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    Home / Breakfast / Babakau (Fijian Fried Dough)

    Babakau (Fijian Fried Dough)

    Fijian babakau recipe — golden, pillowy fried dough made for butter and jam or a dunk in hot tea, the beloved breakfast treat found at every Fijian market.

    ⏱ 15 minPrep time
    🔥 30 minCook time
    🍽 4Servings
    🏷 BreakfastCategory
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    Babakau (Fijian Fried Dough)

    Babakau is Fiji’s answer to the doughnut — a simple fried bread that is a national morning ritual. Vendors fry them fresh at markets across the islands, and the smell of babakau cooking is the signal that the day has properly begun.

    What makes it great: crisp on the outside, soft and airy within, and only lightly sweet, babakau is endlessly versatile — slathered with butter and jam, dipped in tea, or eaten plain and still warm. It is simple, satisfying comfort food at its best.

    Fiji recipes →

    Step by stepInstructions

    1. Mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.
    2. Add the warm milk, butter, and egg and mix to a soft dough; knead for 8 minutes until smooth.
    3. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled.
    4. Punch down the dough and roll it out to 1/2-inch thickness; cut into rectangles or diamonds.
    5. Heat the oil to 350 degrees F and fry the pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until puffed and deep golden.
    6. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with butter and jam.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    Serve babakau the same day it is made — it is best fresh from the fryer. If you prefer a savory version, reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon and add a pinch more salt.

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    Recipe details

    Prep15 min
    Cook30 min
    Servings4
    CategoryBreakfast
    PublishedAugust 17, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

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