Introduction: Traditional Snacks of Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea, the country with more than 800 languages and countless cultural traditions, is also rich in diverse culinary delights. Papua New Guinean snacks are a mixture of flavors, textures, and traditions that reflect the country’s unique cultural heritage. From sago dumplings to sweet potato biscuits, coconut crumpets to meat and vegetable cooked in an earth oven, traditional snacks in Papua New Guinea are a delight to taste and experience.
Saksak: Popular Sago Dumpling Snack
Saksak is a popular sago dumpling snack made from sago flour. Sago flour is derived from the sago palm tree, which is a common crop in Papua New Guinea. The flour is mixed with water and kneaded into dough, which is then rolled into small balls and cooked in boiling water. The cooked saksak is usually served with coconut cream and a sprinkle of sugar. Saksak is a snack that is enjoyed by many Papua New Guineans and is often served at special occasions, such as weddings and feasts.
Kaukau Biscuit: Sweet Potato Biscuit
Kaukau biscuit is a sweet potato biscuit that is a popular snack in Papua New Guinea. Sweet potato is a staple crop in Papua New Guinea and is used in many traditional dishes. The sweet potato is mashed and mixed with flour, sugar, and coconut cream to make a dough. The dough is then rolled out and cut into small biscuits, which are baked until golden brown. Kaukau biscuits are sweet, fluffy, and perfect for a quick snack on the go.
Mumu: Meat and Vegetable Cooked in an Earth Oven
Mumu is a traditional dish in Papua New Guinea that is often served at special occasions, such as weddings and festivals. Mumu is a method of cooking meat and vegetables in an earth oven. The earth oven is made by digging a pit in the ground and lining it with hot stones. The meat and vegetables are placed in the pit and covered with banana leaves and hot stones. The food is then left to cook slowly over the course of several hours. The result is a delicious, tender, and flavorful meal that is enjoyed by many Papua New Guineans.
Coconut Crumpets: Sweet and Soft Snack
Coconut crumpets are a sweet and soft snack that is popular in Papua New Guinea. Coconut is a common ingredient in many traditional dishes in Papua New Guinea, and the coconut crumpet is no exception. The crumpet is made from coconut milk, sugar, flour, and baking powder. The batter is then cooked on a griddle until golden brown. Coconut crumpets are sweet, fluffy, and perfect for a quick snack or breakfast.
Bilum Bag: Unique Snack Packaging
Bilum bag is a unique snack packaging that is commonly used in Papua New Guinea. Bilum is a woven bag made from natural fibers, such as plant or bark strips. Bilum bags are used to carry everything from groceries to personal belongings. They are also used to package and transport traditional snacks, such as saksak and kaukau biscuits. Bilum bags are not only practical but also beautiful, with intricate patterns and designs that reflect the cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea.
In conclusion, Papua New Guinea offers a wide variety of traditional snacks that are not only delicious but also reflect the country’s cultural heritage. From sago dumplings to sweet potato biscuits, mumu to coconut crumpets, Papua New Guinean snacks are a must-try for anyone visiting the country. So, next time you are in Papua New Guinea, be sure to indulge in these tasty and unique snacks.
