Cuisine in Tonga

'Otai

Cold smoothie-like drink mixing tropical fruits and coconut milk.

• Region: Nationwide
• Main ingredients: Watermelon, Pineapple, Coconut milk

Lu Pulu

Rich dish of taro leaves wrapped around beef and coconut cream, steamed.

• Region: Tongatapu Island
• Main ingredients: Taro leaves, Beef, Coconut cream

'Umu Feast

Celebratory dish slowly steaming ingredients wrapped in banana leaves over hot stones in the ground.

• Region: Nationwide
• Main ingredients: Pork, Chicken, Root vegetables, Banana leaves

Lu Sipi Moa

Creamy stew of chicken and taro leaves simmered in coconut cream.

• Main ingredients: Chicken, Taro leaves, Coconut cream

'Ota

Polynesian-style ceviche mixing fresh fish with lime and coconut milk.

• Region: Vava'u Islands
• Main ingredients: Tuna, Lime juice, Coconut milk, Tomato

Faikakai

Simple snack of breadfruit roasted over wood fire.

• Region: Remote islands
• Main ingredients: Breadfruit

Faikakai Moa

Steamed chicken dumplings with coconut caramel sauce.

• Main ingredients: Chicken, Tapioca flour, Coconut sugar

Lu Ipi

Wrapped baked goat meat and taro leaves, characterized by herb aroma.

• Region: 'Eua Island
• Main ingredients: Goat meat, Taro leaves, Coconut cream

Kava

Ceremonial beverage made from pepper family plant mixed with water. Has sedative effect and provided at evening gatherings.

• Region: Nationwide
• Main ingredients: Kava root, Water

Tongan Pancakes (Panikeke)

Deep-fried donut-style pancakes with coconut and banana.

• Main ingredients: Wheat flour, Banana, Coconut milk