Cocos (Keeling) Islands cuisine
The cuisine of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is primarily based on Malay cuisine, as the vast majority of the islands’ inhabitants are of Malay origin (Cocos Malays). However, it also has its own specific features. The influence of other Asian cuisines and Australian cuisine is also evident (since the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are part of Australia).[1][2]
A very important ingredient in the cuisine of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is the coconut (as reflected in the name of the islands). Coconut palms are cultivated on the islands, and the production of coconuts, coconut oil, and copra is a significant part of the local economy.[3] A local specialty is also the coconut crab, a large crab that is caught for its meat. Other important ingredients on the islands include fish and seafood.[4][5][6]
There are only a handful of restaurants, bars, fast food stalls, and supermarkets on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, often catering to tourists.[1][7]
Typical dishes of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are mostly adapted from Malay cuisine, often simplified, as most ingredients have to be imported, and shops on the islands have not always been well-stocked historically. Among the most typical dishes are ayam goreng – spicy fried chicken pieces, nasi uduk – rice cooked in coconut milk, satay – grilled skewers, and ikan bakar – grilled fish.[1][2][4][8][9]
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "You can try the cuisine of the Cocos Islands here". SBS Food. 2021-11-29. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ^ a b "Recipes from Cocos (Keeling) Islands". Recipes from Cocos (Keeling) Islands ~ Travel by Stove. 2012-10-18. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ^ "Economy and Business Opportunities in Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Cocos Islanders Economy". Global Tenders. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ^ a b Hotels, ETIC (2023-04-10). "10 Best Foods You Must Try In Cocos (keeling) Islands". ETIC Journal. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ^ "Niue: Hunting (and eating) Coconut Crabs – Travel2Unlimited". Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ^ "Of kulau, crabs & the Cocos Islands". Keith Jackson & Friends: PNG ATTITUDE. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ^ "Eat & Drink". Cocos Keeling Islands. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ^ Bennett, Calisha (2021-04-30). "Recipes for Ramadan: Calisha Bennett's Cocos Islander ayam panggang". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ^ Editions, Special (2024-04-26). "Cocos Keeling Islands: Passionate Foodie". The Daily Herald. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
