Food Prices in Tonga
Everyone’s got to eat! Whether you’re opting to self-cater in a guest house/apartment 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. For inspiration on what to try, see 6 Unique Foods in Tonga You Have to Try. Plus, be sure to bookmark Tonga Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Tonga Cost? for even more budgeting advice.
Tips for Buying Food in Tonga
- 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 Nuku’alofa
- If you’re bringing food into Tonga, make sure to declare it. Get more information in What to Declare When Arriving in Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.comCost 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 where both local and international cuisine is well-represented. While we list some of the typical food prices around the islands, note that there are cheaper restaurant options in Nuku’alofa – see the Top Cheap Eats in Nuku’alofa.
Restaurant Prices in Tonga
Note that prices are approximate.
- Main breakfast meal: TOP$10-$20
- Main lunch meal: TOP$14-$30
- Main dinner meal: TOP$20-$40
- Pint of beer: TOP$8-$10
- Small coffee: TOP$5
- Cocktail: TOP$13-$19
- Non-alcoholic drink: TOP$5
- Resort meal plan/day: TOP$90-$150
Check out some of our recommended restaurants in our Food & Drink category.
(c) tongapocketguide.comCost of Food in Supermarkets
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.
The Price of Typical Food Products in Tonga
Note that prices are approximate.
- 1.5l (50 fluid ounces) box of milk: TOP$3.80
- 30 tray eggs: TOP$16
- 1kg (2.2 pounds) of rice: TOP$2.90
- 500g (1.1 pounds) pasta: TOP$2.10
- A loaf of sliced bread: TOP$1.80
- 1kg (2.2 pounds) cheese: TOP$16-$17
- 100g (3 ounces) dry freeze coffee: TOP$8
- Bag of chips: TOP$5.80
- Can of coke: TOP$2.50
- Box of cereal: TOP$13-$14
The Price of Meat in Tonga
- 1kg (2.2 pounds) of chicken: TOP$4.50
- 1kg (2.2 pounds) of beef mince: TOP$10
- 1kg (2.2 pounds) of pork: TOP$10
- 1kg (2.2 pounds) of mutton: TOP$13-$14
- Bag of fish (6-8 fish): TOP$40-$50
- 300g (12 ounces) of corned beef: TOP$10.30
For more advice on supermarkets in Tonga, see Food Shopping in Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.comCost of Food at Produce Markets
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 that sell produce have usually bought it from the market. Small fruit and vegetables are usually sold in piles or bunches, while some larger fruit and vegetables are sold separately.
Fruit and Vegetable Prices in Tonga
Note that prices are approximate.
- 4 apples: TOP$5
- Bunch of bananas: TOP$5-$10
- 4 tomatoes: TOP$3-4
- 3 persimmons: TOP$10
- 3 cucumbers: TOP$3
- Pile of chillis: TOP$3-$4
- Basket of coconuts: TOP$10
- 1 cabbage: TOP$2
- Bag of onions: TOP$3
For more budgeting costs, see What is the Cost of Travelling in Tonga?
More About the Cost of Food in Tonga and Other Budgeting Tips
