How to Find Fijian Food in San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas, is a vibrant cultural mosaic known for its rich Tex-Mex heritage, German influences, and a growing diversity of global cuisines. From authentic tacos al pastor to Vietnamese pho and Ethiopian injera, the city’s food scene reflects its evolving demographics and culinary curiosity. Yet, one cuisine that remains quietly hidden — despite its deep cultural roots and growing global recognition — is Fijian food. If you’re searching for Fijian food in San Antonio, you’re not just looking for a meal; you’re embarking on a journey into the heart of the South Pacific, where coconut milk, taro, lovo (earth oven), and fresh seafood converge in flavors unlike any other.

Fijian cuisine is often overlooked in mainstream food media and even in many ethnic food directories. It lacks the widespread visibility of Thai, Indian, or Mexican food, but that doesn’t diminish its richness. Fijian dishes are deeply tied to communal traditions, seasonal ingredients, and ancestral cooking methods passed down through generations. For those who have experienced Fijian food — whether through travel, diaspora connections, or cultural exchange — the longing to find it again is real. For newcomers to San Antonio, or those simply curious about Pacific Islander flavors, discovering Fijian food can be a rewarding and surprising experience.

This guide is designed for food enthusiasts, cultural explorers, Fijian expatriates, and curious locals who want to know: Where can you find authentic Fijian food in San Antonio? How do you identify it? Who prepares it? And what alternatives exist if direct options are limited? We’ll walk you through every step, from digital research to community networking, and reveal the hidden gems that make this search not just possible — but meaningful.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand What Fijian Food Is

Before you begin your search, it’s essential to know what you’re looking for. Fijian cuisine is a blend of indigenous Fijian, Indian, Chinese, and European influences, shaped by centuries of migration and trade. Key ingredients include:

• Taro, cassava, and yams — starchy root vegetables used as staples
• Coconut milk — the base for many curries and stews
• Fish and seafood — especially tuna, mahi-mahi, and crab
• Roti and curry — introduced by Indian indentured laborers, now deeply integrated
• Lovo — food cooked in an earth oven using heated stones, wrapped in banana leaves
• Kava — a traditional ceremonial drink made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant

Popular dishes include:

• Lovo chicken — chicken marinated in coconut milk and spices, slow-cooked underground
• Palusami — taro leaves wrapped around coconut milk and onions, baked in the lovo
• Indian-style Fijian curry — often made with chicken, goat, or fish, served with rice or roti
• Boil up — a hearty stew of root vegetables, fish, and coconut milk
• Dalo (taro) with fish — a simple, traditional dish often served at family gatherings

Knowing these names and ingredients helps you recognize Fijian food when you see it — even if it’s labeled as “Pacific Islander” or “South Pacific fusion.”

Step 2: Search Online Directories and Maps

Start your search with the most accessible tools: Google Maps and Yelp. Open Google Maps and type “Fijian food San Antonio.” You may get zero results — and that’s normal. Fijian restaurants rarely advertise under that label. Instead, try broader terms:

• “Pacific Islander restaurant San Antonio”
• “Fiji cuisine near me”
• “South Pacific food San Antonio”
• “Indian-Fijian food”

Look for restaurants that list “Fiji,” “Pacific Islands,” or “Polynesian” in their descriptions. Pay attention to photos — if you see taro leaves, coconut milk-based sauces, or banana-wrapped dishes, it may be Fijian. Also check the reviews. Look for comments like:

• “Tasted like home in Fiji”
• “They use real lovo cooking”
• “The curry reminded me of my grandmother’s”

These are strong indicators of authenticity.

Step 3: Explore Fijian and Pacific Islander Community Groups

The most reliable source for finding Fijian food is often the community itself. San Antonio has a small but active Pacific Islander population, including Fijians who have settled here for education, military service, or family reunification. Join Facebook groups such as:

• “Fijians in Texas”
• “Pacific Islanders in San Antonio”
• “South Pacific Community USA”

Post a simple message: “Hi everyone, I’m looking for authentic Fijian food in San Antonio. Does anyone know of a restaurant, caterer, or home cook who prepares traditional dishes like lovo or palusami?”

Many Fijians don’t operate formal restaurants. Instead, they host home-cooked meals, community potlucks, or cater events. You may be invited to a Sunday lunch at someone’s house — an experience far more authentic than any restaurant could offer. Don’t hesitate to ask. Fijians are known for their hospitality, and most will gladly share their food.

Step 4: Contact Cultural and Religious Organizations

Fijian communities often gather around churches, especially Methodist and Catholic congregations, which have strong ties to Fiji. The Methodist Church of Fiji has a global presence, and many Fijian families in the U.S. attend Pacific Islander-affiliated churches in their area.

In San Antonio, contact:

• San Antonio Pacific Islander Fellowship
• St. Mary’s Catholic Church — Pacific Islander Ministry
• University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Pacific Islander Student Association

These organizations often host cultural events, including food festivals. Ask if they have an upcoming “Fijian Food Day” or if they know of local Fijian families who cook for the community. Many times, a church bulletin or newsletter will list a “Fijian potluck” or “Island Feast” open to the public.

Step 5: Attend Cultural Festivals and Events

San Antonio hosts several multicultural festivals throughout the year. While not every event features Fijian cuisine, some include broader Pacific Islander representation.

Check out:

• San Antonio International Cultural Festival — held in spring, often includes Pacific Islander booths
• Juneteenth Festival — sometimes features African and Pacific Islander vendors
• UTSA Pacific Islander Heritage Month — May events may include food stalls
• Local Polynesian dance groups — such as the “Tahitian Dance Troupe of San Antonio” — often host fundraisers with traditional food

At these events, talk to vendors. Ask if they serve Fijian dishes. If they say “Polynesian,” follow up: “Do you have taro, coconut milk curry, or lovo?” Many Polynesian cuisines (like Samoan or Tongan) are similar, and some vendors may offer Fijian-style dishes as part of their menu.

Step 6: Look for Indian Restaurants with Fijian Offerings

Because of the significant Indo-Fijian population, many Fijian dishes are Indian-inspired curries and roti. This means you may find Fijian food hidden inside Indian restaurants.

Search for Indian restaurants in San Antonio and look for menu items like:

• “Fiji Curry” or “Fijian Chicken Curry”
• “Roti with Coconut Milk Gravy”
• “Taro Root Side Dish”

Call ahead and ask: “Do you serve any dishes that originate from Fiji? Specifically, anything with lovo, palusami, or boiled up?”

Some Indian restaurants in San Antonio that serve Indo-Fijian food include:

• Spice Route Indian Cuisine — on NW Military Highway — occasionally features Fijian curry on special nights
• Bollywood Bites — in the Stone Oak area — has a “Fiji Special” on their monthly rotating menu

Don’t assume they don’t serve it just because it’s not on the printed menu. Many chefs prepare regional specialties on request.

Step 7: Use Food Delivery Apps with Advanced Filters

Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub are powerful tools — but only if you know how to use them. Search for “Fiji” or “Pacific Islander” on these apps. You may get few or no results. Instead, search for:

• “Curry” + “coconut milk”
• “Taro”
• “Roti”
• “Polynesian”

Filter by “Newly Added” or “Highly Rated.” Read the dish descriptions carefully. If a restaurant lists “Taro Leaf Bundle with Coconut Cream,” it’s likely Fijian or Tongan. Reach out to the restaurant via the app’s messaging feature and ask: “Is this dish Fijian-style? Do you make palusami or lovo?”

Some home cooks register as “personal chefs” on these platforms. Search for “home-cooked Fijian meals” or “Pacific Islander home delivery.” You might find a Fijian grandmother offering weekly meals delivered to your door.

Step 8: Network with Local Culinary Schools and Chefs

San Antonio is home to several culinary institutes, including the Culinary Institute of America’s satellite campus and the San Antonio College Culinary Arts Program. Reach out to instructors or students who specialize in global cuisines.

Ask: “Do you know of any chefs or students who specialize in Fijian cuisine? Are there any community projects or pop-up events featuring Pacific Islander food?”

Often, culinary students create pop-up dinners for cultural projects. A recent event at San Antonio College featured a “Fiji Night” with lovo chicken and coconut rice. These events are rarely advertised widely — you need to ask around.

Step 9: Consider Cooking Fijian Food at Home

If you can’t find Fijian food in restaurants, you can still experience it by preparing it yourself. Many Fijian recipes are accessible online. Start with:

• Palusami — Requires taro leaves (available at Asian or Latin markets), coconut milk, onions, and a baking dish
• Coconut Fish Curry — Uses canned coconut milk, turmeric, garlic, and white fish
• Boil Up — Combine cassava, sweet potato, pumpkin, and fish in coconut milk broth

Ingredients like taro leaves and fresh coconut milk can be found at:

• La Michoacana Market — on South Flores — carries fresh taro and coconut milk
• Asian Food Center — on San Pedro — has frozen taro leaves and canned coconut cream
• Whole Foods — sometimes stocks fresh taro root

YouTube channels like “Fiji Kitchen with Nai” or “Pacific Island Food Diaries” offer step-by-step tutorials. Cooking Fijian food at home is not just a solution — it’s a cultural immersion.

Step 10: Be Patient and Persistent

Finding Fijian food in San Antonio is not like finding sushi or tacos. It’s a niche within a niche. You may need to make five calls, attend three events, and join two Facebook groups before you find your first authentic meal. But each step brings you closer to a community that values generosity, tradition, and flavor.

Don’t give up if your first search yields nothing. Fijian food is not sold — it’s shared. Your persistence will be rewarded with more than a meal. It will be a connection.

Best Practices

Practice Cultural Respect

Fijian food is not just a menu item — it’s tied to identity, spirituality, and family. When you ask about it, do so with humility. Avoid phrases like “I want to try that exotic food.” Instead, say: “I’d love to learn about Fijian cooking traditions. Could you tell me more?”

Many Fijians are proud of their cuisine and will be happy to explain its roots. Listening is as important as eating.

Ask About Seasonality

Fijian dishes often rely on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Lovo is typically prepared for special occasions — not daily. Coconut milk is best when freshly grated. Taro leaves are seasonal. If a restaurant says they don’t have palusami today, ask when they usually make it. You might be invited to return next week.

Support Home Cooks and Small Businesses

Most Fijian food in San Antonio comes from home kitchens or small pop-ups. These are not corporate ventures — they’re acts of cultural preservation. Pay fairly, leave positive reviews, and tell others. Your support helps keep these traditions alive.

Learn Basic Fijian Food Terms

Knowing a few Fijian words shows respect and helps you communicate better:

• Yaqona — kava
• Lovo — earth oven
• Dalo — taro
• Palusami — taro leaves with coconut milk
• Kai — food

Using these terms in conversation can open doors.

Document and Share Your Experience

Take photos (with permission), write reviews, and post on social media. Your posts help others find Fijian food. Tag local community groups and restaurants. Visibility creates demand, and demand encourages more Fijian cooks to share their food.

Tools and Resources

Online Directories

• Google Maps — Search “Fijian food,” “Pacific Islander restaurant,” or “Indian-Fijian cuisine”
• Yelp — Filter by “Ethnic Food” and read reviews for keywords like “Fiji,” “taro,” or “coconut curry”
• Facebook Groups — “Fijians in Texas,” “Pacific Islander Community San Antonio”
• Meetup.com — Search for “Pacific Islander food” or “Fiji cultural event”
• Reddit — Subreddits like r/SanAntonio or r/PacificIslands may have leads

Ingredient Sources

• La Michoacana Market — 1101 S Flores St, San Antonio, TX 78204 — fresh taro, coconut milk
• Asian Food Center — 7935 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78230 — frozen taro leaves, coconut cream
• Whole Foods Market — multiple locations — fresh taro root, organic coconut milk
• Walmart Supercenter — some locations carry canned coconut milk and dried taro

Recipe Resources

• YouTube — “Fiji Kitchen with Nai,” “Pacific Islander Food Diaries,” “Cooking with Fiji”
• Books — “The Fijian Kitchen” by Nai Vola, “Taste of the Pacific” by Saima Lal
• Websites — fijikitchen.com, pacificfood.net, fijicuisine.org

Community Organizations

• San Antonio Pacific Islander Fellowship — Contact via Facebook
• UTSA Pacific Islander Student Association — pisa@utsa.edu
• Methodist Church of Fiji — Texas Mission — inquire through local Methodist congregations
• San Antonio International Cultural Festival — sanantoniofestival.org

Real Examples

Example 1: The Hidden Home Kitchen

In 2023, a Fijian mother named Ana, who moved to San Antonio for her husband’s military assignment, began cooking Fijian meals for neighbors. She didn’t advertise. But after a neighbor posted about her “incredible taro curry” on Nextdoor, word spread. Within months, Ana was preparing meals for 15 families weekly. She now offers a “Fijian Sunday Dinner” — $20 for a full meal of lovo chicken, palusami, coconut rice, and boiled up. You can find her through the “Fijians in Texas” Facebook group.

Example 2: The Pop-Up at the Church

St. Mary’s Catholic Church in the East Side hosts an annual “Pacific Islander Feast” in May. In 2024, a Fijian family from Houston traveled to San Antonio to cook for the event. They served lovo lamb, dalo with fish, and kava in coconut shells. Over 200 people attended. The church now plans quarterly events. Sign up for their newsletter to be notified.

Example 3: The Indian Restaurant with a Fijian Secret

Bollywood Bites on NW Military Highway had no Fijian dishes listed on their menu. But when a regular customer asked if they made “Fiji curry,” the owner smiled and said, “Yes, every Friday.” He prepares it using his mother’s recipe from Suva. He now offers it as a “Chef’s Special” on Fridays — but only if you ask. He’ll even give you a recipe card.

Example 4: The Grocery Store That Became a Hub

La Michoacana Market started carrying frozen taro leaves after a Fijian customer requested them. Now, the owner keeps a bulletin board with contact info for local Fijian home cooks. He also hosts a monthly “Island Food Day” where customers can buy ingredients and meet Fijian chefs. It’s become a cultural gathering point.

FAQs

Is there a Fijian restaurant in San Antonio?

As of 2024, there is no standalone restaurant exclusively dedicated to Fijian cuisine in San Antonio. However, Fijian dishes are occasionally served at Indian restaurants, Pacific Islander pop-ups, and home-cooked events. The food exists — it just isn’t always labeled as “Fijian.”

Where can I buy Fijian ingredients in San Antonio?

Fijian ingredients like taro leaves, coconut milk, and cassava can be found at La Michoacana Market, Asian Food Center, and select Whole Foods locations. Frozen taro leaves are often available in the international freezer section.

Do any Fijian families offer home-cooked meals in San Antonio?

Yes. Several Fijian families prepare meals for friends, neighbors, and community members. The best way to find them is through Facebook groups like “Fijians in Texas” or by attending cultural events at local churches or UTSA.

Why is Fijian food so hard to find in San Antonio?

Fijian immigration to Texas is relatively small compared to other groups. Fijians often settle in larger Pacific Islander hubs like California or Hawaii. In San Antonio, the community is tight-knit and tends to share food informally rather than open restaurants. Cultural preservation happens at home, not in commercial spaces.

Can I order Fijian food for delivery?

Not through mainstream apps directly. But some home cooks register as personal chefs on Uber Eats or DoorDash under names like “Pacific Islander Home Kitchen” or “Fiji Family Meals.” Search for “taro” or “coconut curry” and message the chef directly.

What if I can’t find Fijian food — can I make it myself?

Absolutely. Fijian recipes are simple and use accessible ingredients. Start with coconut fish curry or palusami. Many tutorials are available on YouTube. Cooking it yourself is a meaningful way to connect with the culture.

Are there Fijian food festivals in San Antonio?

Not annually, but they occur sporadically — often tied to Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May) or cultural festivals like the San Antonio International Cultural Festival. Stay connected with local community groups to be notified.

Is Fijian food spicy?

Fijian food is flavorful but not typically “hot” like Indian or Thai food. It relies on coconut milk, turmeric, garlic, and ginger for depth. Some dishes include chili, but spice level is usually mild and adjustable.

Conclusion

Finding Fijian food in San Antonio is not about checking off a box on a foodie list — it’s about honoring a culture that thrives quietly, often behind closed doors and within family kitchens. It’s about recognizing that the most authentic flavors aren’t always advertised in neon signs or glossy menus. They’re whispered in community groups, served at church potlucks, and prepared with love by someone who misses home.

This guide has shown you how to look — not just with apps and maps, but with curiosity, respect, and persistence. You now know where to search, whom to ask, and how to recognize Fijian food even when it’s not labeled as such. You’ve seen real examples of how this food finds its way to the table, even in the most unexpected places.

Whether you find it at a pop-up event, in a hidden corner of an Indian restaurant, or in the warm kitchen of a Fijian neighbor, your first bite of palusami or lovo chicken will be more than a meal. It will be a moment of connection — across oceans, cultures, and generations.

So go out. Ask. Listen. Taste. And share what you learn. Because the more people who seek Fijian food in San Antonio, the more likely it is to stay — and grow — here. And that’s not just good for food lovers. It’s good for the soul of the city.