Table of Contents

Nauruan Cuisine

Coconut Fish

Coconut fish is a traditional Nauruan dish made with fresh fish marinated in coconut milk, lime juice, and spices like chili peppers and garlic. The fish is often grilled or baked until tender and served with rice or root vegetables. 1)

Banana Poke

Banana poke is a simple Nauruan dish made with ripe bananas mashed and mixed with coconut cream and sugar. It's a sweet and creamy dessert often enjoyed on special occasions. 2)

Palusami

Palusami is a traditional Polynesian dish popular in Nauru made with taro leaves stuffed with coconut cream, onions, and sometimes meat or seafood. The parcels are wrapped in banana leaves and baked until tender. 3)

Ika Mata

Ika Mata is a popular dish in Nauru and across the Pacific Islands, made with raw fish (often tuna or mahi-mahi) marinated in lime juice and coconut milk, then mixed with diced vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and cucumber. 4)

Nauruan Breadfruit Salad

Breadfruit salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish made with boiled or roasted breadfruit tossed with lime juice, coconut cream, and chopped vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. 5)

Taro Chips

Taro chips are a popular snack in Nauru, made by thinly slicing taro roots and frying them until crisp and golden brown. They're often seasoned with salt or spices and enjoyed on their own or with dips. 6)

Fried Mahi-Mahi

Mahi-mahi is a common fish in the waters around Nauru, and it's often prepared by coating fillets in seasoned flour or breadcrumbs and frying them until crispy and golden brown. It's a simple yet delicious dish enjoyed with rice or salad. 7)

Papaya Curry

Papaya curry is a flavorful Nauruan dish made with ripe papaya cooked in a coconut milk-based curry sauce, seasoned with spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. It's often served with rice or roti bread. 8)

Green Banana Soup

Green banana soup is a hearty and nutritious dish made with unripe bananas cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables like carrots, onions, and cabbage. It's often seasoned with herbs and spices and served as a comforting meal. 9)

Nauruan Fried Rice

Nauruan fried rice is a flavorful dish made with cooked rice stir-fried with vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions, along with eggs, diced ham or chicken, and soy sauce. It's a popular street food and can be customized with different ingredients. 10)

Pandanus Cake

Pandanus cake is a sweet and aromatic dessert made with pandanus leaves infused into a cake batter, giving it a distinctive green color and fragrant flavor. It's often served with a coconut cream topping or icing. 11)

Cassava Chips

Cassava chips are another popular snack in Nauru, made by thinly slicing cassava roots and frying them until crispy. They're similar to potato chips but have a unique flavor and texture. 12)

Grilled Lobster

Lobster is abundant in the waters around Nauru, and it's often prepared simply by grilling or barbecuing the fresh lobster tails until cooked through and lightly charred. It's a luxurious dish enjoyed on special occasions. 13)

Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin soup is a comforting and nourishing dish made with roasted or boiled pumpkin blended with coconut milk, spices, and herbs. It's often served as a starter or light meal, especially during cooler months. 14)

Seafood Curry

Seafood curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with a mix of fresh seafood (such as fish, shrimp, and squid) cooked in a rich and fragrant curry sauce made with coconut milk and spices. It's often served with rice or bread for a satisfying meal. 15)