Tonga · National Dish Recipes

Tonga

Tonga’s national dish is lu pulu, corned beef and coconut cream baked in taro leaves. Begin with our Lu Pulu recipe and work your way through 34 authentic Tongan recipes, from weekday staples to celebration dishes.

The Most Famous Tongan Dishes

  1. Lu pulu

    Lu Pulu is corned beef and onion wrapped in taro leaves with coconut cream and baked. Tinned corned beef is the traditional meat, not a modern shortcut: it arrived with trade in …

Tonga

National Dish Tonga: Pele (Recipe)

Pele is hibiscus spinach — a soft, slightly mucilaginous leaf grown in Tongan gardens — simmered gently in coconut milk with onion …

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Tonga

National Dish Tonga: Otai (Recipe)

Discover Otai, the wonderfully refreshing pride of the Tongan table. This fruity blend of watermelon, pineapple and fresh coconut …

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Tonga

National Dish Tonga: Ota Ika (Recipe)

Discover Ota Ika, the bright and refreshing national dish of Tonga. This bright seafood dish marries the freshest raw fish with …

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Tonga

National Dish Tonga: Lu Sipi (Recipe)

Discover Lu Sipi, the national dish of Tonga and a true taste of the South Pacific. Tender lamb is wrapped in soft taro leaves, …

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Tonga

National Dish Tonga: Lu Pulu (Recipe)

Lu Pulu is corned beef and onion wrapped in taro leaves with coconut cream and baked. Tinned corned beef is the traditional meat, …

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Tonga

National Dish Tonga: Lu Moa (Recipe)

Say hello to Lu Moa, a comforting Tongan classic that captures the warmth and generosity of the Pacific islands. Tender pieces of …

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Tonga

National Dish Tonga: Lovo (Recipe)

Discover Lovo, the celebrated earth-oven feast at the heart of Tongan cooking. Far more than a single dish, it is a way of …

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What is the national dish of Tonga?

The national dish of Tonga is lu pulu, corned beef and coconut cream baked in taro leaves. You will find a step-by-step recipe for it on this page, alongside 33 more authentic Tongan recipes.

What food is Tonga famous for?

Tonga's most famous dish is lu pulu. This page collects 34 authentic Tongan recipes, from everyday classics to festive specialities.