QOM

Vanuatu’s beauty isn’t just confined to its pristine beaches and vibrant cultures; it extends deliciously to its cuisine! Rooted in fresh, local ingredients, traditional Ni-Vanuatu food (often referred to as “Kastom Kaikai”) is a wholesome, earthy, and incredibly satisfying experience. It’s about simplicity, freshness, and flavors directly from the land and sea.

If you’re planning a trip to this South Pacific gem, prepare your taste buds for an authentic culinary adventure. Here are some must-try traditional Vanuatu dishes and the best places to savor them:

1. Laplap: The Unofficial National Dish

You cannot visit Vanuatu and not try Laplap. Considered the national dish, it’s a staple for a reason.

• What it is: A savory pudding made from grated root vegetables (taro, yam, manioc, or breadfruit) mixed with coconut cream, sometimes with added protein like fish, chicken, or beef. This mixture is then wrapped in large taro or banana leaves and slow-cooked for hours in an underground earth oven (a “Lopwe” or “Hāngi” style oven).
• Taste Profile: Earthy, rich, and incredibly moist with a subtle sweetness from the root vegetables and the creamy richness of coconut.
• Where to Eat It:
  • Village Tours: This is often the most authentic way to experience Laplap, as many village tours include a demonstration of its preparation and a shared meal cooked in the earth oven.
  • Local Markets: Head to Port Vila’s Municipal Market or Luganville’s main market on Espiritu Santo. You’ll find vendors selling fresh Laplap, often wrapped and ready to go.
  • “Kastom Kaikai” Restaurants: Look for small, locally-run eateries that specialize in traditional food. Ask your guesthouse or hotel for recommendations.

2. Tuluk: Espiritu Santo’s Savory Parcel

A specialty of Espiritu Santo, Tuluk is another delicious example of Vanuatu’s ingenious earth oven cooking.

• What it is: Similar to Laplap but typically made from grated manioc (cassava), often mixed with finely minced meat (pork or beef) and sometimes onion or spices. This mixture is also wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in the earth oven.
• Taste Profile: Hearty, savory, and dense, with the distinct flavor of the meat mingling with the starchy manioc. It’s often served with a chili sauce.
• Where to Eat It:
  • Luganville Markets: Your best bet is the main market in Luganville, where vendors often have fresh Tuluk available throughout the day.
  • Local Food Stalls: Keep an eye out for small local food stalls or “kai kai” shops around Espiritu Santo.

3. Simboro: A Unique Island Delicacy

Simboro offers a unique taste experience, often a favorite among those looking for something different.

• What it is: A dish predominantly from Efate. It’s essentially a freshwater spring onion or wild yam (often mistaken for a type of ginger or taro leaf) that’s cooked with coconut cream and sometimes served with fish or meat. The texture can be quite fibrous but the flavor is distinctive.
• Taste Profile: Herbal, slightly peppery, and earthy, with the creamy coconut providing balance.
• Where to Eat It:
  • Port Vila’s Municipal Market: Local vendors sometimes sell Simboro, either cooked or as fresh ingredients you can try to prepare yourself (if you’re adventurous!).
  • Homestays & Local Cafes: In more rural areas or at local homestays on Efate, you might be offered Simboro as part of a traditional meal.

4. Organic Beef: A Global Reputation

While not a “dish” in itself, Vanuatu’s organic, grass-fed beef is world-renowned and a must-try for meat lovers. The cattle roam freely, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat.

• Taste Profile: Lean, tender, and intensely flavorful.
• Where to Eat It:
  • High-End Restaurants: Many of Port Vila’s and Luganville’s top restaurants proudly feature local organic beef on their menus.
  • Steak Houses: Look for dedicated steak houses in the main towns.
  • Local Butchers/Markets: If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, buy some raw beef from a local butcher and grill it yourself!

5. Fresh Seafood: Straight from the Ocean

Being an island nation, Vanuatu boasts an abundance of incredibly fresh seafood, often caught that very day.

• What to expect: Snapper, tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and various reef fish are common. Crab and lobster are also popular when in season. Often cooked simply grilled, curried, or in coconut cream.
• Where to Eat It:
  • Port Vila & Luganville Waterfront Restaurants: Many restaurants along the coastlines will have fresh seafood on their daily specials.
  • Local Markets: Buy fresh fish directly from the fishermen at the markets for a true “boat to plate” experience.
  • Beachside Eateries: Smaller, more rustic beachside cafes often offer delicious, simple seafood dishes.

6. Coconut Crab: A Unique Experience (Ethical Note Included)

Coconut Crab is a delicacy in Vanuatu, often highly sought after by visitors.

• What it is: A large species of terrestrial hermit crab known for its ability to crack coconuts with its powerful claws. It’s often steamed or grilled.
• Taste Profile: A rich, sweet flavor, often described as a mix between crab and coconut.
• Where to Eat It: You’ll find it on the menus of some higher-end restaurants in Port Vila.
• Ethical Note: Coconut crabs are an endangered species in many parts of the world. While legal to consume in Vanuatu, consider the environmental impact. Many restaurants will source them sustainably, but if you’re concerned, inquire about their sourcing practices.

Tips for a Delicious Culinary Journey:

• Embrace Local Markets: These are the heart of Vanuatu’s food scene, offering fresh produce and authentic cooked dishes at local prices.
• Try “Kaikai” Stalls: Don’t be afraid to try the small, rustic local food stalls. This is where you’ll find the most authentic flavors.
• Ask Locals: The best recommendations often come from your guesthouse hosts, tour guides, or friendly locals.
• Be Adventurous! Step out of your comfort zone and try dishes you’ve never encountered before.

Vanuatu’s traditional cuisine is a celebration of its pristine environment and rich cultural heritage. Eating your way through the islands is an essential part of the adventure – bon appétit!