Nauru cuisine may not be what most food lovers would expect, but it’s a reflection of the island’s unique circumstances. With limited resources and a reliance on imports, Nauru cuisine is shaped by practicality, making use of whatever is available.
While the food scene may not be glamorous, it offers a unique insight into the island’s way of life. It will also keep you fed and probably make fat….
The Basics of Nauru Cuisine
One of the first things to note about Nauru cuisine is the heavy reliance on imported goods. Due to the island’s small size and lack of agricultural space, much of the food consumed here comes from overseas. This includes staples like canned goods, frozen foods, and packaged snacks. This has made the diet on Nauru simple, but functional.
Spam and corned beef are two of the most common ingredients in Nauru cuisine. These canned goods are often used in various dishes, from stews to stir-fries, and even served with rice. Spam, in particular, is a breakfast favorite, fried up with eggs or added to noodle dishes. It’s cheap, shelf-stable, and easy to cook, making it a practical choice for many households.
Another widely used product in Nauru cuisine is instant noodles. They’re quick to prepare and affordable, making them a go-to meal for many locals. Instant noodles are a staple in many homes and are often eaten as a snack or part of a larger meal.
Local Flavors: What’s Unique About Nauru Cuisine?
While Nauru cuisine is heavily influenced by imported products, there are still a few local dishes that showcase the island’s natural resources. These dishes may not be as common, but they offer a glimpse into the island’s traditional food culture.
- Coconut Fish: A standout in Nauru cuisine is coconut fish, typically made with fresh tuna. The fish is marinated in coconut cream and lime juice, often served raw. It’s a refreshing dish that highlights the natural flavors of the tuna and the island’s abundant coconuts.
- Noddy Bird: Another traditional dish is noddy bird, a small seabird that has been hunted on the island for generations. While not as widely consumed today, it’s still a part of Nauru cuisine. The bird is usually roasted or grilled and offers a unique taste of Nauru’s past.
- Tuna: Tuna is one of the most important sources of protein in Nauru cuisine. Local fishermen catch tuna around the island, and it’s used in various dishes. Best had raw with even Chinese restaurants doing a great job at this.
The Influence of Chinese Food on Nauru Cuisine
Chinese food has a significant presence in Nauru cuisine, a legacy of Chinese workers who came to the island to work in the phosphate mines. Though the Chinese community in Nauru is small, their culinary influence has remained strong.
However, don’t expect high-end, authentic Chinese food here. The Chinese food found in Nauru is basic and caters to the local palate. Dishes like fried rice, sweet and sour pork, and chow mein are common, and while they may not be gourmet, they are at least popular.
This is to such a degree that only 2-3 restaurants on the island are not Chinese ones. Honestly the Chinese food in Nauru is not very good.
The Simplicity of Nauru Cuisine
The reality of Nauru cuisine is that it’s not about fine dining or exotic ingredients. It’s about simplicity and practicality. Meals are often centered around what’s easy to prepare, what’s available, and what can be stored for long periods. With limited access to fresh produce, much of the food on Nauru is canned or frozen, reflecting the island’s isolation.
Spam, corned beef, and instant noodles are staples in many households, while Chinese food has become a go-to option in local restaurants. Despite the lack of variety, there are still some local dishes to try, such as coconut fish and noddy bird, that offer a taste of Nauru’s traditional food culture.
Where to Eat in Nauru
If you’re visiting Nauru, you won’t find a huge number of dining options, but there are a few places where you can sample Nauru cuisine. Local restaurants offer a mix of Chinese-inspired dishes and traditional Nauru food.
Bayview Restaurant The mist popular and best restaurant on the island, as well as the only one to really offer international; fare.
Anibare Boat Harbour Restaurant – The best Chinese restaurant, as well as serving decent western food. Great location.
Crystal Kitchen – One of the few non-Chinese restaurants. Here they serve islands style fare like curries and the like with a definite Kiribati influence. One I will write about later.
Chinese Food – There are so many Chinese restaurants that it is impossible to list them all. This means that the Chinese restaurants of Nauru really do vary in quality. Overall though you would not call them healthy.
Nauru Cuisine: A Reflection of Island Life
Overall when it comes to Nauru cuisine, at least from a contemporary point of view you would have to say that it is very mixed. Huge influences are of course Chinese food, but also to a lesser degree Filipino. And then there is the Wold War 2 canned goods.
This means that traditional island foods in Nauru cuisine are almost a thing of the past, while street food is non existent. Things though are not awful and you will not just not go hungry, but will probably put on weight.
We visited Nauru on our Least Visited Countries Tour.