Dining Overview

The cuisine of the Solomon Islands is based on root crops, coconuts, seafood, and tropical fruits, influenced by Melanesian traditions and British colonial history. Flavors are simple and cooking methods straightforward. The everyday staples are cassava, taro, yams, and sweet potatoes, often cooked over earth ovens or stone grills and served with vegetables and fish stewed in coconut milk. Freshness of ingredients is prioritized over complex seasonings.

Signature Dishes and Ingredients

• Coconut Milk Stewed Fish and Seafood: Tuna, snapper, octopus, and shellfish slow-cooked with coconut milk, onions, and tomatoes—this is the most common home-style preparation.
• Raw Fish with Coconut Milk: Fresh fish cubes marinated with lime juice and coconut milk, similar to ceviche-style salads found across the Pacific.
• Root Crops: Cassava, taro, yams, and sweet potatoes, steamed or roasted and served as staple foods.
• Breadfruit and Bananas: Often roasted or fried, these are common sources of starch.
• Coconut Crab and Palm Weevil Larvae: Traditional delicacies on the outer islands, these are expensive and usually reserved for festivals or special guests.
• Tropical Fruits: Papaya, mango, pineapple, watermelon, and coconuts are widely available and very affordable at markets.

Prices and Where to Eat

Honiara Central Market is the best place to experience local ingredients and street food, with affordable fruits, grilled items, and snacks. Restaurants in the city and hotel dining options mainly serve Western cuisine, seafood, and Asian flavors, with per-person prices ranging from $5–15 to $40–100. On the outer islands, meals are mostly provided by resorts or homestays, with limited options and higher prices—always confirm in advance whether meals are included.

Practical Tips

• Tap water is not safe to drink—stick to bottled or boiled water.
• Kava is a traditional social drink; when visiting a kava bar, follow local etiquette and drink in moderation.
• Markets primarily operate on a cash basis—carry small bills and coins.
• Although seafood is abundant, be cautious with raw dishes; opt for cooked or lime-marinated options when possible.