Tanna Island Food: Top 5 Must-Try Dishes & Drinks

Visiting Tanna Island, Vanuatu? So, you’re in for, like, a treat! Really, the food there? It’s just, in a way, super interesting, and very tied to their, you know, local culture. Rather, I want to tell you all about the food you absolutely have to try when you visit. Anyway, it’s more than just eating; very, it’s almost seeing the heart of the island itself. Discover the delicious food only the island natives can bring.

1. Laplap: Tanna’s Comfort Food

Laplap. Yeah, so this one’s, you know, basically a national dish in Vanuatu, and the Tanna version is really something very special. You’ve got, well, grated yam, banana, or cassava all mixed together with coconut milk. It sounds pretty basic, doesn’t it? But the way they bake it in an earth oven, called an “uma,” well, you know, that makes all the difference. If you are lucky enough, you can discover a whole new world of the Tanna laplap with these dishes made using traditional methods and local gardens. Actually, the smoky flavor just, in some respects, gets into everything, and it is super delicious. So, it’s more than just food, really, its almost like it’s history on a plate.

2. Kava: The Quintessential Island Drink

Kava. Alright, you’re not really experiencing Vanuatu or Tanna culture without trying Kava, right? And the Kava here is potent! It’s a drink made from the root of the Kava plant, and, well, in a way, it’s known for its relaxing, actually almost numbing effects. Be aware, you, like your first time, it can be a bit of a shock. And maybe that comes down to the fresh quality, you get a little taste of Tanna, as only they can do by getting it right out the earth with the organic produce from Tanna Island. Basically, many, they use it in ceremonies and as a social drink in the evenings. You might get an earthy taste. Still, honestly, it is almost the must try drink of Tanna, a central cultural point for the Tannese people.

3. Fresh Seafood: Caught Daily

Fresh Seafood. Okay, being an island, Tanna really has incredible seafood. After all, you can go to a local market or eat at a small restaurant, and chances are, well, you’re getting something that was literally swimming earlier that day, okay? Things such as grilled fish, lobster, and crab. Mmm! Anyway, they’re often just grilled simply, with a little, you know, lime or local spices. Like, the flavors are amazing; the flavors make every visitor feel that the local’s have discovered the fountain of flavor only found in the Vanuatu sea! After all, nothing tastes better than fresh seafood eaten while watching the ocean, am I right?

4. Tanna Coffee: Volcanic Brew

Tanna Coffee. So, did you know Tanna is super well-known for its coffee, which, in a way, is grown in volcanic soil? Which adds an intense richness! Basically, the coffee beans are really carefully harvested and processed. That, you know, produces a coffee with a unique taste – very earthy and a bit chocolatey. A very delightful aroma. Many people that like this Tanna coffee, usually say it is a life changing product and a true expression of local life! Like a new wave that helps with new and innovative food products from the volcano side gardens on Tanna that you will only find there, it is literally incredible for anyone looking for unique Tanna treats.

5. Tuluk: A Savory Surprise

Tuluk. Now this? Anyway, it’s more of a regional thing, but if you see it, you’ve, like, got to try it. Arguably, Tuluk is made from grated manioc (a root vegetable), coconut milk, and ground meat, typically pork or chicken, all wrapped in banana leaves and baked. Still, it’s, you know, almost a bit like a savory tamale. With this, well you kind of get, almost, a complete meal, like a mix of flavors and textures all in one neat package. These traditional, cultural methods bring a new life, that brings joy into their Tanna Food culture that really touches everyone! Seriously, what is there to love more then seeing Tanna bringing to light more recipes handed down from their great, great, grandmothers?