Fiji By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Fiji: Breadfruit Curry (Recipe)

Fijian breadfruit curry in coconut sauce garnished with fresh coriander

In this article

Sail straight to the islands of the South Pacific with Breadfruit Curry, a soul-warming vegan main that lies at the heart of Fijian home cooking. Tender chunks of breadfruit soak up a fragrant coconut sauce laced with cumin, turmeric and fresh chilli, giving every spoonful a gentle sweetness balanced by warming spice. It is wholesome, naturally plant-based and surprisingly easy to make, bringing the relaxed flavours of the tropics to your table.

About Breadfruit Curry

Breadfruit Curry is a traditional dish from the idyllic islands of Fiji. It marries the hearty sweetness of breadfruit with a generous range of fragrant spices and good-quality coconut milk. The dish is not only delicious but also vegan and nourishing, making it a perfect choice for anyone who favours plant-based eating. The way the ingredients come together creates a flavour experience all of its own, opening up new dimensions of Pacific cooking for travellers and food lovers alike.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

1 medium breadfruit
1 tin coconut milk (400ml)
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 piece fresh ginger (about 2cm), grated
1–2 green chillies, finely chopped (to taste)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon curry powder
2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh coriander, to garnish

Shopping for the ingredients

To put together a flavourful Breadfruit Curry, it helps to have the right ingredients on hand. Begin your shopping trip at a farmers’ market, where you will find fresh produce such as breadfruit and local spices. If you cannot track down fresh breadfruit, Asian grocers often stock frozen or tinned versions. Don’t forget to choose a good-quality coconut milk, as it contributes a great deal to the rich, rounded flavour of the curry.

Preparing the dish

Before you start cooking, get all of your ingredients ready. Wash the breadfruit thoroughly and remove the skin, as it is cooked and served peeled in this dish. Cut the breadfruit into bite-sized cubes, roughly 2cm across, so it cooks evenly. Have the onion, garlic and ginger prepped and ready too, which keeps the cooking process running smoothly from start to finish.

Step-by-step instructions

Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the diced onion until golden brown.
Add the chopped garlic, the ginger and the green chillies and fry briefly.
Stir in the spices (cumin, turmeric and curry powder) and toast for about 1 minute to release their aromas.
Add the prepared breadfruit cubes to the pan and toss well in the spices.
Pour in the coconut milk and bring everything to the boil.
Simmer over medium heat for 20–30 minutes, until the breadfruit is tender.
Season with salt and pepper and scatter over freshly chopped coriander to garnish.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Breadfruit Curry is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes it suitable for a great many people. Using coconut milk in place of cream or dairy milk makes this dish an excellent option for anyone avoiding animal products. Just make sure all your other ingredients are gluten-free too, particularly any spices that might contain traces. This means the dish can be enjoyed without any worry over gluten or lactose.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

For vegans and vegetarians, Breadfruit Curry makes a wonderful main course that is rich in nutrients. Try to use fresh, organic ingredients to get the maximum nutritional value. This not only supports a healthy diet but also enriches the overall flavour. Experiment with extra vegetables such as spinach or carrots to make the dish even more nourishing and to add further texture. It sits beautifully alongside a lighter Vegetable Curry on a shared table.

More tips and tricks

To make your Breadfruit Curry even tastier, you can let it sit for a few hours before serving so the flavours deepen. You might also add toppings such as toasted nuts or dried fruit to give the dish more bite and complexity. Where possible, try cooking it over an open fire for that special, authentic aroma. Consider serving the curry in a large communal bowl too, so your guests are drawn into the whole experience.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

Breadfruit Curry is highly adaptable and lends itself perfectly to personal preference. You can vary the heat by adding fewer or more green chillies. Have a favourite vegetable? Simply throw it in — courgette or pepper work beautifully! If you like things creamier, add a little more coconut milk. That is the joy of this recipe: it lets you be creative and tweak it to suit your own taste.

Ingredient substitutions

If you struggle to find breadfruit, you can swap it for sweet potato or pumpkin, both of which bring a pleasant sweetness and sit well in curries — much like the comforting Fijian Pumpkin Curry. For a brighter note, you might add fresh tomatoes to lend a touch of acidity. With the spices, feel free to try your favourite blend to give the dish your personal stamp. You can also exchange the coconut milk for an oat or almond drink if you are after an alternative.

Drink pairing ideas

Breadfruit Curry pairs wonderfully with a range of drinks. A refreshing coconut-based drink strikes the perfect balance against the spicy notes of the dish — a chilled Coconut Milk Drink is ideal. If you prefer something alcoholic, try a fruity wheat beer or a light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. For an alcohol-free treat, reach for coconut water or a fruity lemonade that underlines the tropical flair.

Serving and presentation ideas

The way you present your Breadfruit Curry can be key to the eating experience. Serve the curry in a lovely, colourful bowl and decorate it with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime juice. This brings out the colours of the curry and makes for an inviting sight. Toasted nuts or sesame seeds can be added as a garnish too, for extra crunch and visual appeal. A suitable side such as coconut rice rounds the dish off and turns it into a complete meal.

A bit of history

Breadfruit has its origins in the wider Pacific and Asian region and has been treasured in Polynesian cooking for centuries. It is a staple food in many Pacific cultures, including Fiji, where Breadfruit Curry counts as one of the islands’ culinary traditions. The dish reflects the close connection to nature and the local ingredients that define Fijian cooking. By preparing this recipe, you not only enjoy a delicious mouthful but also experience the rich culture and history of these beautiful islands and their wider Fijian cuisine.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Breadfruit Curry

Breadfruit Curry is a delicious and versatile dish that strikes the perfect balance between hearty flavours and the sweetness of breadfruit. With its vegan base and straightforward preparation, it brings the exotic aromas of the Fijian islands straight to your table. Whether as a main course or a side, it is a genuine treat for every food lover. Give this recipe a try and dive into the wonderful world of Pacific cooking!