Vanuatu is a destination where nature and culture are reflected even in its cuisine. Local food is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients, ancestral traditions, and exotic flavors, all enhanced by traditional cooking methods. Influenced by rich volcanic soils and abundant seafood, Ni-Vanuatu cuisine is a true culinary adventure. Here are 10 must-try dishes during your visit to Vanuatu.
A true emblem of Vanuatu’s gastronomy, Lap Lap is made from grated root vegetables such as taro, yam, or cassava, mixed with coconut cream, and then slow-cooked in banana leaves under hot stones. The dish has a slightly smoky taste due to its traditional cooking method and is at the heart of kastom ceremonies and celebrations. To try it, head to local markets, where it is often served at lunchtime.
Simboro is a comforting dish where taro or island cabbage leaves are rolled and stuffed with grated root vegetables or coconut, then simmered in coconut cream. This simple yet nutritious dish highlights local ingredients and is widely available at market food stalls.
Perfect for a quick bite, Tuluk is made of grated cassava wrapped around spiced meat, usually beef or pork, and then steamed or baked. Its soft and slightly chewy texture contrasts with the rich, spiced filling, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It’s easily found at street stalls and markets.
Bunia is more than just a meal it’s a culinary and cultural experience. This earth oven feast involves wrapping meat, fish, and root vegetables in leaves and slow-cooking them underground with heated stones. This slow-cooking method enhances the tenderness of the ingredients and infuses them with an earthy, smoky flavor. A bunia is a communal event, bringing families and villages together for a shared dining experience.
Inspired by Tanna island, this soup is a flavorful mix of beef, chicken, or seafood, combined with fresh local vegetables and spices. Often enriched with coconut milk, it delivers a subtle fusion of exotic flavors and comforting textures. Perfect for a rainy day or as a starter to a traditional meal, this soup highlights the natural bounty and spices of Vanuatu.
Nangai nuts, a popular Ni-Vanuatu snack, are roasted or boiled and served on skewers. With a lightly sweet and crunchy texture, they make for a simple yet delicious treat. Often found at local markets, these nuts come from native trees unique to Vanuatu.
Vanuatu’s fertile volcanic soil produces some of the sweetest and most aromatic fruits in the Pacific. Pineapple, mango, passion fruit, papaya, and bananas are harvested at peak ripeness and sold at markets, ready to enjoy. These sun kissed tropical fruits make for a refreshing snack after a day of exploring.
Drinking fresh coconut in Vanuatu is a must-do experience. You can either climb a tree yourself or ask a local to open one for you. Once you’ve enjoyed the refreshing coconut water, the shell is split open to reveal its creamy, slightly sweet flesh. This natural energy booster is ideal for staying hydrated after a long day under the sun.
Vanuatu is a seafood lover’s paradise, with fresh fish and other locally sourced seafood enjoyed across the islands. Seafood is often freshly caught and prepared in traditional ways, including grilling, cooking with coconut milk, or combining it with local herbs, spices and seasonal ingredients.
After drinking kava, it’s customary to cleanse your palate with a salty or spicy snack to balance its earthy flavor. At markets and nakamals (traditional kava bars), you’ll find cassava chips, grilled meat skewers, and roasted nuts, making for the perfect kava pairing and a way to immerse yourself even further in Ni-Vanuatu culture.
