National Dish Tuvalu: Breadfruit and Fish Curry (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Breadfruit and Fish Curry, the national dish of Tuvalu and a true taste of the Pacific! This simple recipe brings together the briny freshness of the ocean and the gentle, nutty sweetness of breadfruit, all simmered in fragrant coconut milk. It is a warming, fuss-free meal that captures the islands’ spirit of hospitality, and it makes a wonderful centrepiece for a relaxed dinner with friends and family.
About Breadfruit and Fish Curry
Breadfruit and Fish Curry is a genuine flavour explosion, weaving together fresh seafood and the distinctive sweetness of breadfruit. Grown across many tropical regions, breadfruit has a nutty note and a versatile texture that makes it an ideal partner for all manner of dishes. In Tuvalu the dish is traditionally served with warmth and generosity, making it a symbol of the islanders’ culture and way of life. Great care is taken to use the freshest produce, so that every ingredient — and the fish in particular — is shown off at its very best.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 large breadfruit
- 300 g fresh fish (such as tuna or mackerel)
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 small red chilli
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 2 tsp curry powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh coriander, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
To make the best Breadfruit and Fish Curry, choose the freshest ingredients you can find for the fullest flavour. Visit your local market or an Asian grocery to track down good-quality fish along with the spices and coconut milk you need. When buying the breadfruit, check that it is ripe, as fruit that is too firm may not give you the texture you are after. Fresh herbs such as coriander can also make a real difference to the finished dish, so pick the best on offer.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking, wash and peel the breadfruit. Cut it into cubes and drop them into a bowl of water to stop them discolouring. Meanwhile, fillet the fish and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Don’t forget to finely chop the onion and garlic, and deseed the chilli so you can keep its heat in check.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a little oil in a large pan and sweat the onion and garlic until soft and translucent.
- Add the chilli and the curry powder, and toast the mixture for around 2 minutes.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bring everything to the boil.
- Add the diced breadfruit and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, until tender.
- Gently add the fish and cook for a further 5–7 minutes, until just cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with freshly chopped coriander.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Breadfruit and Fish Curry is naturally gluten-free, as no gluten-containing ingredients go into it. Coconut milk is also an excellent lactose-free alternative to ordinary dairy. Do check your ingredients carefully, especially if you use ready-made products such as curry powder or spice blends, to make sure they contain no hidden gluten or lactose. That way you can enjoy a flavour-packed dish without worrying about intolerances.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of Breadfruit and Fish Curry, simply swap the fish for tofu or vegetables such as aubergine and courgette. These soak up the spices and the flavour of the curry beautifully and add an interesting texture. Stir in a little extra vegetable stock to give the mixture a rich, rounded taste. Be creative and experiment with different vegetables to make your own take on the dish, much like a hearty Seafood Curry reimagined for plant-based eaters.
More tips and tricks
One important tip for the perfect bite of breadfruit is not to overcook it. If you want to keep the fruit’s texture, test it regularly as it simmers. A pinch of sugar can also help balance the flavours of the curry, especially if the coconut milk is a touch too sweet. Beyond that, spices such as cumin or ginger can lend the dish an extra exotic note.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for Breadfruit and Fish Curry is easy to tailor to your own preferences. If you like things hotter, add more chillies or reach for a spicier curry powder. For a creamier consistency, simply increase the amount of coconut milk. You can also experiment with different kinds of fish to discover new flavours — your imagination is the only limit. For another fish-forward idea, try a Tropical Fish Curry.
Ingredient substitutions
If some ingredients are hard to find, there are plenty of alternatives you can use. Instead of breadfruit, you might try sweet potato or pumpkin for a similar consistency. In place of coconut milk, cashew or almond milk will give you a different flavour impression. This lets you adapt the dish to whatever is available and to your own dietary preferences, without losing the character of the curry — the same approach that works well in a Coconut Breadfruit Stew.
Drink pairing ideas
A freshly made Breadfruit and Fish Curry pairs perfectly with a cool, refreshing drink. A zingy, fruity cocktail with pineapple or mango can complement the tropical aromas beautifully. Alternatively, alcohol-free options such as coconut water or freshly squeezed lime juice make an excellent choice. These drinks help make your dinner unforgettable and let the flavours of Tuvalu shine in the most delicious way.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractive presentation often shapes the first impression of a meal. Serve the Breadfruit and Fish Curry in a lovely bowl, garnished with fresh herbs and a wedge of lime on the side. A colourful arrangement can support the flavours of the dish and build anticipation for the meal ahead. Play with different textures and colours to make the dish visually appealing and impress your guests.
A bit of history
Breadfruit and Fish Curry is more than just a dish; it is a slice of Tuvalu’s culture and tradition. Breadfruit itself has a long history in the South Pacific, where it has long served as an important staple food. The influence of seafood and tropical spices reflects the local landscape and shows how cooking is often a connection to one’s surroundings. This dish tells a story of hospitality and culinary innovation, and stands as a fine example of Tuvaluan cuisine and the creativity of the region’s cooks.
More recipe ideas
- Traditional Tuvaluan Fish Curry
- Coconut Breadfruit Stew
- Fish In Coconut Milk
- Fresh Fish Coconut Salad
- Roasted Breadfruit With Coconut
Summary: Breadfruit and Fish Curry
In Breadfruit and Fish Curry, the diverse flavours of the Pacific come together in one delicious dish. The carefully chosen ingredients and the simple preparation make it a perfect choice for special occasions and everyday meals alike. Let the tropical aromas inspire you and give this dish a go, bringing a piece of Tuvalu into your own kitchen. The combination of fresh fish and sweet breadfruit is sure to delight you and stay in the memory.
