Nauruan cuisine
The cuisine of Nauru is the traditional cuisine of the island state on the Pacific Ocean.
Country or region | Nauru |
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National dish | Coconut fish |
National drink | Iced coffee |
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Nauru has the world's highest rate of obesity.[1]
Basic foods
Like its other island neighbours, Nauruans consume a large amount of seafood, as well as foods made from coconuts and pandanus fruits. Coconut milk is also used extensively in Nauru. Coconut fish (raw fish, often tuna, served in coconut milk with seasonings) is a traditional dish.
The native Nauruan names of traditional crops are:[2][3]
- epo/épo: Pandanus tectorius
- ini: Cocos nucifera
Influences
Nauruan cuisine is greatly influenced by Chinese cuisine. The Chinese are the major foreign community of the country, and there are a number of Chinese restaurants on the island, most notably in Yaren.
Nauruan cuisine also shows strong Western influence, especially from Australia.[4]
Traditions
The majority of Nauruans are Christians, and members of the Nauru Congregational Church. They often celebrate Christmas with cakes made from banana and coconut.
Some desserts, such as coconut mousse, are consumed on special occasions.
References
- Streib, Lauren (2 August 2007). "World's Fattest Countries". Forbes.com. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
- Wilson, Marisa (2016). Postcolonialism, Indigeneity and Struggles for Food Sovereignty: Alternative food networks in subaltern spaces. Milton Park: Taylor & Francis. p. 130. ISBN 978-1317416128.
Two fruit trees in particular were also important: epo, the pandanus tree (Pandanus tectorius and Pandanus pulposus); and ini, the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera).
- Elevitch, Craig R. (2006). Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands: The Culture, Environment And Use. Honolulu: Permanent Agriculture Resources. p. 789. ISBN 978-0970254450.
- "Nauru Travel Profile". Retrieved 29 May 2017.