Palau may be a small island nation in the Western Pacific, but its food scene combines a mix of traditional island flavors and global influences, offering visitors a diverse and exciting culinary experience.
Palau cuisine reflects its location and history—a mix of indigenous ingredients, American influence, and modern fusion touches.
Click the link to read about Micronesian Cuisine.
What the Palau Cuisine?
Palau’s cuisine is straightforward yet fresh and hearty. It’s primarily based on local seafood, tropical fruits, and vegetables. Historically, Palauan food relied on what was available on the islands—coconuts, taro, fish, and cassava being staples. However, like much of the Pacific, modern globalization has introduced influences from the United States, Japan, and Southeast Asia. This has resulted in a food culture that balances traditional flavors with imported trends and flavors.
One of the most striking features of Palau cuisine is its reliance on locally caught seafood. Fish, shrimp, and crab dominate many local dishes, and the flavors are as fresh as you can get.
Popular Palau Dishes You Must Try
If you’re visiting Palau, sampling local food is a must. Here are a few dishes that stand out:
Taro and Cassava
Taro and cassava are staple island ingredients. They’re boiled, baked, or mashed and serve as the foundation of many meals. Taro has a creamy, potato-like taste, while cassava is light, starchy, and versatile in both sweet and savory dishes.
Seafood Stews
Seafood dominates Palau cuisine. The local fishing culture ensures that fish dishes are always fresh. You’ll often find seafood stews and dishes made with grouper, snapper, or tuna. Shrimp and crab are also popular—cooked with coconut or served in brothy stews.
Grilled Fish
Grilling is a go-to cooking method in Palau, especially for fish. Grilled fish is flavorful, tender, and often paired with tropical sides such as rice, taro, or plantains.
Palau Pork
Although seafood is the star, pork also plays an important role. Pork is often roasted and paired with traditional sides during feasts and celebrations.
Bat Soup In Palau
Far from great, but a must try anyway. I last had this in late 2019, which still makes me wonder if I started Covid-19 .
Sashimi in Palau
Like most the rest of the Pacific sashimi, particularly of the tuna variety along with poke’s are not just great, but fabulous value.
Contemporary Palau Cuisineand dining
You’ll find American, Japanese, and Filipino influences in Palau’s modern food scene. Many local restaurants and resorts have adopted burgers, pasta, and Japanese-style ramen into their menus. This speaks to Palau’s mix of traditional island culture and its history of U.S. military presence, tourism, and trade routes connecting this small nation to the world.
And of course like other Pacific island nations they are still all about the war food, specifically corned beef and spam. Check out a mart here if you wanna see more variations of spa than you’ve ever seen in your life.
Tropical Fruits and Refreshments with the food of Palau
Palauan food wouldn’t be complete without its tropical fruits. Coconut is a key ingredient in many desserts and savory dishes. The climate makes fresh pineapple, mango, and papaya widely available, and they’re a great way to cool down during the heat of the day.
When it comes to beverages, coconut water is king. Fresh, sweet, and hydrating, it’s the perfect way to rehydrate in Palau’s tropical climate. You’ll also find a variety of locally made fruit juices and soda options.
Dining Out in Palau
Restaurants in Palau range from small family-run spots to more upscale hotel restaurants catering to visitors. Palauan food culture is welcoming and relaxed, focusing on fresh ingredients, simple flavors, and communal dining. Look for local fish specialties, dishes with taro and cassava, and fresh tropical fruit desserts at any casual eatery.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try a local roadside food stand where you can experience dishes cooked by locals with recipes that have been passed down for generations. Seafood is the way to go here—simple, fresh, and incredibly satisfying.
Here are some truly must try restaurants;
Gggggg
Home of not just the infamous bat soup, but also a fine selection of local, as well as international fare.
Canoe House
Great pub that also serves US style bar food. Has both poke and sashimi dishes that are excellent.
MJ’s Restaurant
An absolute local favorite restaurant, as well as take out joint. Palauan burgers, as well as fusion dishes, such as ramen with spam.
Street Food Palau
Not a bustling scene, with the burgers of MJ’s making up most of it. This though changes at Christmas when there are a number of markets where one can get fed.
A Unique Food Experience
Palau cuisine isn’t overly complicated, but it embodies the simplicity and freshness of island life. It combines local ingredients, traditional recipes, and global influences to make every meal feel like an exploration of history and geography. Whether you’re trying taro stew, grilled snapper, or a sweet mango dessert, Palau offers a range of flavors that are fresh, simple, and tied to its island way of life.
So, while you might not consider Palau exactly a foodie destination you will also not go hungry when you visit.