1. Traditional Vanuatu Cuisine 

Traditional Vanuatu cuisine relies on local produce such as tubers and coconut. Cooking methods often include slow cooking or steaming over an open fire. Don’t miss these iconic dishes:

• Laplap: Considered the national dish of Vanuatu, laplap is made from grated tubers (taro, yam, or cassava) mixed with coconut cream and sometimes fish or meat. It is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground oven. This dish can be enjoyed in a village or at Port Vila market.
  
  
• Simboro: This traditional dish consists of grated tubers rolled in cabbage or other leaves, steamed, and served with coconut milk. Simple but full of flavour, it is a must-try at local markets.
  
  
• Tuluks: These small bites of meat wrapped in a dough made from grated roots are steamed or boiled. They are often sold at roadside stalls, perfect for a quick snack while travelling. In Port Vila, women sell them every day (except Sunday) at the entrance of Mele village. Opposite the "Au Bon Marché Nambatu" supermarket, an elderly man under an orange umbrella also sells them from Monday to Saturday (and they taste amazing!)

 

2. Vanuatu Beef 

One product that makes the people of Vanuatu proud is beef! The local beef is renowned for its exceptional quality, both tender and flavorful. You can find it in every restaurant across Vanuatu, often served with "kumara," the delicious local sweet potato!

A newly opened spot: Akiriki Grill at Ramada Resort Port Vila. This restaurant specialises in meat, with an Argentinian BBQ concept that adds immense flavour to the cooking process. You simply choose your cuts and sides!

 

3. Seafood 

As a Pacific island, Vanuatu offers an abundance of fish and seafood. Whether you savour “chicken fish,” lobster, or crab, the flavours will enchant you. Here are some of the best seafood experiences:

• Restaurants in Efate and Espiritu Santo: Head to restaurants on Efate and Santo where you can enjoy fresh fish, lobster or crab cooked to perfection. Don’t miss the “poulet fish” (snapper) known for its delicate flesh.
  
  
• Port Olry: Port Olry is the ideal spot to savour seafood with your feet in the sand and a postcard-perfect view. Depending on the morning’s catch, you can enjoy lobster, crab, or various fresh fishes cooked on the spot for extra enjoyment. "Chez Louis" is a popular choice, but you can find other options by walking along the beach.
  
  
• The Banks: In rural villages, fish and seafood are fresh from the day's catch, depending on what mother nature provided. They are often cooked using traditional methods, accompanied by vegetables and tubers. The Banks region is rich in fish and seafood – seafood lovers will be delighted!

 

4. Local Markets and Street Food

For a more laid-back and immersive experience, explore the local markets. You'll find locally grown organic produce with absolutely no pesticides! These vibrant places are perfect for tasting authentic flavours and interacting with locals.

• Port Vila Market: This vibrant market offers a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and street food. Try nangae nuts, a type of local almond often presented on skewers, snack on grilled fish or banana chips while you wander. Discover lively stands of local chefs offering delicious meals at affordable prices, prepared with 100% local ingredients for lunch. Don’t miss iconic dishes like laplap, tuluks, and simboros at this must-visit location!
  
  
• Luganville Market: On Espiritu Santo, this market is perfect for tasting street food like grilled meat skewers, fresh coconuts, and coconut or taro pastries, as well as simboro. It’s a tasty glimpse of everyday life in Santo.
  
  
• Lenakel Market: On Tanna island, Lenakel Market also offers a culinary walk through island-grown products.
  
  
• Roadside Markets: Besides official markets, don’t miss charming small roadside markets where locals sell their harvests directly to passersby. Be sure to carry some cash for purchases!

 

5. Drinking Kava 

A significant part of Vanuatu's culinary culture is the consumption of kava, a traditional drink made from the roots of the kava plant. Known for its calming effects, kava is enjoyed in nakamals, peaceful gathering places.

• Eden on the River: At Eden on the River, a variety of activities await, including an interesting kava plantation tour. Take this opportunity to learn all about the cultivation process of this iconic plant before tasting the famous local drink!
  
  
• Visit a Nakamal: For a truly authentic experience, discover kava in its full authenticity by visiting a nakamal in Port Vila or Luganville. Pair your kava session with local snacks like peanuts or nangae nuts for a complete experience.

 

6. Cooking Classes 

For those who want to take the flavours of Vanuatu home, cooking classes are an excellent way to learn how to prepare traditional dishes with local ingredients. Be sure to book these experiences at least 24 hours in advance!

• Papaya Loco Cooking School: Located in Port Vila, this dynamic cooking school offers classes where you can learn to prepare traditional Vanuatu dishes or experiment with modern fusion cuisine. It's a fun and hands-on way to connect with local culture through food.
  
  
• Eden on the River: At Eden on the River, opt for a cooking class and learn how to make simboros, a popular local snack in Vanuatu. Simple and flavorful, this snack will leave you wanting to recreate it at home.

 

7. Vanuatu Coffee and Chocolate 

Vanuatu is also home to delicious local coffee and chocolate, must-try taste experiences during your visit. Don’t miss the chance to savour these artisanal treasures that reflect the richness of the region.

• Tanna Coffee: Grown in the rich volcanic soils of Tanna Island, this coffee is famous for its rich and smooth flavor. Visit the Tanna Coffee Factory near Port Vila to learn about the coffee-making process and enjoy a cup of this local brew.
  
  
• Nasituan: Discover the Nasituan NGO, which helps communities produce coffee, with all profits going back to the community. In this welcoming plantation on Tanna Island, you can explore the process of coffee growing and roasting while enjoying a cup of their delicious varieties.
  
  
• Aoré Coffee: Dive into the world of Aoré Coffee, located on Aore Island, just a few minutes by boat from Luganville. Here, the art of roasting blends with exceptional flavours. Indulge in the rich aromas before taking a bag of coffee home to extend the experience.
  
  
• Aelan Chocolate: Made from local cocoa beans, Aelan Chocolate offers an intense chocolate experience. You can visit their factory in Port Vila for a tour and tasting, learning about the art of chocolate-making in Vanuatu.
  
  
• Gaston Chocolate: Discover Vanuatu's second chocolate producer, located in the heart of downtown Port Vila. Inside the shop, you can observe the chocolate-making process, buy delicious chocolate bars, or simply sit in the charming café to savour your finds.