Lūʻau (food) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Lūʻau

From top left, clockwise: tripe stew (ʻōpū kū), rice (laiki), ʻopihi poke, laulau, squid lūʻau, pipikaula shortribs, kālua puaʻa (kālua pig), and poi in the center.
Alternative names	Poulet fafa, Rourou, Rukau
Type	Stew
Place of origin	Polynesia, Fiji
Region or state	Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Hawaii
Main ingredients	Taro leaves, coconut milk

Lūʻau is a yummy traditional stew from the Polynesian islands. It's known by different names depending on where you are. For example, people in French Polynesia call it Poulet fafa. In Fiji, it's known as Rourou, and in the Cook Islands, it's called Rukau.

The name Lūʻau comes from its main ingredient: Taro leaves. These leaves are cooked until they are very soft. Then, creamy coconut milk is added to make the stew rich and delicious.

What is Lūʻau?

Lūʻau is a popular dish across many Pacific islands. It's a type of stew that uses special ingredients found in the region. The main base is always taro leaves and coconut milk.

Different Kinds of Lūʻau

While the basic recipe stays the same, islands often add their own special touches.

• In Hawaii, people sometimes add octopus to the dish. This version is called Squid Lūʻau.
• Hawaiian Squid Lūʻau also includes onion and garlic for extra flavor.
• Other islands might use different meats or vegetables. This makes each version unique and tasty.

Main Ingredients of Lūʻau

The two most important ingredients for Lūʻau are:

• Taro leaves: These are the leaves from the taro plant. They are cooked until they are tender.
• Coconut milk: This creamy liquid comes from coconuts. It gives the stew its rich texture and flavor.

See also

• In Spanish: Laulau para niños