Food of the Solomon Islands: 8 Traditional Dishes

The Solomon Islands is a nation of over 900 islands which is located in the Pacific Ocean, East of Papua New Guinea and Northeast of Vanuatu.

Papuan-speaking people are believed to have first arrived on the Solomon Islands over 32,000 years ago.

A Spanish explorer travelling from Peru first made contact with the indigenous population in 1568. The explorers believed the land to contain the riches of biblical King Solomon which is where the name ‘Solomon Islands’ came from.

In 1893, the British officially claimed the islands, which lasted until World War II when they were invaded by Japan. In 1978, the Solomon Islands gained independence in 1978.

Most Popular Dishes of Solomon Islands

The cuisine of Solomon Islands is ancient, with many influences coming from previous colonisers.

The Spanish introduced cattle to the islands, making beef a popular meat in many recipes. The British and Japanese also introduced a range of cooking techniques and spices which have influenced the cuisine.

Much of the traditional diet is based on fish and coconut, with sweet potatoes being served with most meals, as well as cassava, and fresh fruits.

Many ancient cooking techniques are still used in the Solomon Islands today; one example is ‘Motu’, which involves wrapping food in banana or taro leaves and placing them over heated stones.

Poi (Pounded Taro)

Considered the national dish of the Solomon Islands, Poi is a side dish that can be made by pounding cooked taro roots into a paste. The taro paste is fermented which gives it a tangy flavor.

Poi is often served as a side dish to proteins such as fish or pork.

The traditional method of making poi is by mashing cooked taro on a wooden board, using a hand-carved pestle made from basalt (volcanic rocks), coral, or wood.

Green PawPaw Curry (Papaya Curry)

Green PawPaw Curry is a curry made with green, unripe papaya and coconut cream, and is served with white rice. This is an Indian inspired recipe of the South Pacific Fiji Islands.

Meat, such as chicken, may also be added to this curry, although traditionally it is a vegetarian dish.

Curried Coconut and Lime Gourd Soup

Curried coconut and lime gourd soup is made with gourds, cooked with coconut milk, lime juice, curry powder, garlic, ginger, and onions. All of the ingredients are cooked together for a long period of time until they soften and break up in the coconut milk, leaving a smooth soup dish.

The ingredients of this soup are readily available on the Solomon Islands, and this dish is a popular way to use up vegetables to prevent wasting food.

Chili Taiyo Noodles (Chili Tuna Noodles)

Chili Taiyo noodles is made by combining chili peppers, tuna (Taiyo), tomatoes and onion with noodles. It is a popular dish for dinner or lunch in the Solomon Islands, and can be made with fresh or canned tuna when fresh tuna is not available.

This dish is likely to have been inspired by Japanese cuisine.

Cassava Pudding

Cassava pudding is made by grating cassava and mixing it with coconut cream and sugar, then baking until it’s firm with a slightly chewy texture.

Cassava pudding can be found served as a dessert at restaurants in the Solomon islands, and is a popular choice to serve at special occasions, like weddings or religious holidays.

A savory version of cassave pudding is also made without adding sugar, which is served as a side dish to fish or meat.

Cabbage and Coconut Soup

Solomon Islands cabbage and coconut soup is made by boiling cabbage in coconut milk. Onion, tomatoes and chilli peppers may also be added to the broth for extra flavor.

This soup tends to be left with chunks of vegetables in the broth for texture, instead of blending smooth. Some variations of this soup may also include fish broth and/or seafood chunks.

Ngali Nut Pudding

Ngali nuts are an indigenous nut to the Solomon Islands, they can be combined with taro to make a pudding, which has a similar texture to sticky pudding. While the name of this dish suggests that it is a dessert, it is usually served alongside meat or seafood.

The the Ngali nut tree is sacred in the Solomon Islands; the annual Ngali nut harvest marks the start of the islands’ calendar year. These nuts can be ground into a paste, in a similar way to peanut butter, which is then often used for dishes like curries and stews.

Sweet Potato Leaf Salad

This salad is made with sweet potato leaves mixed with lime juice, coconut milk, and tomatoes. The sweet potato leaves are usually cooked until they become softer.

Sweet Potato Leaf Salad is also a popular dish in the Philippines and South Africa.