Suva Municipal Market
Suva Municipal Market
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Immerse yourself in the festive, friendly atmosphere of this wonderful street market, where you'll find every tropical fruit and vegetable imaginable.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
178 reviews
Excellent
51
Very good
70
Average
48
Poor
3
Terrible
6
ccriderYVR
Vancouver, Canada3,589 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Groceries are a challenge in Fiji. Most things like meat and vegetables seems to be imported from Australia and New Zealand.
The main market itself has vendors that pretty much sell the same stuff. You won’t find a lot of variety of veggies or any meat / fish. We did see a vendor selling shell fish which was not refrigerated. Seemed risky.
There are some supermarkets but our best find was a Halal meat and fish shop. Most things are frozen but that’s ok. We also found a wine store that had a decent selection of wines.
Otherwise, go to the market for the experience but not for staples to set up your supplies for your vacation.
The main market itself has vendors that pretty much sell the same stuff. You won’t find a lot of variety of veggies or any meat / fish. We did see a vendor selling shell fish which was not refrigerated. Seemed risky.
There are some supermarkets but our best find was a Halal meat and fish shop. Most things are frozen but that’s ok. We also found a wine store that had a decent selection of wines.
Otherwise, go to the market for the experience but not for staples to set up your supplies for your vacation.
Written April 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lasantha Fernando
Negombo, Sri Lanka89 contributions
Apr 2021
Suva Municipal Market is a big market in Suva. As I heard, this operated every day except Sunday. I used to go there on Saturday to buy some vegetables, fruits, fish and some spices. You can buy anything at a very chapter price than in supermarkets.
Written March 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Plirob
35 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
By chance we found this incredible marked. Fruit and vegetables are sold in heaps and bundels. There are spoken Fijian, hindi, english and chinese. Venders are happy and friendly. The place even smels nice.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard B
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
Mar 2015 • Business
One Sunday 1 March 2015 at 10:30 am I was photographing the colonial buildings in the vicinity of the market when in broad day light a local attempted to steal my camera by jumping me in the street and knocking me to the ground. I managed to fight him off but my camera was damaged and I was injured. Be warned Suva Fiji is not a safe place for tourists.
Written March 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew M
Nelson28 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
Readers bare with me, this is going to be lengthy; but well worth your time to ensure you really enjoy what you are about to experience.
Produce markets are a way of life in Fiji, every village has its own market as a cultural hub and a hive of activity. The prices at these markets are significantly cheaper than you will find at any supermarket and bigger the township, the bigger the market.
As an expat living in Suva I go here at least twice a week to stock up on fresh produce. The market is safe and the people are friendly. My only safety advice to travelers visiting is to be aware of your wallet when the market is crowded; don't be silly and leave it in your back pocket for opportunists. Make sure to take small change for your purchases and don't be afraid to haggle a bit or go to another vendor if the price doesn't seem quite right.
Upstairs is the kava(grog) and spice market, go on up even if just for a look. The spices are insanely cheap and the range is incredible. You will probably even be offered a small sevusevu(kava ceremony), the local custom is to invite you to join them which is a free gesture of welcoming and friendship.
Outside, on the river side of the market is the fish market. I recommend walking through at least to see the huge range of seafood on offer. But be aware that the fish is not chilled and it can get quite smell in a hot afternoon. If it is fresh seafood you are after you need to arrive early- before 8am, 6am is even better.
A general rule of thumb when selecting fish is to look for fish with a shiny skin and a clear eye. If the eye is cloudy it generally isnt particularly fresh.
If you don't, or can't arrive early there are two seafood stores on the port side of the market- Golden Ocean and Fiji Fish. The fish here are chilled or frozen, but you will be buying from a company and paying a bit more.
Vege/fruit prices should be approximately as follows:
Bananas $3-6 a bunch depending on quality and size.
Paw paw $3 a plate
Tomatoes $1-3 a plate
Onions $1-3 per kilo
Chillis $2 a plate
Capsicum $10 a kg in winter, much cheaper in summer.
Pineapple $1-4 depending on size, $.50-1 for precut half pineapple 'pineapple iceblocks'
Dhania(coriander) $1 a bunch
Watermelon $2-6 depending on size
Mangos $.50-3.50 depending on season
Kumquat/lime/lemon $1-3 a plate
Most vendors sell their produce 'by the plate'/pile and it is a great way to purchase.
That's a basic guideline, there are a lot more products than I have listed but that will get you started. Most people won't try to rip you off, but you might get the cavalungi(western) price if you look really touristy.
If people are really nice and helpful you can always give them extra $, they will be very thankful for it.
If someone is offering you to purchase something you are not interested the polite way to say no is simply Vinaka or singha Vinaka with a smile. If you have to push past people the polite 'excuse me' is pronounced 'chew-low' and you will be rewarded a smile for saying it.
Having a few Fijian words in your vocabulary will separate you from the everyday tourists and often end up getting you a better deal.
I suggest you shop around the outside of the market if you want your money to go to the real farmers who walk a long distance with their products for just a few dollars. Their goods are often the freshest too.
Fijians have largely adopted Christianity and as a result Sunday is a day of rest...the market will not be open, but you will still find the odd vendor and small market scattered around.
If you aren't looking for food, there is the craft market is nearby, if you cannot find it anyone can direct you to it from here.
Produce markets are a way of life in Fiji, every village has its own market as a cultural hub and a hive of activity. The prices at these markets are significantly cheaper than you will find at any supermarket and bigger the township, the bigger the market.
As an expat living in Suva I go here at least twice a week to stock up on fresh produce. The market is safe and the people are friendly. My only safety advice to travelers visiting is to be aware of your wallet when the market is crowded; don't be silly and leave it in your back pocket for opportunists. Make sure to take small change for your purchases and don't be afraid to haggle a bit or go to another vendor if the price doesn't seem quite right.
Upstairs is the kava(grog) and spice market, go on up even if just for a look. The spices are insanely cheap and the range is incredible. You will probably even be offered a small sevusevu(kava ceremony), the local custom is to invite you to join them which is a free gesture of welcoming and friendship.
Outside, on the river side of the market is the fish market. I recommend walking through at least to see the huge range of seafood on offer. But be aware that the fish is not chilled and it can get quite smell in a hot afternoon. If it is fresh seafood you are after you need to arrive early- before 8am, 6am is even better.
A general rule of thumb when selecting fish is to look for fish with a shiny skin and a clear eye. If the eye is cloudy it generally isnt particularly fresh.
If you don't, or can't arrive early there are two seafood stores on the port side of the market- Golden Ocean and Fiji Fish. The fish here are chilled or frozen, but you will be buying from a company and paying a bit more.
Vege/fruit prices should be approximately as follows:
Bananas $3-6 a bunch depending on quality and size.
Paw paw $3 a plate
Tomatoes $1-3 a plate
Onions $1-3 per kilo
Chillis $2 a plate
Capsicum $10 a kg in winter, much cheaper in summer.
Pineapple $1-4 depending on size, $.50-1 for precut half pineapple 'pineapple iceblocks'
Dhania(coriander) $1 a bunch
Watermelon $2-6 depending on size
Mangos $.50-3.50 depending on season
Kumquat/lime/lemon $1-3 a plate
Most vendors sell their produce 'by the plate'/pile and it is a great way to purchase.
That's a basic guideline, there are a lot more products than I have listed but that will get you started. Most people won't try to rip you off, but you might get the cavalungi(western) price if you look really touristy.
If people are really nice and helpful you can always give them extra $, they will be very thankful for it.
If someone is offering you to purchase something you are not interested the polite way to say no is simply Vinaka or singha Vinaka with a smile. If you have to push past people the polite 'excuse me' is pronounced 'chew-low' and you will be rewarded a smile for saying it.
Having a few Fijian words in your vocabulary will separate you from the everyday tourists and often end up getting you a better deal.
I suggest you shop around the outside of the market if you want your money to go to the real farmers who walk a long distance with their products for just a few dollars. Their goods are often the freshest too.
Fijians have largely adopted Christianity and as a result Sunday is a day of rest...the market will not be open, but you will still find the odd vendor and small market scattered around.
If you aren't looking for food, there is the craft market is nearby, if you cannot find it anyone can direct you to it from here.
Written August 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lissie E
Somerset, Australia90 contributions
Nov 2016 • Friends
My friend and I were enjoying looking around Suva, when a rather "friendly" man approached us. He offered to show us where to buy genuine Fijian gifts. We were happy to go as we could find the stores ourselves.
He took us to an Indian run shop with all the Fijian clothes. I thought he would leave, but he stayed. The shop staff were very pushy. After we left he said he knew another 2 stores, so we followed. Again it was run by pushy Indians. I suspected that if we bought from the stores, he might get a percentage. Also, the stores were very expensive compared to others.
When we told him we were done, he gave me some wood thing and asked for my name. I thought he was just being nice. He carved it into the wood and then asked for a "livings" fee of $40. I told him no, then he tried to haggle. Eventually I gave him some money and left annoyed.
So, unless you're happy to be guided around and pay for a crap piece of wood, I suggest you tell them to go away. I wish I have read the warnings earlier.
He took us to an Indian run shop with all the Fijian clothes. I thought he would leave, but he stayed. The shop staff were very pushy. After we left he said he knew another 2 stores, so we followed. Again it was run by pushy Indians. I suspected that if we bought from the stores, he might get a percentage. Also, the stores were very expensive compared to others.
When we told him we were done, he gave me some wood thing and asked for my name. I thought he was just being nice. He carved it into the wood and then asked for a "livings" fee of $40. I told him no, then he tried to haggle. Eventually I gave him some money and left annoyed.
So, unless you're happy to be guided around and pay for a crap piece of wood, I suggest you tell them to go away. I wish I have read the warnings earlier.
Written November 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edie Larry S
Sarasota, Florida, United States90 contributions
Oct 2012 • Friends
The Suva, Fiji Municipal Market was well worth the trip to this small community in the South Pacific. The people were warm and friendly and were more than willing to let me "shoot them" with my camera, often encouraging their small children to smile for me. The market place stretched for what seemed like acres. The fish market displayed thousands of fish of every size, shape and and description, and the fruit and market stands inviting with splaces of color and deliciousness. We had been warned that Suva was not a safe place to be, but we didn't find that to be true. The seniors of the community sat around on benches and answered all of our inane questions about their little country, and the guide in the fresh air bus (holding about 15 of us) was informative and entertaining. She said with a mischievous grin that once her island had been canibalistic, but "since Jesus came to our island, we don't eat people any more. Just don't stray off the beaten path!" Color was everywhere, in the dress of the locals, in the birds, fish, fruits and vegetables we encountered. I snapped happily away with my camera all day, bringing home many wonderful memories.
Written March 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
l3xi3
Brisbane, Australia63 contributions
Nov 2011 • Couples
whilst there is nothing overly exciting about going to these markets, i loved it all the same. there is the widest variety of fresh produce at very cheap prices! i love going there just to look around and take in all the sights - it really is something you should experience for yourself!
Written January 10, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janice B
Buddina, Australia39 contributions
Apr 2013 • Couples
Depending on what you are looking for in either wood carvings, tradional clothing or some good food it is a good place to explore. Don't be taken in by the deoartmant stores as they are very expensive walk upp through the Indian sector and take in the beautiful sari's etc. Do be prepared to walk up the hills to find the best bargins. Down by the water is the wood carving market don't accept the first bargin and go from one shop to another for the best price walk through the whole place for different clothes and wares be prepared for the heat inside. The fruit market is intersting dont be afraid to try some of the local food. I am sure if you wander through the alley ways you are sure to find something interesting. Be aware though of some of the local people maily indian that will seem to be helping you find places but then will ask for money for their service ignore them and wander on your own you cant get lost. You can visit the museum government building etc.
Written May 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JimHoopeston
Danville, IL55 contributions
Oct 2012 • Family
We had a great experience walking through the market in Suva. We were on a cruise and found we had ample time to visit a small village in the country as well as stroll down aisles of vendors selling things that makes one realize that this place isn't Kansas.
The flowers were beautiful, the edible produce was a real treat to see. Most every vendor tried to be helpful and explain just what type of food it was. Although one would be tempted to sample food from some of the sidewalk kitchens we chose not to partake. Saturday is a madhouse with traffic and pedestrians spilling into the crowed streets and packed stores. The market is a short walk from the piers and warehouse zone. Although crowded and dirty this is someplace you won't want to miss. The welcome we were given by the local police band was really fun. Such energy and hospitality! if you learn one word while in Fiji it should be "bula",it covers hello, hi ,welcome, good-day, and ,nice to meet you.
The flowers were beautiful, the edible produce was a real treat to see. Most every vendor tried to be helpful and explain just what type of food it was. Although one would be tempted to sample food from some of the sidewalk kitchens we chose not to partake. Saturday is a madhouse with traffic and pedestrians spilling into the crowed streets and packed stores. The market is a short walk from the piers and warehouse zone. Although crowded and dirty this is someplace you won't want to miss. The welcome we were given by the local police band was really fun. Such energy and hospitality! if you learn one word while in Fiji it should be "bula",it covers hello, hi ,welcome, good-day, and ,nice to meet you.
Written December 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natwar Patel
Mount Abu, India
How sate is Suva ?
cdn n
New Plymouth, New Zealand2,061 contributions
I was advised that it was perfectly safe during the day, but to take a taxi anywhere at night, even if it was only 100m down the road. I found this to be true, and that the taxis are very well priced. I safely got home, even at 1:30am after I had been to the Hibiscus Festival at Nasinu. As anywhere in the world, it helps if you know where you are - I plot a route out in my head before I leave the hotel room, and memorise it, in order to do this. Hope this helps you.
Alan-NZ2015
Sherburn in Elmet, UK9 contributions
Are NZ and Australian dollars accepted in Suva ?
Maria Chiara M
Ancona, Italy37 contributions
I would say no, you should change your coin at the airport or in one of the many currency exchange you can find in the city of Suva.
WarrnamboolBorneo
warrnambool202 contributions
Is the Suva Municipal market definately open on Sunday and what times
AmyLuc D
12 contributions
Bula
NO the municipal Market Is CLOSE on Sunday. Only the MHCC super market ( in town ) and the Damodar city ( out of town) are open non Sunday. Almost all shops are close and the city is very very calm. Vinaka
Luc
flyingkiwis
Christchurch, New Zealand410 contributions
Hi , Is the Suva Market only on Saturday ?
James M
20 contributions
The Market is open 7 days a week, although it has limited trading on Sunday..
Are the markets operating after cyclone winston?
nevernomad
Melbourne, Australia156 contributions
Business as usual, open Monday to Saturday
Maybe a third of the stalls not open last week
Fresh salad stuff in short supply , so prices are up
I would avoid the fish, lots of extended power outages in Suva so fridges are warm
Strez13
Greater Melbourne, Australia39 contributions
Hi I am visiting Suva between 22 and 25th November 2015. I love cooking and have hired a private self catering apartment. I am planning to lash out at the local market and buy crayfish/lobster and other fresh produce. I am wondering how much is a fair price to pay for fresh live lobster per kg?
David N
Morgantown PA190 contributions
How late is the market open on Saturday?
babralaun66
Noumea Nouvell caledonie59 contributions
on Saturdays they close around 4:00 pm because of Sunday going to church
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Claim your listingSuva Municipal Market - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Suva Municipal Market
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Suva Municipal Market Information
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