Oceanian Saltwater Fish Dishes

This dish is a New Zealander version of the classic English fish and chips. It is believed that fish and chips was introduced to New Zealand before World War I by British settlers. The dish is traditionally served wrapped in newspaper, and it's ty... READ MORE

Poisson cru is a Tahitian national dish that consists of raw tuna, lime juice, various vegetables, and coconut milk. It is also known as ia ota or e'ia ota, which means raw fish. The dish is prepared by briefly marinatin... READ MORE

Whitebait fritters are considered a delicacy in New Zealand and they are the most popular way of preparing whitebait. The recipe is quite simple, which is in contrast to the rather pricey fish. The batter is made from eggs and flour, to which fry ... READ MORE

Kokoda is a traditional dish made with fresh, raw fish such as mahi-mahi or snapper that is marinated in a combination of coconut milk and citrus juices such as lemons and limes. The coconut milk is added in order to balance out the acid. Fijian v... READ MORE

Barramundi cod is a fish specialty of Marshallese cuisine that is considered one of the national dishes of the islands. A whole fresh barramundi cod is seasoned, then tightly wrapped within banana leaves and baked until thoroughly cooked. The leav... READ MORE

Fafaru is a traditional and unusual Polynesian dish. It is distinctive because of its intense aroma of rotten fish. Crushed shrimps are marinated in a glass jar filled with seawater, preferably under the sun, for two or three days. The mixture is ... READ MORE

This classic Fijian dish is prepared by simmering meaty white fish such as cod or mahi-mahi in lolo – which is the Fijian word for coconut milk. Sliced onions, ginger, and sometimes even chopped tomatoes are added to this delicious ... READ MORE

This is a traditional take on the popular ceviche. It consists of fresh, raw fish that is marinated in coconut milk and citrus juice until the fish flesh develops an opaque visual appearance. Later on, the fish is typically combined with ... READ MORE

Sua i'a is a flavorful Samoan fish soup prepared with any medium to firm-textured fish such as snapper, yellowtail, or sea bass, together with the skin and bones. In addition to the fish, the soup is prepared with thinly sliced onions, water, salt... READ MORE

Te inai or fried parrotfish is a typical dish of the Kiribati islands prepared with a vibrant reef fish known as inai in Kiribati. This exotic fish is usually prepared whole - it is first marinated in a mixture of garlic, lemon juice, and... READ MORE

For ancient Chamorros, fish was the staple protein, and that tradition continued in guihan, a dish made by grilling local fish over a barbecue pit. In modern times, men prepare this dish much more often than women do, although both sexes used to c... READ MORE

Coconut fish is the national dish of Nauru, a small island in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The dish is made with white fish fillets, grated coconut, lime juice, flour, and eggs. In order to prepare it, the fillets are dipped in lime juice mixed... READ MORE

This healthy Vanuatuan dish is prepared with a whole fish, lemon and orange slices, coconut cream, salt, and pepper. The lemon and orange slices are neatly layered on top of the fish, which is then drizzled over with coconut cream and seasonings. ... READ MORE

Oka popo is a Samoan dish made with coconut milk, fresh fish, and vegetables such as cucumber, tomatoes, and onions. The ingredients are mixed with lime or lemon juice, salt and pepper, and freshly chopped coriander. This concoction is then placed... READ MORE

Fish suruwa is a delicious Fijian curry made with firm white fish, onions, tomatoes, coconut milk, chilis, and various spices such as cumin, garam masala, and turmeric. This creamy curry can be paired with white steamed rice on the side, and it is... READ MORE

Kovu walu is a traditional fish dish that is infused with coconut milk and spices, then steamed in banana leaves. Walu is locally-sourced Spanish mackerel, while kovu refers to the method of preparation of the fish that involves ... READ MORE

Kol pis no rais, meaning cold fish and rice, is a simple combination of fish and rice that is commonly consumed in Papua New Guinea. It typically consists of canned fish (usually tuna) and rice, and the combination may optionally be enhan... READ MORE

Kadon guihan is a common Chamorro fish stew prepared with fish that is cut into smaller pieces, onions, green pepper, and coconut milk. Pepper leaves are sometimes added to the stew in order to enhance the flavors even further. It is recommended t... READ MORE

Baigan valo is a traditional dish consisting of eggplants that are halved, stuffed with fish, then topped with coconut cream and steamed until ready for consumption. Although the final dish looks a bit messy, the combination of different textures ... READ MORE

Pineapple and fish balls is a New Caledonian delicacy filled with layers of tropical flavors. The dish is prepared by forming fish meat into small balls that are fried and combined with pawpaw, pineapple, onion, cabbage leaves, and various spices.... READ MORE