Fiji
Fiji's coffee scene is a delightful blend of its own burgeoning local coffee industry and the strong influence of Australian and New Zealand cafe culture, due to tourism and historical ties. You'll find everything from unique local brews to familiar espresso-based drinks.
Here are the different ways you can order a coffee in Fiji and what's in them:
Locally Grown Fijian Coffee:
Fijian Coffee / Local Brew: Fiji has a small but growing coffee industry, with plantations primarily on Viti Levu. You might find "Fijian coffee" or specific local brands served. These are typically Arabica beans, often with notes of tropical fruits and spices.
What's in it: Freshly brewed local coffee beans, often prepared via pour-over, French press, or as a filter coffee. You can have it black, or add milk (dairy or coconut) and sugar to taste.
How to order: Ask for "Fijian coffee" or inquire about local brands. Some places might offer "traditional dry-roasted style" or even "chocolate coffee flavor" using local beans.
Standard Espresso-Based Coffees (Common in Cafes and Resorts):
These are very similar to what you'd find in Australia and New Zealand, reflecting their strong influence.
Espresso / Short Black: A concentrated shot of coffee, around 30ml.
Doppio: A double shot of espresso (60ml).
Long Black: Hot water first, then a double shot of espresso poured over it. This preserves the crema and results in a strong, aromatic black coffee.
Flat White: A popular choice. Espresso with velvety, steamed milk and very little foam. It's a smooth, strong milky coffee, a hallmark of Australasian coffee.
Latte: Espresso with a larger amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of foamed milk on top. Often served in a glass, it's a milder, milkier option than a flat white.
Cappuccino: Espresso with steamed milk and a thicker layer of foamed milk on top, usually dusted with chocolate powder.
Macchiato (Short or Long):
Short Macchiato: Espresso "marked" with a tiny dollop of steamed milk or foam.
Long Macchiato: A double shot of espresso with a dollop of foam and a small amount of milk.
Piccolo Latte (or Piccolo): A smaller version of a latte, typically a single ristretto shot topped with warm, silky milk, served in a small glass (around 90ml). Strong and less milky.
Mocha (or Mochaccino): Espresso combined with chocolate (syrup or powder) and steamed milk, often topped with whipped cream and/or chocolate dusting.
Iced Coffee Drinks:
Iced Coffee: In Fiji (similar to Australia), if you simply order "iced coffee," you're likely to get a cold coffee beverage that includes a scoop of vanilla ice cream, milk, and often whipped cream and/or chocolate syrup.
Iced Latte/Cappuccino/Mocha: The chilled versions of their hot counterparts, made with espresso, cold milk, and ice, with various flavorings as appropriate.
Cold Brew: Some modern cafes may offer cold brew, which is coffee steeped in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a less acidic, smoother concentrate served over ice.
Other & Specialty Options:
Coffee with Coconut Milk/Creamer: Given that Fiji is a tropical island nation, fresh coconut milk or coconut-based creamers are often available as a dairy alternative and are a fantastic way to add a local flavor to any coffee drink. Some menus might even feature a "Latte with coconut milk" specifically.
Instant Coffee: In smaller, less specialized eateries, or in guesthouses, instant coffee is still common. It's simply instant coffee powder mixed with hot water, to which you can add milk and sugar.
Alternative Lattes: You might find "lattes" made with other bases and steamed milk, such as Chai Latte (spiced tea with milk), Turmeric Latte, or Matcha Latte in more tourist-oriented or health-conscious cafes.
Key things to remember when ordering coffee in Fiji:
"Bula!" A friendly "Bula!" (hello!) is always appreciated when ordering.
Specify your preference: If you want a simple black coffee, ask for a "long black" (espresso-based) or "filter coffee" if available. If you just say "coffee," you might get instant coffee or a default milky option.
Dairy alternatives: Don't hesitate to ask for coconut milk or other plant-based milks if you prefer them.
Embrace the pace: Enjoy your coffee on "Fiji time" – things might be a little slower than you're used to, but it's all part of the island experience.
*The content in this document was generated using artificial intelligence, drawing from various online sources, and subsequently refined for accuracy and conciseness in 2025. Users are advised to consult multiple sources to corroborate information and should not rely solely on this document for comprehensive research.