Talautu (Fish in Coconut Milk)

Talautu is the classic fish dish of Papua New Guinea’s coastal villages, where the day’s catch is simmered gently in coconut cream and served with sago or taro. It is a dish of pure economy and generosity: a little fish, a few limes, and the coconut palms that shade every beach become a meal that feeds a family.

What makes talautu great is its soothing simplicity. The coconut milk turns silky and sweet, the fish stays moist and flaky, and the lime and chili keep everything bright. Serve it in deep bowls over steamed rice and it is exactly the kind of food you want on a rainy evening.

Papua New Guinea recipes →