What are the Food Prices in Tonga?
Everyone’s got to eat! Whether you’re opting to self-cater or prefer to eat out, find out what to expect when it comes to the cost of food in Tonga with our food price list. We list the typical price of food for restaurants, supermarkets and produce markets.
Note that the food prices listed below are approximate and may change with the seasons, especially produce.
Be sure to bookmark Tonga Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Tonga Cost? for other costs to consider for your trip.
5 Ways to Save Money on Food in Tonga
Before we jump into our Tonga food price list, here are some quick tips on saving money on food when visiting:
- Buy fruit and vegetables from produce markets and roadside stalls instead of supermarkets for the best prices
- Save on bottled water by adding a Lifestraw Bottle to your Tonga packing list
- Note that some of Tonga’s remote resorts have a compulsory meal plan (otherwise, there’s nowhere else to eat food)
- Some of the cheapest dining options can be found in Tongatapu, ‘Eua and Ha’apai
- If you’re bringing food into Tonga, make sure to declare it. Get more advice in Taking Food to Tonga: What You Need to Know.
For elaboration on all these tips and more, check out the 20 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.comThe Cost of Eating Out in Tonga
Of course, you want to eat out at least a few times while you’re on holiday! Tonga has a huge range of restaurants, especially in Nuku’alofa, where both local and international cuisines are well-represented. While we list some of the typical food prices around the islands, note that there are cheaper restaurant options – see The Top Cheap Eats in Tonga.
Restaurant Prices in Tonga
Note that prices are approximate.
- Main breakfast meal: TOP$9-$29
- Main lunch meal: TOP$15-$30
- Main dinner meal: TOP$22-$60
- Dessert: TOP$10-$15
- Cultural show and buffet: TOP$50-$100
- Pint of beer: TOP$8-$12
- Glass of wine: TOP$15.50-$19
- Small coffee: TOP$5-$8
- Cocktail: TOP$13-$19
- Smoothie: TOP$10-$12
- Soft drink: TOP$5-$7
- Resort meal plan full-board/day: TOP$170-$290.
Check out some of our recommended restaurants in the 20 Best Restaurants in Tonga and 10 Best Cafes in Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.comThe Cost of Food in Supermarkets in Tonga
If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, then you can save money on food by making your own meals. To give you an idea of the cost of your grocery shopping in Tonga, here’s a quick rundown of common food items.
On the price ranges listed below, higher prices tend to be charged for supermarket products in island groups like Ha’apai and ‘Eua, while Vava’u has prices in the middle of the range, and Tongatapu usually has the cheapest prices.
Supermarket/Grocery Prices in Tonga
Note that prices are approximate.
- 1.5 l (50 fl. oz) bottle of water: TOP$2.50
- 1.5 l (50 fl. oz) box of milk: TOP$3.50-$4.50
- 300 g milk powder: TOP$9
- 1 egg: TOP$1-$1.20
- 30 tray eggs: TOP$32
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of rice: TOP$3.50-$4
- 500 g (1.1 lbs) of pasta: TOP$5-$5.50
- A loaf of sliced bread: TOP$1.30-$3.50
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of cheese: TOP$20
- 250 g (8.8 oz) of butter: TOP$6-$7
- 50 g (1.7 oz) of dry freeze coffee: TOP$5-$6.50
- 25 bags of tea: TOP$2.50-$3
- 500 g (1.1 lbs) of kava: TOP$25-$30
- Bag of chips: TOP$5-$9
- Pack of biscuits: TOP$3.50-$5.80
- Can of coke: TOP$3
- Box of cereal: TOP$7.50-$15
The Price of Meat in Tonga
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken: TOP$5-$5.50
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of beef mince: TOP$12
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of pork: TOP$15-$17
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of mutton: TOP$17
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of lamb: TOP$18-$20
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of sausages: TOP$15
- Bag of fish (4 small/medium): TOP$50
- 210 g (7.4 oz) of corned beef: TOP$9.90-$13.
The Price of Toiletries at the Supermarkets in Tonga
- Deodorant: TOP$6.50-$7.80
- Bar of soap: TOP$2.50
- Shampoo: TOP$8
- Toothpaste: STOP$3.80
- Sunscreen (125 ml): TOP$44-$45
- Insect repellent (125 ml): TOP$22-$23
- Sanitary towels/pads (8/9): TOP$2.50-$7.50.
For more advice on supermarkets in Tonga, see The Guide to Food Shopping & Supermarkets in Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.comCost of Food at Produce Markets and Roadside Stalls in Tonga
Produce markets can be found in all of the main towns in Tonga, while roadside produce stalls are common in villages and towns. This is where you’ll find the cheapest fruit and vegetables in the Kingdom, as supermarkets typically only sell a small range of imported produce. Small fruits and vegetables are usually sold in piles or bunches, while some larger fruits and vegetables are sold per piece.
The Price of Fruit and Vegetables in Tonga
Note that prices are approximate. The disparity in the cost of the fruit is usually due to the size; the bigger the fruit the more expensive.
- Bunch of bananas: TOP$5-$6 (tourists are usually charged around TOP$10 so watch out for this)
- Watermelon: TOP$1-$15
- Bag of 6-8 papaya: TOP$10
- Bag of tomatoes: TOP$5-$10
- 3 apples: TOP$5
- Cucumbers: TOP$5
- Basket of coconuts: TOP$10-$15
- 1 cabbage: TOP$3-$4
- Bag of onions: TOP$3
- Pile of chillis: TOP$3-$4.
The Price of Meals at Markets and Roadside Stalls in Tonga
- Topai: TOP$5
- Faikakai: TOP$5
- Manioke tama: TOP$5
- Ngou’a: TOP$5
- ‘Otai: TOP$5
- Ota ika: TOP$10-$12
- Lu + meat: TOP$10
- Pele + meat: TOP$10-$12
- BBQ: TOP$10-$12
Learn more about some of these Tongan meals in the 10 Foods to Try in Tonga and The Top Cheap Eats in Tonga.
More About the Cost of Food in Tonga
Now that you know some of the common food, restaurant and grocery prices in Tonga, here are more guides to help you balance your travel budget:
- Taking Food to Tonga: What You Need to Know
- What is the Currency in Tonga?
- What is the Best Way to Pay in Tonga?
Finally, plan your whole trip on a budget using The Backpacking & Budget Travel Guide to Tonga.
