Recipes | I've Been Cooking

Vanuatu Rum Banana Laplap

A lush, island-style pudding of grated cassava and ripe bananas enriched with coconut cream, kissed with dark rum, vanilla, lime, and nutmeg, and steamed or baked in fragrant banana leaves. Naturally gluten-free and vegan, this Vanuatu classic is tropical, aromatic, and deeply comforting.

🇻🇺 Vanuatu$$

Keke Maniota

Keke Maniota is a Samoan cassava cake enriched with coconut milk, butter, and eggs, then baked on banana leaf for a gentle, aromatic finish. Chewy and custardy inside with a toasty coconut top, it’s a beloved island-style dessert or snack.

🇨🇰 Cook Islands$

Lacassá

Lacassá is a Macanese prawn and vermicelli noodle soup scented with balichão, coconut, and warm spices. Silky, aromatic, and lightly spicy, it’s finished with scallions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

🇲🇴 Macau$$

Cocadas Panameñas de Chocolate

Chewy, chocolate-infused Panamanian cocadas made with toasted coconut, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa, and a glossy dark chocolate finish. Rich, coconutty, and perfect for a bite-sized dessert.

🇵🇦 Panama$$

Tamarind Balls

Tangy-sweet Caribbean treats made by rolling tamarind pulp with sugar, warm spices, a hint of chili, and coconut—chewy, zesty, and addictive.

🇱🇨 Saint Lucia$

Ikan Asin Cocos

Ikan Asin Cocos is a bold Indonesian-style salted fish simmered in fragrant coconut milk with chilies, aromatics, and a touch of palm sugar, served with steamed rice and fresh cucumber. Creamy, spicy, and deeply savory with bright citrus notes from lime and kaffir leaves.

🇨🇨 Cocos (Keeling) Islands$$

Ota Ika

Ota Ika is Tonga’s coconut–citrus ceviche: tender fresh fish briefly cured in lime and lemon juice, enriched with creamy coconut milk, and tossed with crisp vegetables, chili, and herbs. Bright, cooling, and perfect for warm weather.

🇳🇺 Niue$$

Pani Popo

Pani Popo are soft Samoan coconut buns baked in a sweet coconut milk sauce. They’re tender, lightly sweet, and soaked with creamy coconut goodness.

🇹🇰 Tokelau$

Lamington

Classic Australian lamingtons: soft vanilla sponge squares dipped in a rich chocolate icing, rolled in desiccated coconut, and sandwiched with raspberry jam for a luscious tea-time treat.

🇦🇺 Australia$$

Khao Lam Bites

Chewy, aromatic Thai street-dessert bites of coconut-sweetened sticky rice with black beans, steamed/roasted in banana leaf or bamboo. Finished with shredded coconut and toasted sesame for a nutty, caramelized flavor.

🇱🇦 Laos$$

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