Must-Try Classics

• Tuna Sashimi and Sushi: A legacy of Japanese rule, locally caught tuna is exceptionally fresh. Several Japanese restaurants in Koror serve high-quality sashimi and sushi, averaging $25–50 per person.
• Coconut Fish and Grilled Reef Fish: A local home-style favorite, featuring grouper or red snapper cooked in coconut milk, served with taro and rice. Meals at casual eateries cost around $15–25 per person.
• Bat Soup (Fruit Bat Soup): Palau’s most famous traditional dish, made with fruit bats in a flavorful broth. It’s an adventurous eats experience, often requiring advance booking at select restaurants, and can be pricey.
• Coconut Crab Dishes: Delicious but scarce due to conservation regulations—only available at licensed restaurants.
• Taro and Breadfruit: The carb staples of the Pacific table, with water taro (taro) often seen as a symbol of traditional women’s culture.

Recommended Dishes & Where to Eat

• Koror’s downtown main street has the highest concentration of restaurants, offering everything from Japanese and Korean to Filipino and American burgers—great for variety.
• Seafood restaurants near the KB Bridge and the harbor serve the day’s freshest catch, especially popular in the evening.
• On diving days, lunch is usually a simple boxed meal (sandwich + fruit), so save your appetite for a proper dinner.
• Supermarkets like Surangel & Sons are ideal for snacks, drinks, and breakfast—much more budget-friendly than restaurants.

Prices & Practical Tips

• Palau is generally pricier: average meals at casual spots cost $15–30 per person, while mid-to-high-end dining ranges from $40–80.
• Lunch sets are often about 30% cheaper than dinner—ideal for a more affordable big meal.
• Most restaurants include a 10% service charge; an additional 5–10% tip is appreciated.
• Be mindful of consuming wild sea cucumber and coral reef fish—opt for products with sustainable fishing labels instead.