Tastes of Vanuatu

If you are a serious foodie than the unique fusion of tropical produce and French influence that is Vanuatu cuisine is a must try! We have complied a list of the top must try delicacies for when you head to Vanuatu, your taste buds will thank us.

Tanna Coffee

Looking for a new flavour for your morning espresso? Then Tanna Coffee is one for you to try. This local business employs the local villages on Tanna to grow and harvest the beans which are then transported to Port Vila to be roasted. Visitors to Efate Island can take a tour of the roastery and enjoy a cup of coffee in the Tanna Coffee Café or any of the local cafes around Vanuatu.

Seasonal Fruits

What is a tropical island without seasonal fruits? The markets and roadside stalls are filled with home grown crops that the villagers bring to sell. The cooler winter months bring citrus fruits such as grapefruit, oranges and wild raspberries, while the warmer summer months see the stalls teeming with mangoes, pineapples, watermelons and bananas. Remember to bring small notes with you for purchases and please no haggling, it’s not part of Vanuatu culture.

Aelan Chocolate

Made by local Ni-Vanuatu chocolatiers from cocoa beans grown on the islands, the Aelan dark chocolate has been internationally recognised with a number of awards. For us, the word chocolate had us won over already. This artisan chocolate is made with only two ingredients, cocoa beans and sugar, a simple recipe for a simple pleasure. Yum!

French Bakeries

A remnant of the colonial era, French bakeries are a great place to grab food in Vanuatu. Stop in for a quick breakfast or to pick up some supplies for the day’s adventures. Delicate pastries and freshly baked bread, we can smell that mouth-watering goodness from here.

Fresh Seafood

Beachside cafes and restaurants producing exquisite seafood dishes abound in Vanuatu. Caught fresh by local fishermen, make sure to try a lobster dish or poulet fish (a type of snapper with a similar texture to chicken). Or you can head out to sea and catch your own dinner on a fishing charter. Depending on what you want to catch there is an option to suit everyone, from deep sea game fishing to sport fishing on the reefs, your local guide will be sure to find the perfect spot for you.

Santo Beef

One of the more well-known local delicacies in Vanuatu is the melt-in-your-mouth beef that originates from the island of Espiritu Santo. The quality, texture and flavour of the beef is said to come from the oils the cows ingest while grazing in the coconut plantations. Definitely one to savour after a hard day of holidaying in tropical paradise.

Tusker Beer

What better way to end your day than relaxing in a hammock with an ice-cold beer in your hand. The local brew, Tusker, is available in draft and bottles (rumour has it the draft version is tastier, but you will have to try it yourself to know for sure).  Just be sure to drink responsibly!

Kava

The popular South Pacific drink, made from the root of the kava plant, is used for both ancient ceremonies and is also part of everyday Vanuatu culture and traditions. It’s certainly an acquired taste but, like most things on the islands, worth giving a go at least once. The taste of kava is not why people drink it, the root is said to have a sedative, anaesthetic and euphoric quality to it (so take it slow and just try one cup if it’s your first time). There are plenty of places to try kava while in Vanuatu, normally served from a coconut shell, you can find it on village tours, at a kava ceremony or in a local nakamal (kava bar).

Are you hungry for more? Then it’s time to head to Vanuatu and savour for yourself these delicacies  and more, call one of our Vanuatu Holiday specialists today on 1800 800 722 to discuss an itinerary for your next trip.