Fiji By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Fiji: Cassava and Banana Fritters (Recipe)

Golden cassava and banana fritters draining on kitchen paper

In this article

Say hello to cassava and banana fritters, a delightful little treat from the islands of Fiji. These golden morsels marry the gentle, nutty bite of cassava with the sweet, mellow fragrance of ripe bananas, giving you a snack that is both comforting and a touch exotic. Hugely popular across the Pacific, they are naturally vegan, gluten-free and packed with fibre — a bite of sunshine that works just as well as a casual nibble as it does a satisfying side.

About Cassava and Banana Fritters

Cassava and banana fritters are a real discovery of Fijian cooking. These delicious fritters combine the wonderfully varied texture of cassava — also known as manioc — with the sweet, aromatic note of ripe bananas. Especially across the Pacific islands they are a much-loved snack, offering not only a unique flavour but plenty of nutritional benefits too. Rich in fibre and nutrients, they can be enjoyed either as a side dish or as a filling snack in their own right.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

200 g cassava (manioc)
2 ripe bananas
1 tsp sugar (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
Oil, for frying

Shopping for the ingredients

When shopping for the ingredients, make sure the cassava is fresh, as its quality has a big impact on the flavour of the finished dish. Ripe bananas are essential for bringing the right level of sweetness to the fritters. You will often find the best of these ingredients at specialist food shops or local markets. It is also worth checking your produce regularly for freshness so you get the best possible results when cooking.

Preparing the dish

Preparing the cassava and banana fritters is quite straightforward and does not take much time. First, peel the cassava thoroughly and cut it into small pieces. These should then be cooked in a pan of water until soft. Meanwhile, the bananas can be made ready too: simply put them in a bowl and mash them with a fork. This pairing of two fresh ingredients gives you a harmonious mixture that is wonderfully suited to frying.

Step-by-step instructions

Put the peeled cassava in a pan of water and boil for about 20 minutes, until soft.
Let the cooked cassava cool, then mash it with a fork.
Add the ripe bananas and mix them well together with the cassava.
Optional: add the sugar and salt to bring out more of the flavour.
Heat the oil in a frying pan and drop the mixture in, a tablespoon at a time, into the hot oil.
Fry the fritters until golden brown on both sides, then drain on kitchen paper.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Making these fritters gluten-free and lactose-free is easy, as both main ingredients are naturally free of gluten and lactose. This makes the dish an ideal choice for anyone with intolerances or for those who simply prefer a gluten-free diet. Just double-check that the oil you use contains no gluten-bearing additives, much like you would for Curry Potato Fritters. That way you can tuck in without a worry.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

Cassava and banana fritters are naturally vegan and vegetarian, since they contain no animal products at all. For an extra layer of flavour, vegans can use coconut milk in place of the sugar, or add warming spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. These additions deepen the sweetness of the bananas and lend the fritters an exotic touch. There are plenty of ways to vary them to suit your own taste.

More tips and tricks

A few simple tips and tricks can help you get the very best from these fritters. Make sure the oil is properly preheated before you add the mixture, so the fritters turn out crisp. Frying in a deep-sided pan helps to cut down on oil spitting and splashing. A dash of vanilla extract stirred into the mixture also adds a lovely extra note of aroma.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

Adapting the recipe to your preferences is the key to finding your perfect cassava and banana fritters. You can fold in extras such as nuts or dried fruit for added texture. You can also play with the sweetness by choosing different varieties of banana — red bananas, for instance, give the fritters an even fruitier aroma. Feel free to experiment with different mixtures until you land on your favourite version.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, there are a few easy substitutions you can make. In place of cassava you could use sweet potatoes, which offer a similar taste and consistency — much as they do in Sweet Potato and Coconut Fritters. Another option is to use plantains, which give the dish a different, distinctive character. It is always fun to get creative and try out new combinations.

Drink pairing ideas

When serving your cassava and banana fritters, a well-chosen drink makes a wonderful accompaniment. Fresh fruit juices, such as pineapple or Mango Juice, pair perfectly with the fritters and complement their sweetness. For something a little more exotic, you might consider a cocktail made with Coconut Water. Either of these combinations is sure to deliver a refreshing taste experience.

Serving and presentation ideas

For an appealing presentation of your cassava and banana fritters, a few simple tricks go a long way. Serve the fritters on a colourful plate, perhaps with a small dip of yoghurt or a spicy sauce on the side. Fresh fruit or a few sprigs of mint on the plate make the whole thing look that bit more inviting. A little creative plating can make a real difference and have your guests’ mouths watering.

A bit of history

A glance at the history of cassava and banana fritters offers an interesting insight into the traditional cooking of Fiji. These fritters are a firmly established part of the islanders’ hearty food culture, and they show off the typical use of local ingredients. The pairing of cassava and banana reflects the rich variety of tropical resources found across the islands. Historically, the making of these fritters has been passed down through the generations, and today they remain a much-loved symbol of Fijian cuisine.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Cassava and Banana Fritters

To sum up, cassava and banana fritters are a tasty and wonderfully simple dish that brings together the flavours of Fijian cooking beautifully. Their balance of savoury and sweet makes them a great choice for any occasion, whether as a snack or shared among friends. Let this little treat inspire you and give it a go — the taste of the Pacific is waiting for you.