Where to Find Cheap Restaurants in Tonga
Let’s get one thing straight, Tonga isn’t South East Asia. You’re not going to find ridiculously cheap food on every street corner (well, at least most of the time).
Dining out can get pretty costly in The Kingdom, but we’re here to help you cut the costs by showing you the top cheap eats in Tonga, including delicious street food!
Before we begin, see how these cheap eats compare to the rest of Tonga’s dining delights in The Guide to the Food in Tonga.
Table of Contents
5 Tips to Save Money on Food in Tonga
- Eating out in the towns of Nuku’alofa, Neiafu and Pangai are almost always cheaper than eating at resorts and hotels
- For self-catering, buy groceries from supermarkets, fale koloa and markets – check the usual prices in Cost of Food in Tonga, so you know how much is reasonable to pay
- The portions in Tonga are HUGE, so you can save money (and your stomach) by either getting one main to share or an entree dish between two people
- Picking something vegetarian is a surefire way to cut costs
- Scour the roadside stalls, markets and evening barbecues for cheap street food!
For more ways to save the dough on food, check out the 10 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.comCheap Eats in Tonga – $10-$15
Looking for the absolute cheapest food you can find in The Kingdom? Well, you can hardly do cheaper than the following restaurants and takeaways…
The Cheapest Restaurants in Nuku’alofa
A long-established hole-in-the-wall eatery at the Tonga Post Building food court, Chand’s Curry House (Taufa’ahau Road) is a popular Indian takeaway. Treat yourself to a variety of curries with various boned and boneless meats, all served with rice, roti and a chilli chutney – amazing value for the price!
Kuinita’s Coffee (Hihifo Road) is a container café with a large undercover deck that makes a handy stop when exploring the west side of Tongatapu. Grab a cheese toastie, tuna sandwich or slice of their carrot or chocolate cake, paired with a specialty coffee or refreshing smoothie. It’s a casual spot that won’t break the bank, with most items priced under TOP$15.
Although a little more expensive than other Indian restaurants in town, Little India (Cnr Taufa’ahau Road and ‘Alaivahamama’o Bypass) still keeps things affordable with vegetarian options like mix veg curry, palak paneer and paneer tikka masala around the TOP$15 mark.
© TongaPocketGuide.comThe Cheapest Restaurants on Tongatapu (Outside of Nuku’alofa)
That’s right, the cheapest restaurants are, indeed, outside of the capital. Ofeina Restaurant (Veitongo) serves up Tongan dishes like lū sipi, sipi soia, naketi moa and keleivi ika starting from TOP$8, with most mains priced between TOP$10-$15.
Travel a little further and Keli’i and Rose Restaurant (Vaini) has a wider menu of similar Tongan dishes, with the addition of BBQ food and fried chicken, for around TOP$10.
While Costlow might not be a cheap supermarket, Costlow Food (Pea) is certainly a cheap takeaway with ultra-cheap burgers, bacon and egg, and Philly cheese steaks!
For desserts, head to Mahalo’s Home Baked Goodness (Lapaha), this bakery serves up daily sweets like tiramisu and cheesecakes for TOP$6-$8, waffles for TOP$8-$12, and ice cream for TOP$3-$8. It’s perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings without breaking the bank.
For more suggestions, check out The Top Cheap Eats in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.
The Cheapest Restaurants in Neiafu (Vava’u)
Although MJ Seafood (Halavalu Wharf) might scare off some patrons with their TOP$75 lobster, their classic Tongan meals of kelevi ika, kale ika, feke and ‘ota ika are all around the TOP$15 mark.
Alternatively, Puanani Bar and Restaurant serves authentic homemade Tongan dishes in a welcoming family-run setting. The menu features BBQ specialties like lamb and chicken, local favourites including otai and ika keleki, plus comfort food like fish and chips. Most meals run TOP$8-$12, making this a budget-friendly spot to experience genuine local hospitality.
See more dining options nearby in The Food Guide to Vava’u.
© TongaPocketGuide.comThe Cheapest Restaurants on ‘Eua
Most don’t realise that there are restaurants on ‘Eua, but those in the know can find some irresistibly affordable local food, starting with ‘Alakoka’s Restaurant (Angaha). The restaurant at the ‘Alakoka Tahi Moana Guest House boasts ultra-affordable meals for under TOP$15, including sashimi, chicken strips, chicken curry and “vegetarian with chips/rice”?
For a light snack, like meat pies and sandwiches, stop by Lei’ataua Canteen (Pangai) where everything is typically under TOP$10. We also love their daily-changing menu that keeps things interesting, think chicken curry for TOP$12, lamb curry for TOP$15, and beef and cabbage for TOP$15, all perfect for a quick takeaway meal.
Talei’s Restaurant (Anaha) is ridiculously cheap with meals like fried chicken, fish and chips, and sausage and chips for around TOP$10-$12. They also run a well-appointed guesthouse and whale swimming tours which you can learn more about on the Talei’s Guest House website.
The Cheapest Restaurants in Ha’apai
Although limited, the local eateries in the island group of Ha’apai are well-priced! Lucky Pot Restaurant (Pangai) serves chicken dishes including Kentucky-style preparations and traditional favourites like Pele Pulu Masima and Lū Pulu Masima, while fish lovers can choose from curry, gravy or the classic fish and chips. Most mains run TOP$9-$15, making it an affordable local dining spot.
Tiger Inn (Pangai Waterfront) has affordable Chinese dishes to indulge in. The restaurant specialises in chicken preparations, from Kentucky-style fried chicken served with mayonnaise, rice or chips to curry, sweet and sour and hot chili chicken with vegetables (TOP$7-$13). You’ll also find fish dishes including curry, sweet and sour, hot chili preparations and classic fish and chips (TOP$20), along with various fried rice options (TOP$7-$10) and seafood soup (TOP$10-$20) to round out the offerings.
Tiressa Restaurant (Pangai) is a locally run hole-in-the-wall takeaway on Pangai’s main road is a great spot to try authentic Tongan food at very affordable prices (TOP$10-$12 for all dishes). The friendly owner serves a small but satisfying menu featuring dishes like fish and gravy (similar to a fish curry), kale sipi (mutton dish) and fried chicken, usually accompanied by a soft drink.
Discover more places to dine in the island group in The Food Guide to Ha’apai.
© TongaPocketGuide.comCheap BBQs and Street Food in Tonga
The cheapest meals you’re going to find in Tonga are from those selling local meals on the roadsides. In Nuku’alofa, for instance, along Hihifo Road and less so on Vuna Road, you’ll see market stalls selling sweet but filling treats like manioke tama, topai and ngoua for around TOP$5.
Meanwhile, at the Tui Mata Moana Market (Faua Wharf), walk or drive-thru to pick up local drinks like ‘otai and barbecue meals all for TOP$10 or less.
For the best street food experience, the Ladies Connect Night Market at Digicel Square every Friday night is a lively hub with 50-80 sellers serving grilled skewers, sushi, Tongan rice meals and samosas. WISE Night Market at the BSP car park is another Friday favourite with BBQ plates and trending desserts. For a more relaxed vibe, the PTH Night Market on Thursday nights offers speciality dishes from a handful of stalls run by local church ladies.
Similar meals can be found at the Pangai Market in Ha’apai and along the road leading to Halaevalu Wharf and the ‘Utukalongalu Market in Neiafu on a Saturday morning.
Finally, look out for roadside BBQs and food trucks particularly found at the Vuna Wharf Bus Station (Nuku’alofa) every evening except Sunday, or occasionally on the roadsides but particularly on a Saturday morning in Neiafu (Vava’u).
Check out Tongan dishes in the 10 Unique Foods in Tonga You Have to Try.
© TongaPocketGuide.comCheap Eats in Tonga – $16-$20
Convert TOP$15-$20 to your home currency to see how cheap that actually is! If you’re willing to bump up the budget a bit, you’ll have access to these Tongan restaurants too…
Cheap Restaurants on Tongatapu
The masters of fast food in Nuku’alofa, Three Men’s Fastfood serves everything from burgers (from TOP$15) and paninis (from TOP$15-$22) to an extensive pizza menu with over 20 varieties. Their menu also features chicken meals, hot dogs and combo options, with pizza sizes ranging from kids portions to super family sizes.
Try Tonga favourites like ota ika (raw fish marinated in coconut cream) or lu (taro leaves wrapped in meat and coconut cream) in restaurants, such as Mum’s Cafe (Cnr Fatafehi and Laifone Road), where hearty curries and soups with your choice of meat run TOP$12-$15.
A hidden local gem for authentic Tongan cuisine, Muna Mei Moana (Hala Pili) is where you’ll find real Tongan food at wallet-friendly prices. Try their speciality feke (octopus) or fresh fish dishes like ‘ota ika and relevi ika, all for just TOP$15!
Siva’s Dream Cafe (Te’ekiu) offers amazing value with their creative burgers for under TOP$20, while raw fish, pele sipi, chicken curry and chicken salad are also very affordable.
© TongaPocketGuide.comCurry Hub (Tokomololo) is a family-run takeaway spot that brings the bold flavours of India to Tonga, with spices sourced directly from Fiji. Curry Hub serves up authentic Indian curries alongside local Tongan favourites, snacks and hearty meals at prices that won’t break the bank. You’ll also find them set up at the night markets around Nuku’alofa.
For a light lunch throughout the day, Pizzeria Royale (Faua Wharf) has very small vegetarian, ham and cheese, pepperoni, Hawaiian and BBQ chicken pizzas, as well as salads for under TOP$20.
Although famous for their burgers, Builder’s Burger (Vuna Road) has very affordable fish/sausage/chicken and chips and ota ika, while their “Jack” burger just sits at the TOP$20 mark.
The popular open-air Billfish Bar and Restaurant (Vuna Road) also offers good-value food, serving hearty burgers, curry and cheap bar snacks, even with some burgers under TOP$15.
For more dining options, check out The Food Guide to Tongatapu.
Cheap Restaurants in Vava’u
Neiafu might generally be more expensive to eat out than elsewhere in Tonga, but the odd cheap eat can be found at Tropicana Café (Fatafehi Road) with burgers, burritos and nachos for under TOP$20. The café serves breakfast through to lunch with options including pizza, Asian-inspired soups and curries, plus vegetarian choices. Free WiFi and a relaxed vibe make it popular with both locals and sailors.
Cheap Restaurants in Ha’apai
Last but certainly not least, Leleno ki Moana (Hihifo) is a beachfront restaurant with huge yet lovingly presented meals at incredible prices. Make sure to visit at least once for their fish burgers, aromatic curries, beasty burgers and pizzas in various sizes.
Learn more about the above restaurants and much more in the 20 Best Restaurants in Tonga.
More Cheap Eats in Tonga
That’s it for our list of the best cheap eats and restaurants in Tonga. For inspiration on where to eat in Tonga, take a look at the following guides:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to the Food in Tonga and The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Tonga.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Tonga and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tonga Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Tonga Ministry of Tourism (FAQs about visiting Tonga - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Revenue & Customs (Customs and immigration contacts - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Agriculture & Food, Forests and Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Infrastructure (Land and aviation transport info - Updated [2025])
- Tonga Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Tonga Statistics Department (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At Tonga Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
