tuvaluan Recipes
10 delicious tuvaluan recipes from around the world
Banana and Coconut Stew
A simple yet comforting stew that highlights the tropical flavors of banana and coconut. This dish is often served as a main course or a side, showcasing the natural sweetness of the ingredients.
Coconut Breadfruit Fritters
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these fritters are a delightful way to enjoy breadfruit, a staple in Tuvalu. The addition of coconut adds a subtle sweetness and texture, making them a perfect snack or side dish.
Fa'alifu Fai
A simple yet flavorful dish of green bananas simmered in creamy coconut milk, seasoned with salt and optional aromatics, serving as a staple side dish.
Fafaru
Fafaru is a unique and pungent Tuvaluan dish made from raw fish marinated in a fermented brine of seawater and shrimp. Despite its strong aroma, it has a delicate, slightly sweetish taste and is a testament to the resourceful use of local ingredients.
Feke Pulaka mo Lolo
A traditional Tuvaluan dessert made from grated pulaka (swamp taro) mixed with coconut cream and steamed, often served as a sweet treat or snack.
Palusami
Palusami is a traditional Tuvaluan dish made from taro leaves, coconut milk, and often seasoned with onions and garlic. It's a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish, typically baked or steamed until the leaves are tender and have absorbed the coconut milk's essence. It's a beloved dish for special occasions and family gatherings.
Pulaka Soup
A hearty and comforting soup made with pulaka (swamp taro), coconut milk, and aromatic spices, offering a taste of traditional Tuvaluan sustenance.
Sago Pudding
A sweet and comforting dessert made from sago pearls cooked in coconut milk and sweetened. It's a popular treat across many Pacific Islands, including Tuvalu, often served chilled and sometimes flavored with local ingredients.
Tavala Moa mo Fala
A comforting and flavorful dish of chicken cooked with young pandanus (fala) shoots and coconut cream, offering a unique blend of savory and slightly sweet notes characteristic of Tuvaluan cuisine.
Tuvalu Grilled Fish with Lime and Chili
A simple yet flavorful dish featuring fresh fish grilled to perfection and seasoned with tangy lime and a hint of chili, showcasing the fresh flavors of Tuvaluan cuisine.