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This helpful blog will get you started with some must-eat foods and dishes.
The Central markets in Port Vila are a great place to buy your fresh produce, however, don’t forget about the range of small market stalls in the rear of the markets to eat some of the best home-cooked food on the island.
I chose a stall and sat down to enjoy a coconut fish (wahoo) curry with steamed rice and a tropical salad – and it was one of my favourite food experiences from my time spent in Vanuatu.
The price was 500vt, roughly USD $4.30, and the portion size was very generous. Who knew that eating in Vanuatu could taste this good?
Where to find it: At the rear of the Central Market in Port Vila.
The national dish of Vanuatu, and eating it is a must for any foodie. Laplap is prepared by pounding yams, breadfruit, bananas and taro into a paste.
Then coconut cream is added, commonly a piece of meat such as chicken, beef or pork.
It’s then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground oven. This makes for perfect takeaway food. However, if you prefer to eat your meal back at your accommodation in Vanuatu, you can.
I noticed that a lot of food in Vanuatu is easily transportable.
Where to find it – Head to the Central Market in Port Vila and buy some freshly cooked laplap from the ‘mamas’ here for about 200vt.
This traditional food consists of tapioca (manioc or cassava) dough with shredded pork filling inside. It is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
Eating tuluk in Vanuatu reminded us of tamales in Mexico. They have a similar concept and are both very delicious.
I love how good the food in Vanuatu is from the markets. Even better, locals serve it directly to us.
Where to find it – The local village of Mele is where you’ll find the best tuluk. Lucky for you, the ladies bring tuluk to the Central markets in Port Vila to sell. Try to get there before midday to buy some, as it sells out quickly. Ask around the markets as to where you can buy it.
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Vanuatu is a former French colony, so you can find excellent French cuisine here, especially in Port Vila.
We were told that the beef is excellent in Vanuatu and one of the best restaurants to eat it is L’Houstelet.
This is a French restaurant that has been open for over 45 years! We ate the beef fillet with pepper sauce and potato gratin, which was delicious.
We didn’t expect that our eating in Vanuatu would include steak, but it was a nice change. The food in Vanuatu has been so surprising.
Where to find it: We enjoyed beef fillet at L’Houstelet restaurant in Port Vila. They also serve some other delicious food in Vanuatu.
A variety of local snapper is celebrated for its unique flavour, which is said to taste like chicken. This is why this fish was named ‘poulet fish’, which translates to’ chicken fish’ in French.
This poulet fish can be served in several different ways, and eating it in Vanuatu is a must. We enjoyed it most poached in white wine, capers, and onions, served on a bed of steamed greens.
Where to find it: Head to Cafe Vila, only a short local taxi ride (100vt per person) from the centre of Port Vila. This restaurant & bar is part of the beautiful Nasama Resort – an ideal place to spend your Vanuatu vacation.
There you go! Some food in Vanuatu that we recommend you taste. We wish you a fantastic time exploring this vibrant nation.
After reading our Vanuatu food guide, check out our Vanuatu Travel Guide – Everything You Need To Know
For more stories from our crazy adventure to visit every country in the world, read more about the time we got stranded in the Pacific – cancelled flights, lost luggage, and coronavirus.
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