Local food map Nuku'alofa (Tonga)
Nuku'alofa guides
Recipes 6
Pick a recipe
All Nuku'alofa recipes
🥩
Main course Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥590kcal
💪34gProtein
🌾24gCarbs
🥑38gFat
🌿4gFibre
⚖️400 gServing

* Per serving · 400 g. May vary.

Allergens

🥜 Nuts

Kapisi Pulu

How to order / say it
Say it Kapisi Pulu — [kah-pee-see poo-loo]
Order I'd like the Kapisi Pulu, please.
Locally Oku ou fiekaia ki he Kapisi Pulu, fakaloa.
Say locally

A savory combination of cabbage, corned beef, and coconut milk.

Why try it?

Kapisi Pulu is a staple of Nuku'alofa gatherings, embodying the island's approach to building dishes using imported staples and native produce. It reflects the innovation in adapting preserved foods.

How it tastes

The dish combines the salty richness of corned beef with the creamy smoothness of coconut milk, while cabbage adds a crunchy texture. The aroma is fragrant and inviting.

Origin & History — first documented: 1950

Kapisi Pulu arose during the post-war era, becoming popular as communities found new ways to incorporate different canned goods into traditional cooking. It's become a symbol of resourcefulness and culinary adaptation in Nuku'alofa's cuisine.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥕 300 g cabbage
  • 🥩 300 g corned beef
  • 🥛 180 ml coconut milk
  • 🥕 1 large tomato
  • 🧄 1 medium onion
  • 🧂 1/2 tsp black pepper

Method

  1. 1 Chop cabbage and tomatoes, slice onions finely.
  2. 2 Coat beef with coconut milk, add veggies and spices.
  3. 3 Bake dish in oven at 190°C for 35 minutes.

More from Nuku'alofa

🌱
Dessert Vegan

Ufi Topai

oo-fee toe-pie

Sweet yam dumplings immersed in a decadent coconut syrup.
🌱
Dessert Vegan

Vai Siaine

vai see-ah-ee-nay

A sweet banana beverage with a coconut essence.
🌱
Breakfast Vegan

Keke Vai

keh-keh vie

Crispy, fried pancakes using coconut water for added flavor.
🐟
Snack Fish & Seafood

Hoosi

hoo-shee

Richly flavored fermented fish wrapped in taro leaves.
Lu Pulu © Wikimedia Commons
Main course Meat

Lu Pulu

loo poo-loo

A traditional Tongan dish of taro leaves filled with corned beef and coconut milk.
All Oceania recipes — Tonga — Nuku'alofa — Kapisi Pulu
keyboard_arrow_up