Banana Laplap

Name: Banana Laplap
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Papua New Guinean
Ingredients: 6 green (unripe) cooking bananas; 1 cup thick coconut cream; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Banana leaves for wrapping

Banana Laplap (bah-NAH-nah LAP-lap)

Banana and Coconut Bake

⏱ Prep Time 30 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 294 kcal

Grated unripe banana mixed with coconut cream, wrapped tightly in banana leaves and baked in hot coals until firm and slightly caramelized. A traditional Melanesian staple shared across PNG's island communities.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 3.0g

Carbs 48.0g

Fat 10.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

grater banana leaves fire or oven

Presentation Guide

Vessel: banana leaf

Garnishes: coconut cream drizzle

Accompaniments: grilled fish

Ingredients

6 green (unripe) cooking bananas
1 cup thick coconut cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
Banana leaves for wrapping

Instructions

1
Peel green bananas and grate them finely using a traditional grater or box grater.
2
Mix grated banana with coconut cream and salt to form a thick paste.
3
Soften banana leaves over a flame until pliable.
4
Spread banana mixture about 2cm thick onto a large banana leaf.
5
Fold leaf edges over to create a sealed parcel.
6
Place on hot coals or bake in a 180C oven for 50-60 minutes until firm.
7
Unwrap and slice into portions. Serve warm.

💡

Did You Know?

Laplap is also the national dish of Vanuatu, reflecting the shared Melanesian food culture across the southwest Pacific islands.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

grater
banana leaves
fire or oven

Garnishing

coconut cream drizzle

Accompaniments

grilled fish

The Story Behind Banana Laplap

Banana laplap connects PNG to the broader Melanesian culinary tradition stretching from the Bismarck Archipelago through the Solomon Islands to Vanuatu. The technique of grating starchy crops and baking them in banana leaves is ancient.

In PNG's island provinces, banana laplap is a festive food prepared for church events, community celebrations, and family gatherings. Each island community has its preferred banana variety and preparation technique.

The dish demonstrates how Melanesian cooks transform simple ingredients into celebratory food through technique and patience.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed feast days 📜 Origins: Ancient Melanesian tradition

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