Verified Facts
When visiting the Marshall Islands, be sure to try the local specialties such as Bwenlab (breadfruit) and Arno (fish) dishes, which showcase the country's unique cultural and culinary heritage.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
The Marshall Islands' cuisine is a unique blend of traditional and modern influences, with a focus on fresh seafood, fruits, and root vegetables. The country's location in the Pacific Ocean has shaped its culinary traditions, with many dishes featuring fish and other seafood. The Marshallese people have also been influenced by other cultures, including Japanese, German, and American, which is reflected in their cuisine. For example, sashimi (raw fish) is a popular dish in the Marshall Islands, which was introduced by Japanese fishermen. Regional variations in cuisine can be found throughout the islands, with each atoll having its own unique specialties and cooking techniques.
The Marshall Islands' cuisine is also characterized by its use of traditional ingredients, such as bwenlab (breadfruit) and pandanus (screw pine). These ingredients are often combined with modern ingredients, such as rice and canned goods, to create a unique fusion of flavors. The country's cuisine is also shaped by its history, with many dishes reflecting the influence of colonial powers. For example, Arno jerky (dried fish) is a traditional dish that was introduced by German colonizers.
Despite the challenges of importing food to the Marshall Islands, the country has a thriving food culture, with many local restaurants and markets offering a wide range of traditional and modern dishes. The Marshallese people take great pride in their cuisine, and mealtimes are often seen as opportunities to socialize and connect with family and friends. In fact, umw (traditional Marshallese feasts) are an important part of Marshallese culture, where families and communities come together to share food and celebrate special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arno jerky | Appetizer | Dried and smoked fish, often served with bwenlab (breadfruit) | Local markets and restaurants |
| Bwenlab soup | Soup | A hearty soup made with bwenlab (breadfruit) and ko (taro) | Traditional Marshallese restaurants |
| Ko cake | Dessert | A sweet cake made with ko (taro) and coconut milk | Local bakeries and cafes |
| Sashimi | Appetizer | Raw fish sliced into thin pieces, often served with soy sauce and wasabi | Japanese restaurants in Majuro |
| Pandanus cake | Dessert | A sweet cake made with pandanus (screw pine) and coconut milk | Local markets and bakeries |
| Arno sashimi | Appetizer | Raw fish sliced into thin pieces, often served with soy sauce and wasabi | Local restaurants and markets |
| Bwenlab fritters | Snack | Fried bwenlab (breadfruit) patties, often served with a side of ko (taro) chips | Street food vendors |
| Ko pudding | Dessert | A creamy pudding made with ko (taro) and coconut milk | Local restaurants and cafes |
| Umani | Main Course | A traditional Marshallese dish made with bwenlab (breadfruit), ko (taro), and arno (fish) | Traditional Marshallese restaurants |
| Jabwot | Side Dish | A side dish made with bwenlab (breadfruit) and ko (taro), often served with arno (fish) | Local markets and restaurants |
Street Food & Snacks
- Bwenlab (breadfruit) chips, a popular snack made from fried bwenlab (breadfruit), $2-$3 USD
- Ko (taro) chips, a crispy snack made from fried ko (taro), $2-$3 USD
- Arno (fish) skewers, a popular street food made from grilled arno (fish), $3-$5 USD
- Pandanus (screw pine) ice cream, a unique and refreshing dessert, $4-$5 USD
- Bwenlab (breadfruit) fritters, a sweet and crispy snack made from fried bwenlab (breadfruit), $3-$4 USD
- Ko (taro) pudding, a creamy and sweet dessert made from ko (taro) and coconut milk, $4-$5 USD
- Umani (traditional Marshallese dish) wraps, a convenient and delicious snack made from bwenlab (breadfruit), ko (taro), and arno (fish), $5-$6 USD
- Jabwot (side dish) cups, a tasty and filling snack made from bwenlab (breadfruit) and ko (taro), $3-$4 USD
Drinks
- Coconut water, a refreshing and hydrating drink, $1-$2 USD
- Fresh fruit juice, a sweet and tangy drink made from local fruits, $2-$3 USD
- Iced tea, a popular drink made from black tea and served over ice, $1-$2 USD
- Beer, a cold and refreshing drink, $3-$5 USD
- Kava, a traditional Marshallese drink made from the roots of the kava plant, $5-$10 USD
- Fresh coconut milk, a creamy and delicious drink made from fresh coconuts, $2-$3 USD
Dining Customs
- Eating with your hands is common in Marshallese culture, especially when eating traditional dishes like bwenlab (breadfruit) and ko (taro)
- Respect for elders is important in Marshallese culture, and older individuals are often served first
- Sharing food is a significant aspect of Marshallese culture, and meals are often seen as opportunities to socialize and connect with family and friends
- Tipping is not expected, but 10% to 15% of the total bill is appreciated
- Dress modestly when dining at traditional Marshallese restaurants or attending umw (traditional Marshallese feasts)
- Learn some Marshallese phrases, such as "Kommol" (hello) and "Kwo" (thank you), to show respect for the culture and people
Where to Eat
- Local markets, where you can find fresh produce, seafood, and traditional dishes like bwenlab (breadfruit) and ko (taro)
- Food courts, where you can find a variety of local and international dishes, including sashimi and pizza
- Traditional Marshallese restaurants, where you can experience the unique flavors and customs of Marshallese cuisine
- Seafood restaurants, where you can find fresh seafood and dishes like arno (fish) and lobster
- Cafes, where you can find coffee, pastries, and light meals like bwenlab (breadfruit) fritters and ko (taro) pudding
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Majuro Market, a bustling marketplace where you can find fresh produce, seafood, and traditional dishes like bwenlab (breadfruit) and ko (taro)
- Ebay Market, a smaller marketplace where you can find local handicrafts and traditional snacks like bwenlab (breadfruit) chips and ko (taro) pudding
- Laura Market, a marketplace where you can find fresh seafood and dishes like arno (fish) and lobster
- Umw (traditional Marshallese feasts), a unique and unforgettable experience where you can learn about Marshallese culture and cuisine
- Cooking classes, where you can learn how to prepare traditional Marshallese dishes like bwenlab (breadfruit) soup and ko (taro) cake.