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Why Vanuatu is a must-do for every foodie

Vanuatu may be known for its secluded beaches, coconut forests and luscious scenery, not many would think of Vanuatu as foodie's dream. But let me tell you, it MOST DEFINITLEY IS.

Before visiting this Pacific Island nation, I knew the food would be fresh and organic as is expected on any island vacay. But what I didn’t expect was that the flavours and quality of the food would be on a whole other level.

Who knew Vanuatu wasn't all secluded beaches and coconuts, but actually a foodie's dream. Source: Supplied
Who knew Vanuatu wasn't all secluded beaches and coconuts, but actually a foodie's dream. Source: Supplied

The cuisine in Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital city, reflects the multinational history of this island nation – blending flavours from Asia, Melanesia and Polynesia with a French flair.

Here’s a bit of what you can expect:

FRESH FRUIT

As you can imagine, the fruit on Vanuatu is as fresh as they come. And don’t expect the run of the mill apple and pears, I’m talking coconuts, grapefruits, rock melons, papaya and passionfruit, all picked fresh from the local's gardens.

Wash it all down with the water from a young coconut and you're set. Deeelish

All this fresh fruit giving off instant tropical vibes. Source: Supplied
All this fresh fruit giving off instant tropical vibes. Source: Supplied

THE CLASSICS

Anyone who lives in Sydney will tell you that when deciding what to eat, you can’t go wrong with Thai. The same rule applies in Vanuatu.

I tried the classic Chicken Pad Thai as well as a Thai coconut red curry with prawns and calamari. Both dishes were the quality you’d expect at a top market Sydney Thai restaurant but for a fraction of the price.

This Thai coconut seafood red curry was honestly the best thing I had the entire trip! Source: Supplied
This Thai coconut seafood red curry was honestly the best thing I had the entire trip! Source: Supplied
You can't go wrong with a Pad Thai. Source: Supplied
You can't go wrong with a Pad Thai. Source: Supplied

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THE MUST TRY

The beef of Vanuatu is often described as the best in the world – which is a big call, but let me tell you it's the right call. I’m not a huge red meat eater so I was a little skeptical at first, but after the first bite I was a convert. The cattle of Vanuatu are raised on the island of Tanna, with the standards of farming very high and regulated. I even heard that the cows are given regular massages which is why the beef is so tender.

Tanna Beef fillet with Vanuatu pepper and kumara gratin. Source: Supplied
Tanna Beef fillet with Vanuatu pepper and kumara gratin. Source: Supplied

THE PASTRIES

The influence of French cuisine is most strongly felt in the pastries. The fresh croissants, both plain and chocolate, are some of the best I’d ever tasted (potentially better than the croissants I tried in Paris).

These most certainly became a staple for my breakfast while I was on the island. The dessert was no different, each made with the type of precision you would expect in a top Parisian patisserie but with an island twist.

A banana tart served with ice cream is the perfect end to any meal. Source: Supplied
A banana tart served with ice cream is the perfect end to any meal. Source: Supplied
This Lemon Meringue tart was to die for! Source: Supplied
This Lemon Meringue tart was to die for! Source: Supplied

You can find the meals featured in this article at Tilly’s Restaurant at Chantilly’s on the Bay and Akiriki Restaurant at the Ramada Resort Port Vila

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