Cuisine
Marshallese cuisine
Marshallese cuisine is centered around fresh, local ingredients. Seafood is a staple, and is often prepared with coconut milk, lime, and chili peppers. Other common ingredients include taro, breadfruit, and sweet potato. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the Marshallese people, the indigenous people of the Marshall Islands, as well as by the Asian cultures that have shaped the islands' history.
Typical ingredients
Seafood (fish, shrimp, crab, octopus), Coconut milk, Lime, Chili peppers, Taro, Breadfruit, Sweet potato, Mango, Papaya, Banana
Presentation and garnishing
Marshallese dishes are often served family-style, with large platters of food placed in the center of the table. Garnishes such as sliced green onions and chopped cilantro are common.
The national dish of the Marshall Islands is jowi, a fish soup that is made with coconut milk and taro.
More cuisines from this region...
Palauan cuisine, Guamanian cuisine, Mariana Islands cuisine, Nauruan cuisine
History
The Marshall Islands have a long history of colonization, beginning with the Spanish in the 16th century. The islands were later occupied by the Japanese during World War II, before being liberated by the United States. This history is reflected in the islands' cuisine, which has been shaped by a variety of cultural influences.
Cultural significance
Food is an important part of Marshallese culture, and is often served at celebrations and gatherings. Many traditional dishes are associated with specific events, such as fiestas and weddings.
Health benefits and considerations
Marshallese cuisine is generally healthy, as it is centered around fresh seafood and tropical fruits. However, some dishes may be high in fat and sodium.
Marshallese cuisine dishes
Marshallese cuisine recipes Browse all »
Marshallese-style Chicken Salad
Tropical Delight Chicken Salad
Marshallese-style Braised Horse Meat
Savory Island Delight: Marshallese-style Braised Horse Meat
Marshallese Pilgrim Sandwich
Tropical Fusion Pilgrim Delight
Marshallese Flaki - A Taste of the Islands
Island-Inspired Flaki: A Marshallese Twist on a Polish Classic
Marshallese Island Salad
Tropical Delight: Marshallese Island Salad
Marshallese-style Chicken Pudding
Savory Marshallese Chicken Delight
Marshallese-style Pasta e Patate
Savory Island Pasta with Potatoes
Marshallese-style Coconut Potatoes
Tropical Coconut Potatoes: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
Marshallese Moustokouloura Cookies
Tropical Grape Cookies: A Marshallese Twist on Greek Moustokouloura
Marshallese-style Salsiccia with Coconut Rice
Savory Marshallese Sausage with Fragrant Coconut Rice
Marshallese Läckerli
Tropical Delight: Marshallese Läckerli - A Sweet Fusion of Swiss and Marshallese Flavors
Marshallese-style Orange Duck
Tropical Delight: Marshallese Orange Duck