flour – just in case.

Alternatively (or additionally), cooking your own meals is a safe way to make sure that your gluten-free needs are seen to. There are plenty of gluten-free ingredients in Fiji’s supermarkets and markets, although gluten-free substitute foods like gluten-free bread, pasta, etc., are harder to find. Find out more about self-catering in the “Gluten-Free Self-Catering in Fiji” below.

Check out some of the best accommodations with cooking facilities in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Fiji.

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Gluten-Free Self-Catering in Fiji

A safe way to enjoy gluten-free meals in Fijj is to cook them yourself. Luckily, there are plenty of accommodations with kitchen facilities across Fiji, especially in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Ovalau and Vunisea (Kadavu).

However, don’t expect resorts on remote islands, such as the Mamanuca Islands, Yasawa Islands, Kadavu and the Lomaiviti Islands, to have kitchens.

Get an idea of self-catering stays in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Fiji, which will direct you to options across various regions of Fiji.

If you’re used to cooking with naturally gluten-free foods, then that’s something you have in common with Fijians! Traditional Fijian staples include taro, breadfruit, cassava and plantains, which are starchy foods that are often used for carbohydrate intake. Rice is also very popular in Fiji and a staple of even small convenience stores.

When it comes to gluten-substitute food like gluten-free bread, gluten-free pasta, gluten-free flour, etc., this is often difficult to find in Fiji.

If you rely heavily on gluten substitutes like the ones discussed, you may want to bring a few packets with you to Fiji– see Taking Food to Fiji: What You Need to Know to learn more.

Find out more about what food is available to purchase across Fiji in A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in Fiji.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

15 Best Resorts and Restaurants with Gluten-Free Food in Fiji

We’ve scouted out the best restaurants in Fiji with gluten-free options, so you don’t have to! Note that these are restaurants with gluten-free options only – we can’t testify to any foods not coming in contact with gluten products.

1. Bulaccino (Nadi) – They cater to various dietary needs, including gluten-free, for their farm-to-table café​.
2. Seventh Heaven (Denarau/Mamanuca) – Accommodates dietary requirements, including gluten-free options. Guests can select their dietary preferences online when booking.
3. Golden Point Resort (Suncoast) – A very dynamic restaurant that is open to guests and casuals and provides a wide range of options, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian meals.
4. Rudy’s Italian Trattoria & Grill (Suva) – A European restaurant that offers gluten-free options for several pasta dishes, sides, and main courses​.
5. Volivoli Beach Resort (Suncoast) – Also has gluten-free dishes, especially pizza and dessert selections​.
6. Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort (Coral Coast) – Offers a variety of gluten-free options across its dining venues. The staff is trained to accommodate dietary restrictions, ensuring that guests with celiac disease can enjoy meals without worry.
7. Likuliku Lagoon Resort (Mamanuca Islands) – Known for its attention to detail, including catering to special dietary needs. They offer gluten-free meals upon request and encourage guests to inform them of any dietary restrictions before arrival.
8. Naviti Resort (Mamanuca Islands) – Provides a range of dining options, including gluten-free meals. The resort encourages guests to communicate their dietary needs upon booking.
9. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort (Savusavu) – Prides itself on its commitment to wellness and nutrition. They offer a variety of gluten-free options, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their dining experience.
10. Taveuni Island Resort & Spa (Taveuni) – This resort is known for its personalised service, which includes catering to special dietary needs.
11. VOMO Island Resort – This luxury resort is highly regarded for its extensive gluten-free offerings. They provide a dedicated gluten-free menu, which includes options for those with celiac disease.
12. The Remote Resort (Vanua Levu/Taveuni) – Boasts private dining experiences each night of stay and caters to a wide array of dietary preferences, including gluten-free. They encourage guests to inform them of their dietary requirements in advance to ensure proper preparation.
13. Blue Lagoon Beach Resort (Yasawa Islands) – Offers excellent food choices for gluten-free diets, ensuring that guests with dietary restrictions have enjoyable meal options available during their stay.
14. Matava Eco Adventure Resort (Kadavu) – Provides their own organic farm-to-table meals included for all guests where their talented chef can cater to gluten-free diets. They encourage guests to inform them of their dietary requirements in advance.
15. The Pearl Resort (Pacific Harbour) – Offers a deli menu with several gluten-free dishes marked, including salads, main dishes, and sides​.

For more restaurants we love, take a look at The Food Guide to Fiji: Places to Eat & Food Tours.