Fijian Culture: Our Family’s Kava Shopping Adventure at Nadi Markets

It was a warm Saturday morning in Nadi, Fiji, and my family and I were excited to explore the famous Nadi markets. We had heard so much about the vibrant atmosphere and the amazing range of local products on offer. We were especially looking forward to trying kava, the traditional Fijian drink made from the root of the kava plant.

Abundant Fresh produce

As we made our way through the bustling crowds, we were greeted by the aroma of fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade crafts, and the sweet smell of flowers. We marveled at the colorful displays of sarongs and other traditional clothing, the hand-carved wooden masks, and the intricate woven baskets.

It was a funny market, while half of the stalls were devoted to fresh produce, the entire other half was for kava root. One of the vendors shed a big smile and a friendly “Bula!” and we began to chat about the different varieties of kava on offer. He explained that some were more potent than others and suggested we try a milder blend for our first time.

Preparing the Kava

We watched as he skillfully prepared the kava by grinding the root into a powder and mixing it with water in a large wooden bowl. He then poured the mixture through a cloth to strain out any solids, before serving it to us in coconut shells.

As we sipped the kava, we felt a sense of warmth and relaxation wash over us. We chatted with the vendor about his life in Fiji and he shared stories about the traditions of kava drinking in his village. We felt privileged to be experiencing a small part of Fijian culture and were grateful for the opportunity to learn more about this unique drink.

After finishing our kava, we browsed the rest of the market stalls, picking up souvenirs and local snacks along the way. As we made our way back to our hotel the Radisson Blue, we felt content and happy, knowing that we had experienced a slice of local life in Nadi.