Nauruan cuisine facts for kids
The cuisine of Nauru is the traditional food of this small island nation in the Pacific Ocean. Nauruans enjoy many fresh foods from the ocean and plants that grow on their island.
Contents
What Nauruans Eat
Just like people on other islands, Nauruans eat a lot of seafood. They also use many foods made from coconuts and pandanus fruits. Coconut milk is a very common ingredient in Nauru.
A special traditional dish is called Coconut fish. This dish uses raw fish, often tuna, mixed with coconut milk and different seasonings. It is a fresh and tasty meal.
Traditional Plants
The native Nauruan names for important traditional crops are:
- epo/épo: This is the Pandanus tectorius plant, which gives a sweet fruit.
- ini: This is the Cocos nucifera, or the coconut tree.
How Other Cultures Shaped Nauruan Food
Nauruan food has been greatly influenced by Chinese cooking. Many Chinese people live in Nauru, and you can find several Chinese restaurants on the island. Most of these are in the Yaren area.
Nauruan cuisine also shows strong influences from Western countries. This means some dishes and cooking styles are similar to those found in Europe or America.
Food for Special Times
Most Nauruans are Christians and belong to the Nauru Congregational Church. They often celebrate Christmas with special cakes. These cakes are usually made from banana and coconut.
Some sweet treats, like coconut mousse, are enjoyed during special events and celebrations.
See also
In Spanish: Gastronomía de Nauru para niños
