Where to Find Cheap Food in Vanua Levu
You don’t have to rich to eat like a king in Vanua Levu. Fiji’s second-largest island is home to a couple of Fiji’s large towns with their own array of cafes, bars and restaurants. If you’re looking to save some money when travelling around the island, or simply want to get more of a local’s experience than what’s offered at your resort, then head into the towns of Savusavu and Labasa. The towns are full of “Mom & Pop” eateries, curry houses and Chinese restaurants. We’ll go through some of our favourites with this list of cheap eats in Vanua Levu!
If you’re looking for more budget tips, head to The Guide to Vanua Levu on a Budget. Plus, combine your cheap eats with cheap activities with our list of 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Vanua Levu.
5 Tips to Save Money on Food in Vanua Levu
- Resort restaurants are notorious for being expensive, so try the eateries in Savusavu and Labasa to save money on food
- Consider an early dinner, as the resort lunch menus are much cheaper than the dinner menus
- Picking something off the vegetarian menu is a sure-fire way to save money
- Many of the budget resorts and holiday homes have self-catering facilities. Make some of your own meals to save!
- Check out the local markets in both Savusavu and Labasa for cheap vegetables, fruit, meat and fish.
See 17 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Fiji for more tips.
© PxhereCheap Eats in Vanua Levu – $10 and Under
If you’re looking for incredibly cheap street food in Vanua Levu, then there is one place you need to spend some time in – Labasa. This bustling Indo-Fijian town has three main dishes on the menu, Indian, Chinese and Something Oily. Otherwise, there are a couple of great cheap eateries in Savusavu, where most visitors spend their time when exploring Vanua Levu.
Cheap Food in Savusavu
Burgers and curries priced between FJ$5-$10 shouldn’t taste as good as they do at the Taste of Hidden Paradise Restaurant (LTA Building, near Savusavu Wharf). They serve up Chinese stir-fries, Indian curries, burgers and Thai food.
The Sea View Cafe (Hidden Paradise Guest House, Main Street) often has specials for around FJ$10, such as fish salads, seafood tacos, curries and more. They also have budget accommodation which you can find out more about in 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Vanua Levu.
Cheap Food in Labasa
Over the hill on the other side of Vanua Levu, The Banana Leaf Restaurant (Nasekula Road) serves up a good choice of Indian curries with roti for around FJ$10 each.
Enjoy the Fijian decor with a Chinese twist at the Oriental Bar & Restaurant (Jaduram Street). The restaurant serves up plenty of Chinese cuisine with a few Fijian options to choose from.
For vegetarian cuisine, seek out Govinda Restaurant (Nasekula Road) with extremely affordable thalis, samosas and sweets. They are a Hare Krishna restaurant and the only vegetarian restaurant in Labasa.
Finally, ridiculously cheap snacks can be picked up from Rana’s Snack Bar (Nasekula Road). We’re talking bhajis, samosas and Indian sweets, some of which are under FJ$2!
© Pixabay Cheap Eats in Vanua Levu – $11-$20
Going up ever-so-slightly in price, yet still undoubtedly classed as cheap eats, these cheap restaurants in Vanua Levu offer something a little different among the sea of Chinese and Indian cuisine. In this price range, you’ll be able to grab a few Western favourites, as well as indulge in Korean food and the odd Fijian meal.
Cheap Restaurants in Savusavu
The Captain’s Cafe (Copra Shed Marina) is a fantastic option to watch the boats come into the marina as you indulge in curries, pasta dishes, pizzas, burgers, enchiladas and more for around FJ$7-$20.
A well-presented eatery, Snowy House & Grace Road Kitchen (Main Street) serves up a range of tasty Korean food. Spicy pork, wonton soup, fried rice, noodle stir-fry, bibimbap and fried dumplings are all around FJ$13 each, but your food budget might just go up slightly when you discover the desserts and coffee at the Snowy House.
Savusavu Wok (Main Street) is an affordable Chinese restaurant serving up fresh seafood for around FJ$8-$20.
Surprisingly, a resort that doesn’t leave you penniless, the Sigasiga Sands Resort (11-3, Hibiscus Highway) has a fantastic menu of Hindi and Fijian food with meals priced between FJ$12-$15. What’s more, the food is delivered straight to your door (if you’re staying in the resort, of course). You’ll definitely be able to find something on the menu from our list of 10 Unique Foods in Fiji You Have to Try.
Cheap Restaurants in Labasa
Lunch at the Grand Eastern Hotel (Rosawa Street) is always affordable offering Western-style food for around FJ$15. Plus, you’ll get to check out some of the historical photos of Labasa on display.
If you’re looking for a more “up-market” dining experience that’s not too pricey, check out Prestige Dining (Damanu Street) with large portions of curries and a glass of wine will only set you back around FJ$20.
More About Cheap Eats in Vanua Levu and Fiji
