10+ Best Papua New Guinean Recipes You Need To Try Once

Papua New Guinea is a hidden gem in the culinary world, offering a vibrant mix of flavors, textures, and traditions.

Its cuisine is a reflection of its rich cultural diversity, with over 800 languages spoken and countless indigenous communities.

If you’re a foodie looking to explore something truly unique, you’re in for a treat.

From hearty root vegetables to fresh seafood and tropical fruits, Papua New Guinean recipes are a feast for the senses.

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

We’ve handpicked 11 must-try Papua New Guinean recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to recreate at home.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, these dishes will transport you straight to the lush landscapes of Papua New Guinea.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s dive into these mouthwatering recipes!

1. Mumu The Ultimate Feast

Mumu is the heart and soul of Papua New Guinean cuisine. It’s a traditional cooking method that involves layering meat, root vegetables, and greens in an underground pit oven.

The result? A smoky, tender, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken or beef
• 4 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 taro roots, peeled and sliced
• 2 bananas, peeled
• 1 bunch of spinach or kale
• Coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Dig a shallow pit and line it with hot stones.
2. Layer the meat, sweet potatoes, taro, bananas, and greens in the pit.
3. Pour coconut milk over the layers and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover the pit with banana leaves and soil to trap the heat.
5. Let it cook for 2-3 hours, then uncover and serve.

Why We Chose It: Mumu is more than just a dish; it’s a cultural experience. The slow cooking process infuses the ingredients with incredible flavor, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Papua New Guinean cuisine.

2. Kokoda A Tropical Delight

Kokoda is Papua New Guinea’s answer to ceviche.

This refreshing dish features raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk, creating a perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh white fish fillets, cubed
• 1 cup lime juice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red chili, finely chopped
• Salt to taste

How to Make It:

1. Marinate the fish in lime juice for 2-3 hours until it turns opaque.
2. Drain the lime juice and mix the fish with coconut milk.
3. Add tomato, cucumber, chili, and salt.
4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Why We Chose It: Kokoda is light, zesty, and perfect for a hot summer day. It’s a great introduction to Papua New Guinean flavors.

3. Saksak Sweet and Sticky Dumplings

Saksak is a traditional dessert made from sago palm starch. These chewy dumplings are often served with coconut cream for a rich, indulgent treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sago starch
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup coconut cream
• Banana leaves for wrapping

How to Make It:

1. Mix sago starch with water to form a dough.
2. Shape the dough into small dumplings.
3. Wrap each dumpling in banana leaves and steam for 30 minutes.
4. Serve warm with coconut cream.

Why We Chose It: Saksak is a unique dessert that showcases the versatility of sago, a staple ingredient in Papua New Guinea.

4. Taro and Coconut Soup

This creamy soup is a comforting blend of taro root and coconut milk, spiced with ginger and garlic. It’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 taro roots, peeled and cubed
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Boil taro cubes until tender.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in a pot.
3. Add cooked taro and coconut milk, then simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper.

Why We Chose It: This soup is a creamy, flavorful dish that highlights the natural sweetness of taro and the richness of coconut milk.

5. Banana Pancakes with Coconut Syrup

These fluffy pancakes are a breakfast favorite in Papua New Guinea. Topped with homemade coconut syrup, they’re a sweet way to start your day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup coconut cream
• 2 tbsp honey

How to Make It:

1. Mix flour, banana, egg, milk, sugar, and baking powder to make the batter.
2. Cook pancakes on a hot griddle until golden brown.
3. Simmer coconut cream and honey to make the syrup.
4. Drizzle syrup over pancakes and serve.

Why We Chose It: These pancakes are a delightful fusion of tropical flavors that’ll make your mornings extra special.

6. Fish in Coconut Milk

This simple yet flavorful dish features fresh fish simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce. It’s a staple in coastal regions of Papua New Guinea.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs white fish fillets
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red chili, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and chili in a pan.
2. Add fish fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour in coconut milk and simmer until the fish is cooked through.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Why We Chose It: This dish is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of Papua New Guinean cooking.

7. Yam and Spinach Stir-Fry

This colorful stir-fry combines the earthy flavors of yam with the freshness of spinach. It’s a quick and healthy side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 yams, peeled and sliced
• 2 cups spinach leaves
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Boil yam slices until tender.
2. Heat coconut oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic.
3. Add yam and spinach, then stir-fry for 5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Why We Chose It: This stir-fry is a great way to enjoy the natural flavors of yam and spinach in one dish.

8. Coconut Rice

Coconut rice is a fragrant and creamy side dish that pairs well with almost any main course.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp salt

How to Make It:

1. Rinse rice until the water runs clear.
2. Combine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt in a pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the rice is cooked.

Why We Chose It: Coconut rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that adds a tropical twist to any meal.

9. Pineapple and Papaya Salad

This vibrant salad is a refreshing mix of tropical fruits, perfect for a light snack or side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pineapple, diced
• 1 papaya, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tbsp honey

How to Make It:

1. Combine pineapple, papaya, and cucumber in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with lime juice and honey.
3. Toss well and serve chilled.

Why We Chose It: This salad is a burst of tropical flavors that’ll brighten up any meal.

10. Cassava Cake

Cassava cake is a dense, moist dessert made from grated cassava and coconut milk. It’s a sweet treat that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated cassava
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs

How to Make It:

1. Mix grated cassava, coconut milk, sugar, and eggs in a bowl.
2. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
3. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.

Why We Chose It: Cassava cake is a delicious way to enjoy this versatile root vegetable.

11. Chicken with Greens

This hearty dish features tender chicken cooked with leafy greens and coconut milk.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken pieces
• 1 bunch of spinach or kale
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a pot.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned.
3. Pour in coconut milk and simmer until the chicken is cooked.
4. Add greens and cook until wilted.

Why We Chose It: This dish is a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion

Papua New Guinean cuisine is a treasure trove of unique flavors and traditions.

These 11 recipes are just the tip of the iceberg, but they’re a great starting point for your culinary journey.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick a recipe, gather your ingredients, and start cooking!