Fiji By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Fiji: Roasted Plantains with Honey (Recipe)

Golden roasted plantain slices glazed with honey on a serving plate

In this article

There is something irresistibly tropical about roasted plantains with honey, a simple Fijian treat that turns a humble cooking banana into a glistening, golden delight. As the plantains roast, their natural starches caramelise into a deep, mellow sweetness that the honey only amplifies. Equally at home as an afternoon snack or a relaxed side dish, it captures the warmth and easygoing spirit of island life in just a handful of ingredients. Bring a taste of Fiji to your own kitchen with very little effort.

About Roasted Plantains with Honey

Roasted plantains with honey are a wonderfully distinctive Fijian dish that works just as well as a snack as it does alongside a main meal. Plantains — often called cooking bananas — are a staple of Fijian cuisine, prized for their high starch content and their ability to develop a gorgeous caramelised sweetness when roasted. Paired with honey, that natural sugar comes alive, and the result is more than a simple bite to eat: it carries the very essence of Fiji onto the plate, much like the islands’ beloved Caramelized Banana With Coconut.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

2 ripe plantains
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon coconut oil (or another vegetable oil)
A pinch of salt
Optional: cinnamon or nutmeg, to sprinkle

Shopping for the ingredients

To make these delicious roasted plantains with honey, you will find the ingredients in most supermarkets or at Asian grocers. Plantains are usually stocked in the fruit section and should have a yellow to deep-yellow skin to give you that sweeter flavour. Honey comes in many forms, whether runny or set, so choose whichever you prefer. Do reach for a good-quality honey, as it has a real influence on the final taste of the dish.

Preparing the dish

Before you start cooking, it is important to prepare the plantains properly. First, trim off both ends, then run a lengthways cut through the skin so it peels away easily. Once peeled, slice the plantains into thin rounds or half-moons so they roast evenly. Set the prepared slices aside, ready to be tossed with the honey and oil.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
In a bowl, combine the coconut oil and the honey.
Add the prepared plantains to the bowl and toss well until they are evenly coated.
Spread the plantains in a single layer on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
Roast for around 20–25 minutes, until golden and caramelised, turning them once halfway through.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and, if you like, a little cinnamon or nutmeg. Serve warm.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Roasted plantains with honey are naturally gluten-free and lactose-free. Both plantains and honey are free of any gluten-containing products or dairy, which makes this dish a brilliant choice for anyone with food intolerances or allergies. That said, it is always worth checking the oils and spices you use to make sure they are gluten-free too.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

For vegans, this dish is easy to adapt: simply swap the honey for a plant-based sweetener such as maple syrup. Both deliver the same lovely sweetness, with maple syrup being a touch runnier. This small change makes the recipe perfect for a vegan diet without losing any of the flavour. Just be mindful to choose your other ingredients to suit your way of eating, as you would with Sweet Plantains.

More tips and tricks

To get the very best from your roasted plantains with honey, try roasting them at full heat. This helps to maximise the caramelisation and brings out a really appealing flavour. Another handy technique is to let the plantains rest for a few minutes after they come out of the oven, so the flavours settle and the slices become even more delicious. Experiment with different spices, too, to discover a new flavour direction.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

Roasted plantains with honey are wonderfully adaptable. If you like a little heat, add a touch of chilli or cayenne pepper for a spicy edge. For a fruitier version, throw in some pineapple or mango pieces, which roast up beautifully alongside the plantains. Remember that the recipe is open to your own preferences, whether you fancy something sweeter or more savoury.

Ingredient substitutions

If you cannot find plantains, ordinary bananas make a fair stand-in, even if their flavour is a little different. They are sweeter, but they can be prepared in much the same way. In place of honey, you could use another natural sweetener such as stevia or a fruit purée to cut the sugar while still keeping a wonderful taste. Just be sure to adjust the roasting time to suit whichever alternatives you choose.

Drink pairing ideas

A range of drinks pairs beautifully with roasted plantains with honey. A fresh pineapple juice or a glass of Coconut Water offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet plantains. For something with a tropical lift, a Fresh Pineapple And Ginger Punch works a treat, while a cocktail such as a mojito or piña colada plays up the island feeling. Gentle teas like hibiscus or chamomile will also refresh the palate and sit well with this dish.

Serving and presentation ideas

To show off your roasted plantains with honey, use a large, flat serving platter. Arrange the slices attractively and garnish with fresh, fruity accents such as lime wedges or mint leaves. A pleasing contrast of colourful fruit or edible flowers not only adds extra freshness but also makes the dish visually striking. A few thoughtful touches on the plate help bring the whole thing to life.

A bit of history

Plantains originate from Southeast Asia and have been a staple food across many tropical regions, including Fiji, for centuries. Their versatility has made them a favourite in Fijian cooking, where they are prepared in all sorts of ways, from fried to baked. Pairing plantains with honey shows the creative use of local ingredients, providing both natural sweetness and energy. It is a fine example of how traditional culinary heritage blends with modern kitchen practice, much as you see in dishes across Fijian cuisine.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Roasted Plantains with Honey

Roasted plantains with honey are far more than a simple snack; they are a celebration of flavour and Fijian culture that comes together effortlessly at home. With only a few ingredients and a straightforward method, you can bring a piece of Fiji into your own kitchen. Whether served as a side or a dessert, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and forge a connection to exotic, tropical cooking. Enjoy this delicious treat and let the flavours of Fiji work their magic.