Walking up to a kava bar for the first time can feel a little like stepping into a new language. People are calling out “Bula,” clapping in rhythm, and ordering “low tide” or “high tide” as if everyone was born knowing what that means. The good news? Ordering kava is much simpler than it sounds, and nobody expects you to get it perfect on your first try.
We see those first-time nerves melt away every night at our kava bar in Fayetteville, NC, usually by the end of the first round.
This quick guide walks you through the vocabulary, the menu, and a few easy tips, so you can step up to the bar with confidence and enjoy your first shell like a regular.
Your First-Timer’s Guide to Ordering Kava
Kava is traditionally served in a shell, a small bowl historically made from a coconut and known in Fiji as a bilo. When you order, the main question is simply how much you want. A “low tide” is a half shell, a smaller pour that’s perfect for easing in and getting a feel for the taste. A “high tide” is a full shell, for when you’re ready to commit to the whole experience. For most first-timers, starting with a low tide is the smart move.
Don’t be surprised by the flavor. Traditional kava has an earthy, peppery taste unlike anything else, and many people notice a light, tingly numbness on the tongue and lips. That’s completely normal. If you’d rather ease into it, try a crafted blend like the Kava Colada, with its coconut and tropical notes, or the Citrus Muddy, a bright mix of lemonade and ginger. Can’t decide? A Kava Flight lets you sample a few options side by side.
Your kavatender is your best resource, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. Let them know it’s your first time, and they’ll walk you through the menu, explain the difference between a classic shell and the Premium Reserve, and help you find a starting point that fits your taste. When your shell arrives, join in the ritual: clap once, say “Bula,” drink it down in one go, and enjoy the three claps that follow.
A couple of practical notes: you’ll need to be 18 or older to order kava in North Carolina, and it’s best to pace yourself rather than ordering several high tides back to back. Give each round a little time, sip some water, and settle in. Kava is meant to be enjoyed slowly, in good company.
Ordering your first shell of kava doesn’t take any special knowledge, just a little curiosity. Start with a low tide, ask your kavatender for recommendations, and don’t be shy about joining the ritual. Before long, you’ll be the one explaining the difference between low tide and high tide to your friends. Come say Bula and pull up a seat.