Fiji By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Fiji: Grilled Banana (Recipe)

Caramelised grilled banana halves drizzled with honey and dusted with cinnamon

In this article

Few desserts capture the easy charm of the islands quite like Grilled Banana, a sweet little treat that turns up the natural sugars in ripe fruit until they caramelise over the flames. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes on the grill, you get warm, golden bananas glossed with honey and warming cinnamon. It is the kind of pudding that feels right after a relaxed summer barbecue or as the gentle finish to a celebratory meal, and it carries the bright, tropical spirit of Fiji straight to your table.

About Grilled Banana

Grilled Banana is a delicate and wonderfully simple dessert that reflects the sweet, tropical flavours of Fiji. The pairing of charred, caramelised fruit with a touch of island sweetness is hard to resist, making it a perfect choice for warm summer evenings or as a delicious end to a festive meal. The bananas can be served entirely on their own, or dressed up with extras such as honey, yoghurt or a scattering of nuts. Like much of the laid-back, fruit-forward Fijian cuisine, it relies on good ingredients rather than fuss.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

2 ripe bananas
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
A pinch of salt

Shopping for the ingredients

If you would like to make Grilled Banana, you will find the ingredients in most supermarkets or at local markets. Take care to choose ripe bananas that are evenly yellow with no green patches, as these have the best flavour and just the right sweetness to make the dish sing. Honey and cinnamon are equally easy to source and lend the fruit a lovely extra layer of aroma. If you fancy a coconut note, a small jar of coconut oil is also worth picking up.

Preparing the dish

Getting ready to make Grilled Banana could hardly be simpler. Begin by peeling the bananas. You can leave them whole or slice them in half lengthways, depending on how you prefer them. In a small bowl, stir together the honey, cinnamon and a pinch of salt to create a sweet marinade. This mixture flavours the fruit and gives it a beautiful glaze as it cooks over the heat.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat the grill to a medium heat.
Lightly brush the bananas with coconut oil to stop them sticking.
Coat the bananas generously with the honey and cinnamon mixture.
Place the bananas on the grill and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until lightly caramelised and golden brown.
Serve the grilled bananas warm, with a little extra honey or a spoonful of yoghurt if you like.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Grilled Banana is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes it a brilliant option for anyone with those intolerances. You can enjoy the recipe exactly as it is without worrying about hidden allergens. Just check that the products you use, such as honey or syrup, are themselves gluten- and lactose-free. That way the dish stays accessible to every guest at the table.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

For a vegan version, simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to achieve an equally sweet result. The dish then stays completely plant-based, making it ideal for a vegan diet. Vegetarians can tuck in without a second thought, as every ingredient is plant-derived. The grilled bananas also make a wonderful addition to any vegan dessert spread, much like a bowl of Black Rice Pudding.

More tips and tricks

To get the very best from your Grilled Banana, try out different toppings. A scattering of nuts or desiccated coconut adds texture and an extra layer of flavour, while a small scoop of ice cream on the side creates a lovely contrast between warm and cold that makes the dessert even more tempting. Experiment with the extras until you land on your favourite combination.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

The beauty of Grilled Banana lies in just how versatile the recipe is. Depending on your taste, you can adjust the sweetness or add different spices such as nutmeg or vanilla. Using different varieties of banana can also create interesting variations — try the sweeter red bananas or other local types where you can find them. Each little change gives the dish a new character.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have the ingredients for Grilled Banana to hand, there are a few easy alternatives. Instead of honey, you can use sweeteners such as stevia or other syrups that suit your preferences. You can even grill other fruits in place of bananas for a different but equally delicious result — a few Caramelized Pineapple slices work beautifully. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to suit whichever fruit you choose.

Drink pairing ideas

Fruity, refreshing drinks pair wonderfully with Grilled Banana and echo its tropical flavours. A chilled glass of Pineapple Juice or a cooling coconut water cooler would make ideal companions. For an alcoholic option, consider a light rum cocktail to lift the banana notes, or simply serve a tangy lemon or lime lemonade alongside for something bright and thirst-quenching.

Serving and presentation ideas

Presentation matters when it comes to Grilled Banana, as it heightens the whole experience. Serve the fruit on a decorative plate, garnished with fresh mint leaves or a spoonful of yoghurt. A light dusting of cinnamon or icing sugar adds a touch of elegance, and laying the bananas on a bed of fresh fruit makes the dish even more inviting to look at. A scoop of Mango And Coconut Ice Cream alongside turns it into a real centrepiece.

A bit of history

Grilled Banana has its origins in the rich variety of traditional recipes found across the Fijian islands, where bananas are a staple food. Islanders recognised the fruit’s natural sweetness long ago and used it in all sorts of culinary creations. Grilling bananas is an age-old method that brings out their natural sugars and intense flavour. This delicious preparation has become a much-loved dessert on the islands and now enjoys a following far beyond Fiji.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Grilled Banana

In the end, Grilled Banana is a simple yet richly flavoured dessert option. With just a few ingredients and a wonderfully straightforward method, this dish brings the tropical atmosphere of Fiji straight to your plate. Whether you enjoy it just as it is or dressed up with extra toppings, the grilled bananas are a genuine treat. Give this recipe a try and discover the warm, sunny flavours that Fijian cooking has to offer.