National Dish Palau: Fried Breadfruit Chips (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Fried Breadfruit Chips, a wonderfully moreish snack from the Pacific islands of Palau! Thin slices of hearty breadfruit are seasoned and baked until irresistibly crunchy, giving you a healthy nibble with an addictive crackle. Perfect as an aperitif alongside a cold drink or as a light bite between meals, these golden crisps turn a humble tropical fruit into something truly special. Bring a taste of island living straight to your own kitchen.
About Fried Breadfruit Chips
The breadfruit is not only nourishing but also remarkably versatile in the kitchen. Originally native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, it has found its way into cuisines all over the world, and above all onto the tables of the Pacific islands. The idea of turning breadfruit into crispy chips marries the savoury, satisfying flavour of the fruit with a delightful crunch that makes it perfect as a snack or a side. This recipe for crunchy breadfruit chips is sure to win you over, and it could not be simpler to prepare.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 medium breadfruit
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional: spices such as paprika or turmeric
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients, look for a breadfruit that is fresh and firm, with no blemishes or soft, bruised patches. Well-stocked supermarkets and local farmers’ markets often carry breadfruit at various stages of ripeness. Choose a good-quality oil too, as it has a real influence on the flavour of the finished chips. Even the spices can vary — the main thing is that they suit your own personal taste.
Preparing the dish
To get the breadfruit chips ready, you first need to peel the breadfruit and cut it into thin slices. The thickness of the slices affects how crunchy the chips turn out, so aim for pieces that are evenly thick throughout. A mandoline or a sharp knife works well for this. Once sliced, it is important to place the chips in a bowl of water with a little salt to draw out the excess starch and make the chips crisper still.
Step-by-step instructions
- Peel the breadfruit and cut it into thin slices.
- Place the sliced chips in a bowl of water with salt and leave them to soak for 15 minutes.
- Lift the chips out of the water and pat them thoroughly dry.
- In a large bowl, toss the chips with the olive oil and your chosen spices.
- Spread the chips out evenly on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30–40 minutes.
- Turn them frequently until the chips are golden brown and crisp.
- Leave to cool after baking, then enjoy!
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Breadfruit chips are naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, since the main ingredient — the breadfruit — contains neither of these. As long as you make sure the oils and spices you use are also free from gluten and lactose, you are completely in the clear. This makes the recipe suitable for a wide range of diets. Enjoy the chips without a second thought, whatever your dietary requirements.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Breadfruit chips are a perfect snack for vegans and vegetarians, as they are made entirely from plant-based ingredients. You can add all sorts of spices to give them a distinctive flavour without needing any animal products at all. For even more nutrition and taste, try scattering the chips with toasted sesame seeds or unsweetened coconut flakes. This not only gives you a lovely crunchy texture but also boosts the nutritional value of the snack.
More tips and tricks
To make the very best breadfruit chips, it is important to spread them out evenly so they do not stick together. A non-stick baking tray or a sheet of baking paper is a big help here. Be sure to turn the chips regularly so they brown evenly on all sides. A tiny pinch of natural sweetness, such as honey or agave syrup, can intensify the flavour if you happen to like your snacks on the sweeter side.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The versatility of breadfruit chips means you can shape the recipe entirely to your own liking. Experiment with different oils, such as avocado oil or sesame oil, to vary the flavour. You can also combine several spices to give the chips exactly the aromatic finish you are after. There are no limits to your creativity here — experiment to your heart’s content. If you enjoy other crisp island bites, try the same approach with Sweet Potato Fritters.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find breadfruit, you can use green bananas or courgette instead to make similar chips — much like the starchy base behind Banana Tapioca. The oil can also be swapped for other healthy fats such as rapeseed oil or coconut fat. The spices can be tailored to taste, so you can keep creating new versions of the chips again and again. Adjustments like these give you enormous flexibility in how you put the recipe together.
Drink pairing ideas
A number of drinks pair beautifully with crispy breadfruit chips and complement their savoury flavour. A refreshing lime and mint drink brings a zesty note that balances out the hearty crunch, much like a chilled Soursop Juice. Alternatively, you could serve an unsweetened iced tea or a fruity infused water with cucumber and lemon, or even a tropical Mango Coconut Smoothie. These drinks round off the snacking experience perfectly.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present your breadfruit chips attractively, arrange them on a large platter or in small individual serving bowls. A few fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon as a garnish add not just a visual accent but a little extra flavour too. For parties or celebrations, you can also serve the chips in small paper cones or boxes to give them a personal touch. Creative presentation instantly makes the food far more inviting.
A bit of history
Breadfruit has a long history in the cooking of the Pacific islands. It was originally cultivated by Polynesians and remains a staple food across many tropical regions. Preparing breadfruit in all sorts of ways, chips among them, is a fine old tradition passed down from one generation to the next. Turning it into crisps is an inventive way to make the most of this valuable and flavoursome fruit — a shining example of Palauan cuisine and its resourceful spirit.
More recipe ideas
- Roasted Breadfruit With Coconut Cream
- Breadfruit And Tuna Patties
- Cassava Cake
- Chocolate Coconut Balls
- Roasted Taro
Summary: Fried Breadfruit Chips
Crispy breadfruit chips are a simple and delicious recipe that comes together in next to no time while being both healthy and full of flavour. With just a handful of ingredients you can create a wonderful snack that meets both vegan and gluten-free needs. The wealth of adaptations and variations rounds the recipe off nicely, so there are always new flavours to discover. Let it inspire you and enjoy this tropical treat in your very own kitchen.
