Vavavi - Fijian Cooking & Cultural Experience

Overview

Available languages

English

6 hours

Mobile ticket

Are you or do you know anyone looking for a truly unique and unforgettable culinary and cultural adventure in Fiji? Look no further!

We are small, locally owned family business. Our passion lies in sharing the vibrant culture and delicious traditional cuisine of Fiji with you. Join us for a day of exploration and enjoyment as we guide you through the preparation of authentic Fijian dishes cooked in our traditional lovo (earth oven).

Immerse yourself in local cuisine and produce with a visit to the market and gain insights into where locals purchase their fresh produce on a daily basis. . Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Book your spot today and embark on a culinary journey like no other. We are able to cater for dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarians, vegans, halal, gluten-free etc.).

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Dietary Requirements

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Kava tasting

Bottled water

Lunch

Cultural activities

Preparation of at least four traditional Fijian dishes / foods

Air-conditioned vehicle

Coffee and/or Tea

Local market visit

Gratuities

Transfers from outside Nadi/Denarau area

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

• Greeted with a welcome drink • Witness the demonstration of a lovo being set up • Preparation of food that will be cooked in the lovo (earth oven) e.g. Palusami • Preparation of traditional Fijian dishes with fresh local ingredients e.g. Eggplant tavu • Morning tea • Traditional activities: Coconut scraping, weaving, and kava tasting • Local market tour • Lunch with drinks included

Sample Menu

starter

Fresh Coconut

Welcome drink upon arrival. A fresh coconut.

main

Palusami

Palusami is a traditional Polynesian dish consisting of taro leaves filled with coconut cream and other ingredients.

main

Chicken

main

Fish

main

Root Crops

Options

Vavavi - Fijian Cooking & Cultural Experience

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

48 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Authentic Fijian Experience — A Must-Do!
Darcey C,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our cooking class today was absolutely amazing! It was everything we hoped for from a cultural Fijian experience — personal, authentic, and full of warmth. We got to make a traditional lovo (similar to a hangi), which was such a unique and hands-on experience for us since none of us had ever done it before. The class is run by a lovely local family who made us feel so welcome from the moment we arrived. They had everything prepped and ready, guided us through each step, and shared stories about their culture and traditions along the way. You could really feel how much heart they put into what they do. The food was absolutely delicious, and the whole experience was unforgettable. We couldn’t fault a single thing — such a perfect way to learn more about Fijian culture and connect with the local community. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting Fiji!
Become part of the Vavavi family for a day
CStuckey20,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Well worth it. A full day immersed in Fijian culture, food and ceremony. Vavavi is a short drive from Denarau Island or Nadi with A/C transfers included. Spend the day with the most delightful and engaging young Fijian family who welcome you and treat you as one of their family for the day. They take you through preparing a menu of a traditional Lovo Fijian feast that you get to enjoy for lunch. It includes traditional coconut openning and shaving and a trip to the local fresh produce market finishing up with a Kava ceremony. Each of the family have great knowledge and skills and are are only willing to help you and answer any questions. We left having a greater appreciation of Fijian culture and friends.
The best Fijian meal
RoboAlice,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We loved our day with the friendliest Fijian family, who graciously shared their home, garden, lifestyle and culture. The food was delicious and we learnt how to prepared and cook Fijian style. Thank you fir a wonderful day
Great!
Trail27112293544,
Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A great, well organised, informative and delicious experience. Easy hands on food preparation, fire making and an interesting market visit. Annie and her family are very welcoming.
Food, Fun and Family in Fiji
Z6216QLjennyg,
Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had the best day ay Vavavi Cooking and Cultural Experience while here in Fiji. We learnt about the Fijian culture and were able to help prepare a traditional Lovo lunch, which we got to enjoy. It was amazing, and there was definitely plenty of food! It's a local family businees, and Ana and the family were absolutely wonderful hosts, who were open, welcoming and lots of fun. They shared stories, taught us about the local produce they use, and were patient and helpful when showing us how to assist with the preparations. A great day; and definitely a must do!
A must do hidden gem in Fiji - Vavavi
tracy660,
Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A must do cooking and cultural experience while in Fiji. This is a small family run business who go above and beyond to make the day so special. Anna and the family at Vavavi are warm & welcoming from the time you arrive. We had an amazing day with all of us involved in the cooking process learning a whole new way to cook local produce. Everything was in abundance, food, drinks, knowledge and laughs. A most enjoyable day. I am so glad we stumbled across this amazing family run business. We left feeling like part of their family. Vinaka Vaka Levu Vavavi Family
Definitely recommended!
christinelL4284ZA,
Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a delightful, interesting and genuinely warm experience with a family who have started this new business. We were well informed, well looked after and left very happy with our day.
The BEST day I had in Fiji
kristicA9387EX,
Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This experience was by far my most favourite experience of my week in Fiji! This family business increased my cultural knowledge beyond any other activity I did. Each member of the team provided a warm welcome and invited us to join in every part of the day. The day was filled with many “foodie” activities from preparing the meal, cracking coconuts, making coconut milk, checking out the local food markets, devouring the delicious meal and learning all about the preparation and cultural celebrations that include Kava. I invite anyone to experience this amazing day, you will not be disappointed. Arrive with an open and curious mind and leave with a full belly and understanding of Fiji you didn’t have at the start of the day 😊
Great tasteful and traditional experience
erikeH2961VZ,
Jun 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a truly beautiful and awesome experience - definitely recommend this to everyone - thanks Sam for you and your family that we could enjoy your hospitality and warmth and love of the tradition and enjoy the very tasteful flavours of the lovo cooking style - we loved it
Fantastic experience and a must-do when in Fiji!
N1795PLsarahs,
May 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a fantastic day with Sam and his family. It was such an authentic experience, and one I would highly recommend. We were a group of 8 with 4 kids (2 x 6yo and 2 x 9yo), and they were all so lovely with the kids. Sam’s brothers entertained our 6yo boys by making ninja headbands for them, while Sam shared stories and traditions with us, and we all prepared the food. After a trip to the market, we got to enjoy the food and it was delicious! A great way to get taste of Fijian culture and a must if staying in Nadi or Denarau! Thanks for such a great day Sam!