Food
& Drink
International cuisine
is available, however the local cooking is Fijian and Indian. Table
service is usual, although some establishments offer buffet-style
food at lunchtime. Hotels frequently serve meals to non residents.
Bars and cocktail lounges have table and / or counter service. Only
licensed restaurants, clubs and hotel bars can serve alcohol.
National specialties include Kassaua (tapioca,
often boiled, baked or grated and cooked in coconut cream with sugar
and mashed bananas), Kakoda (a marinated local fish steamed in coconut
cream and lime) and Rourou (a taro leaf dish).
Duruka (an unusual asparagus like vegetable in season during April
and May) and Breadfruit are also specialities, as well as lovo (feast
of meat, fish, vegetables and fruit cooked in covered pits).
National drinks consist of a wide range of
choices, including the traditional kava. Traditionally, the drink
was prepared by virgins, who chewed the root into a soft pulpy mass
before adding water. It is made from the root of the pepper plant
and the yaqona drinking ceremony is still significant in the Fijian
tradition, although it has also become a social drink.
Carlton (a local beer brewed in Suva), Fiji Bitter (brewed in Lautoka),
Meridan Moselle and Suvanna Moselle (local wines) are also available
drinks, as well as Booth’s Gin, Bounty Fiji Golden Rum, Cossack
Vodka and Old Club Whisky (produced by South Pacific Distilleries).
Nightlife
Major hotels and resorts have dancing and live
bands. There are also nightclubs
with entertainment, particularly in Suva. Cinemas show Indian and
English language and films. Most social activity, however, is in
private clubs and visitors can attain temporary membership through
hotels.
Hotels offer Fijian entertainment
(meke). Suva has several bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Just
off Victoria Parade travellers will find numerous places to while
the night away. There is a jazz and blues bar, a pizzeria and even
an Irish themed pub. The many nightclubs include The Planet, Signals
and Purple Haze, playing an eclectic mix of music.
Shopping
Favourite buys are filigree
jewellery, woodcarvings (such as kava bowls), seashells, polished
coconut shells, woven work (such as coasters, mats, hats, fans and
trays), tapa cloth and pearls. Bargaining is not usual in shops.
Some shopkeepers will give a discount with large purchases.
Duty free items are available and include
televisions, pewter, cameras, watches, binoculars, clocks, lighters,
hi fi equipment, crystal and porcelain.
Shopping
hours are Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 7.00 pm, Saturday
8.00 am to 1.00 pm (some shops have half day closing on Wednesday
and are open later on Friday).
Tipping
Small tips are recommended only for special services. |
