Holiday Ayo - Vanuatu is one of the most beautiful island countries in the Oceania continent. This country with a population of around 298 people is certainly a promising tourist destination. Not only the natural beauty that will amaze you, but also the variety of Vanuatu special foods which are very unique and delicious.

Like Indonesia, Vanuatu also offers a variety of unique and distinctive culinary delights. Of course, these culinary delights are made from Vanuatu's abundant ingredients or produce, especially seafood . So, for those of you who want to go on vacation there, here are typical Vanuatu foods that you must try.

1. Tuluk

source: IDN Times

The first typical Vanuatu food that you should try is Tuluk. Tuluk is a dish made of minced meat wrapped in grated cassava dough then filled with spring onions in it, then wrapped in banana leaves.

Tuluk use quite simple spices, such as salt, pepper and coconut cream. That said, Tuluk is made with a special technique and takes up to 6 hours to bake in a natural oven, which is underground. If you visit Vanuatu, you can easily find Tuluk at a traditional market in the Port Villa area at an affordable price, but the taste is very delicious.

2. Laplap

source: Medium

Vanuatu's signature food that is worth trying next is Laplap. Laplap is a dish made from grated banana, breadfruit, taro or sweet potato which is processed into a thick vegetable paste.

This paste is then wrapped in banana leaves and given meat according to taste, which can be fish or chicken. The pasta wrapped in banana leaves is then baked underground and served with fresh coconut cream. Laplap has a soft texture like pudding and is usually served on special occasions in Vanuatu.

3. Kava

source: The Street Food Guy

Apart from food, Vanuatu also has special drinks that are worth trying. This drink is known as Kava and is said to have been around for thousands of years, you know.

This Kava drink comes from a plant that grows a lot in Vanuatu and other South Pacific regions. Kava is usually drunk for medical purposes or served during traditional ceremonies. Kava has a quite unique taste, which is like grass mixed with soil. There's a bitterness and a peppery taste and a strong earthy taste. Usually after drinking Kava, one's lips and tongue will feel numb, for that it is recommended to eat pieces of fruit immediately after drinking it.

4. Santo Beef

source: YouTube Vanuatu Tourism Office

Even though Vanuatu is in an archipelago that is very rich in seafood, the people here also like to eat meat. One of Vanuatu's specialties that you shouldn't miss next is Santo Beef.

Santo Beef is a culinary dish made of beef that comes from local farms on the northern island of Santo. What's special, this Santo Beef meat is very soft and has a unique taste because the cows on the farm eat Vanuatu grass and coconut shells. Santo Beef is usually served like a steak in general. When eaten, this meat is lean and very full of flavour.

5. Citrus Baked Fish with Coconut Cream

source: Pinterest

If you are interested in trying Vanuatu's signature seafood preparations, you must try Citrus Baked Fish in Coconut Cream. This typical Vanuatu food is processed seafood which is quite famous because it has a unique taste.

Citrus Baked Fish with Coconut Cream consists of sliced whole fish, lemon and orange, coconut cream, salt and pepper. Orange and lemon slices are neatly arranged on top of the fish which is then doused with coconut cream and seasonings. All of these ingredients are then tightly wrapped in banana leaves and grilled until the fish meat is tender and separated from the bones. This fish is usually served with salad, rice or bananas as a companion menu.