Palau’s cuisine is a reflection of its rich cultural history, shaped by both its indigenous roots and the influence of various external factors.
While the local diet is still deeply tied to traditional ingredients like fresh fish and root vegetables, the lasting impact of World War II and the rise of Chinese food have greatly altered the food scene on the island. Palau cuisine today features a combination of local fare, canned goods, and Chinese-inspired dishes.
The Legacy of Canned Goods
A key feature of Palau cuisine is the widespread use of canned foods. This tradition dates back to the U.S. military presence during World War II when canned goods like Spam, corned beef, and tuna were readily available.
Over the years, these products became a regular part of daily meals. Spam, in particular, is a staple, and there are various types of the product, often served fried with rice or added to soups and stir-fries. The use of canned food items, though practical, underscores the historical influence of the U.S. military and the adaptation of local diets to wartime necessities.
Traditional Palauan Dishes
Despite the prevalence of canned goods, Palau cuisine still holds onto traditional elements. Fish, particularly tuna and parrotfish, plays a central role in the diet and is prepared in simple yet flavorful ways. One of the most famous dishes is urong, where fish is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground oven.
This slow-cooking method imparts a unique smoky flavor, highlighting the island’s connection to indigenous cooking techniques. Root vegetables such as taro are also commonly used, often paired with fish for a hearty, balanced meal Taro soup for example was offered for breakfast at the Palacia Hotel.
The Influence of Chinese Cuisine
In recent years, Chinese food has become a significant influence on Palau cuisine. As in other Pacific nations like Nauru, Chinese food has been adapted to local tastes, resulting in a unique fusion of flavors. Chinese restaurants now dot the landscape of Palau, particularly in Koror, the island’s capital.
Here, traditional Chinese dishes such as sweet and sour pork, stir-fried noodles, and dumplings are served alongside local ingredients. Coconut milk, native vegetables, and island-style seasonings are frequently incorporated into these dishes, creating a distinctive blend of Chinese and Palauan flavors.
The American Influence on Palau Cuisine
While not completely over the American influence on Palau cuisine can be seen, particularly in the bars, as well as takeaway joints of the islands. In the western, or rather American style bars there is everything you would expect from an American joint, such as burgers, steaks and worse still Tex-Mex.
And then there is the takeaway type joints, which while they now feature Asian influences are still very much backed up the local staple that is the Palau burger.
Where to Experience Palauan Cuisine
To experience Palau cuisine, head to Koror, where the majority of restaurants offer a mix of traditional, modern, and fusion dishes. The Palau Central Hotel is a great spot to sample local fare, while the Etpison Museum Restaurant focuses on traditional Palauan dishes like tinola, a fish soup made with local vegetables.
For Chinese-inspired meals, a number of restaurants throughout Koror serve dishes with a local twist, combining Chinese cooking techniques with indigenous ingredients.
Street Food Palau
Most Palau Street Food has been imported from the Philippines, China and the USA. This means that burgers and to a lesser extent hot dogs are available for late night snacks. Other than that there is places like MJ Restaurant that will give you everything from Adobo to Chop Suey and a spam burger.
For actual raw Palau street food the best I have yet to try was at the Christmas street market.
The Evolution of Palau Cuisine
Today, Palau’s food scene is a mix of its traditional roots and new influences. Canned goods, introduced during the wartime period, are still staples in everyday meals. Meanwhile, Chinese cuisine has found its place in the culinary landscape, adapting to local tastes and creating an eclectic mixture of flavors.
And if nothing else there is Filipino food and burgers meaning that you will not go hungry when visiting Palau.