A Gluten Free Guide to Fiji by Chiara
Chiara shares her very own gluten free insights for Fiji following a stunning honeymoon adventure
GUEST BLOG: Coeliac Chiara
Bula! (Hello!)
My name is Chiara, and I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease in 2013. For our honeymoon, my husband Ben and I chose Fiji, a place I’ve visited for 26 years and knew I could relax thanks to the incredible Chef Arnold. I was excited to share Fiji’s culture with Ben.
In Fiji, life moves slower, there’s no stress, just smiles and Fiji Time, a relaxed way of living. It’s about going with the flow, being together, and enjoying kava. Kava is a traditional drink made from ground Piper Methysticum root, naturally gluten-free when prepared with water.
We stayed at my favourite resort, Shangri-La Yanuca Island, where Executive Chef Arnold and his team ensured every meal was safe and delicious. Vinaka vakalevu (many thanks) to Chef Arnold, Chef Valati, and Eruweli from the wait staff, you made our honeymoon unforgettable.
Gluten-Free Goodness at Shangri-La Yanuca Island
There are few better destinations for a romantic gluten free getaway than Fiji
Lagoon Terrace is a popular buffet overlooking the reef, perfect for families. We loved breakfast here, with locals playing guitar and kids by the lagoon. Despite being a buffet, the chef happily made me anything I craved, like pancakes or omelettes. There’s also a dedicated gluten-free buffet section to reduce cross-contamination. Lagoon Terrace is our favourite breakfast spot. For adults-only, head to Golden Cowrie.
Golden Cowrie becomes an Italian restaurant for dinner with an à la carte menu. A few dishes are gluten-free, and staff happily adapt others. I recommend the pan-fried snapper and pasta. It’s a calm, adults-only setting.
Beach Bar & Grill(BBG) was our favourite for lunch. Relaxed and overlooking the lagoon, the menu marks gluten-free options, and staff happily adjust others. Highlights were the burgers, tacos, chicken, and my favourite, cassava fries fried in a separate fryer. Cassava is a tropical root vegetable like potato and naturally gluten-free.
Takali Asian Kitchen has panoramic reef views and an extensive menu. Gluten-free options are clearly marked, and staff happily tweak other dishes. Our favourites were the chicken satay and squid. To celebrate our honeymoon, we had a private cabana dinner overlooking the reef, catered by the Takali team.
Need to know:
Gluten-free bread in Fiji is sweeter, like a scone.
If unsure or uncomfortable, ask for the Sous Chef, they’re happy to help.
GF poolside lunch at Lagoon Pool requires gluten-free orders through BBG.
Lunch at the Ocean Pool is available via Takali.
Try a fresh coconut, available at Lagoon Pool kiosk.
Watch for hidden gluten in soy sauce and other sauces.
As of publishing, kids 11 and under eat free from kids' menus at BBG, Takali, and Lagoon Terrace. Check the hotel website for T&Cs.
Private Takali Cabana Dinner
We spent a romantic evening dining at the Takali Cabana, set right by the ocean. The three-course menu featured ten locally inspired dishes. There was plenty of food and it was delicious. We loved the seafood dishes, with lobster, prawns and calamari. A standout was fried rice served in a pineapple, and a sweet finish with a banana fritter.
Need to know:
When booking, ensure everything is gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Lunchbox
The lobster at Cabana is a meal not to miss!
You can’t be spontaneous, but you can plan to be spontaneous. Ask the hotel for a lunchbox and explore!
Sigatoka River Safari was a highlight of the trip and the Shangri-La providing a lunchbox made this possible. The Safari includes a 17km jet boat ride featuring stories and waving locals. We stopped at Tonga Village, welcomed with a traditional kava ceremony, toured the village, and other guests had lunch prepared by locals.
I enjoyed my lunchbox filled with cassava chips and salsa, Vietnamese spring rolls, pasta, cakes, and fruit. After lunch, we danced with locals before heading back. The jet boat executed wild 360 spins - be ready to get wet!
You can also ask for a lunchbox for your journey home, perfect for an airport meal.
Need to know:
Allow extra time due to Fiji Time. If a tour leaves at 11:30am, request your lunchbox by 10:45am.
Let the tour operator know you’re bringing your own food.
Always pack snacks for airport delays.
For Safari, bring sunglasses for all weather. After rain, villages can be muddy, wear suitable footwear.
Kava is served in separate bowls on the Safari.
Bringing small gifts like school supplies or cash to villages is optional but appreciated.
When buying wooden items, ensure they’re treated to bring home.
Many places only take cash.
Robinson Crusoe Sunset Cruise
The Robinson Crusoe Sunset Cruise includes a river cruise to Likuri Island, traditional kava ceremony, lovo dinner, bonfire singalong, firewalking, fire dancing, and live music as the sun sets. Lovo is a Fijian method of cooking food underground over hot stones, giving a rich smoky flavour.
The team was fantastic. When booking, the agent noted gluten-free, and on the island, Avi guided me through safe choices and gave me special chicken from the kitchen. As honeymooners, we were honoured with a special dance, a moment we’ll never forget.
“In Fiji, life moves slower, there’s no stress, just smiles and Fiji Time, a relaxed way of living.”
Need to know:
Gluten-free labelled buffet items may have cross-contamination. I got my food first to minimise risk.
Kava is served communally, so consider bringing your own cup.
True Mart
True Mart is a modern supermarket with many gluten-free products, including familiar brands like Orgran. It’s a convenient place for groceries, drinks, and forgotten essentials like a toothbrush.
Need to know:
Get cash before taking a cab to True Mart to pay for your ride.
About the Author Chiara
Chiara’s coeliac journey has now gone international
Chiara is a Melbourne-based foodie and coeliac who was diagnosed in 2013. She’s passionate about showing that living gluten-free doesn’t mean missing out.
Through her Instagram and TikTok, Chiara shares her favourite gluten-free recipes, honest restaurant reviews, and lifestyle tips.
Her goal is to inspire and support others navigating coeliac disease, proving that life without gluten can be both delicious and enjoyable.
