country Essentials · 12 foods
Papua New Guinea Essentials
A considered first route through Papua New Guinea: the foods that carry its everyday habits, celebrations, ingredients, and memory.
Explore all Papua New Guinea foods →THE
ESSENTIALS
The complete shortlist
12 foods to know.
Each selection includes the reason it belongs here—so this is a guide, not just a pile of names.
Papua New Guinea
Mumu
Pork, chicken, roots, plantains, and greens steam in banana leaves over hot stones.
Papua New Guinea
Kaukau
Highland sweet potato is baked, boiled, or mashed with coconut milk and spices.
Papua New Guinea
Saksak
Sago Balls
Sago flour and ripe banana become leaf-wrapped dumplings steamed with coconut milk.
Papua New Guinea
Kokoda
Raw coastal fish cures in lime and coconut milk with onions and chilies.
Papua New Guinea
Dia
Sago and ripe banana form a steamed dumpling topped with clotted coconut cream.
Papua New Guinea
Talautu
Shredded coconut and pineapple combine with lemon, sugar, and coconut milk.
Papua New Guinea
Kumu
Wild gathered greens wilt in coconut cream as a daily PNG side dish.
Papua New Guinea
Lamb Flaps
Ginger-garlic marinated lamb trimmings grill beside cress salad and plantains.
Papua New Guinea
Kulau
Young green coconut provides clear sweet water and soft jelly flesh.
Papua New Guinea
Chicken Pot
Chicken and mixed vegetables simmer gently in a mild coconut-cream stew.
Papua New Guinea
Sago Pancake
Sago flour forms a thin lowland pancake with a flexible toasted surface.
Papua New Guinea
Bully Beef and Rice
Fried tinned corned beef and onions are served over plain rice.