Papua New Guinea’s Best Local Restaurants And Gourmet Eats

Manuela Galan

Papua New Guinea is at a crossroads of cultures and culinary traditions. Part of the Commonwealth and with a diverse local population, the country’s cuisine has been highly influenced by European and Asian food. From local eats to exotic dishes, Papua New Guinea’s restaurants offer good meals surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. Here is a selection of the best you can find on some of the main islands.

1. Grand Brasserie (Port Moresby)

Hotel

Located on the ground floor of the Grand Papuan hotel, the Grand Brasserie will surprise you with its modern interior, as well as its diverse menu of Asian and Pacific Rim specialties. The Chef Trenton Brennan’s innovative dishes use local produce in an elegant and original way; the seafood buffet on Friday night guarantees fresh and local seafood caught on the day. You can start with some cocktails before dinner, along with exotic tapas to whet your appetite. The Grand Brasserie brings a fresh, luxurious yet quirky touch to the island’s food scene.

2. Fusion Bistro (Port Moresby)

Bistro, Diner, Restaurant, Asian, Chinese, Fusion, Vegetarian

Fusion Bistro, Port Moresby
© Manuel Hetzel/WikiCommons
Fusion Bistro is a staple in Port Moresby. At the back of the Harbour City Shopping Complex, the restaurant offers a variety of Asian food types in a nice and clean environment. The crab and lobster are delicious, as well as the beef rendang. Go there for a good lunch or for a great dinner, with lots of options on the menu. The owners make a point of greeting their guests and the rest of the staff is always impeccable. You can bring your own wine or take away leftover food if you wish.

3. Bunga Raya

Diner, Restaurant, Chinese, Malaysian, Asian

Located inside the Lae Golf Club, Bunga Raya (Hibiscus flower in Malay) is the only Chinese restaurant in the city. It is also one of the few restaurants that are smoking free, except for the outdoor dining area that overlooks the fairways. Despite being hidden amongst the golf club’s large rain trees, it is open to all. The food is a blend of Chinese and Malaysian, with a large selection of delicious stir-fries. Try the lunch specials for a good value meal.

4. Haus Win (Madang)

Resort, Hotel

This restaurant, located in the Madang Resort, was built over 60 years ago in the traditional architectural style of the island. Modernized since then, it has a stunning location on the waterfront by the entrance of the Madang Lagoon and its tropical islands, boasting a wonderful view from its windows. The restaurant offers traditional dishes, as well as excellent seafood and meat options that can be matched with a bottle from their very good wine list. It specializes in Chinese and Western cuisine but you can also find pizzas on the menu. The restaurant makes a point of entertaining its guests, with three large aquariums where you can spot sea life and corals from the area as enjoy live local music in the evening. The ambiance is not overpowering however, and service is friendly and efficient.

5. Nusa Island Retreat

Restaurant, Hotel Restaurant, Seafood

Located on Nusa Island off the coast of Kavieng, New Ireland Province, the Nusa Island Retreat is a place that seeks to bring visitors a taste of Papua New Guinea’s natural environment in a respectful way. The complex is built in traditional style, with eco-sensitive bungalows that sit by the water. Needless to say, the view is stunning and it is a wonderful place to experience unspoilt nature, as well as the heritage of the country where one can see WWII ship and plane wrecks, which are still visible today. Visitors are welcome at the all day restaurant, which serves a fabulous buffet from 7pm every evening for a set price, where you will find exotic fruit and vegetables and fresh seafood aplenty.

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