Issue 58: Taste of Palau
Discover the flavors of Palau + winner of our Kodak giveaway in collaboration with C41 Film and Coffee Guam!
Hi Friends!
We spent three magical days in Palau exploring Koror and the Rock Islands. Oh, how we were immersed in the magic of the islands ✨ It was a short trip, but packed with unforgettable moments—a culinary adventure with Chef Casey Castro from Capitol Kitchen, heartwarming hospitality from Lucy and Wilson of Fly High Charter, and incredible flavors with Chef Robert at The Taj.
In this issue, we’re sharing our tasty itinerary and stories from our time in Palau. If you are planning a trip this paradise, don’t forget to check out our Week to Weekend Palau itinerary!
Much love,
Marissa & Akina
Meet Our Local Tour Guides
We had the pleasure of exploring Palau with Lucy Kloulubak and Wilson Ngirausui, the dynamic duo behind Fly High Charter. Their mission is to showcase Palau’s beauty while preserving its natural and cultural heritage.
Lucy’s advice to visitors? “Stay local. Support small businesses. Immerse yourself in the stories, the food, and the people.”
Our tour included the turquoise waters at Milky Way, rich marine life at Clam City, and a fresh fish-to-table lunch at Long Beach. It was a feast for all the senses.
Fly High’s personalized touch made us feel at ease—even swimming with sharks felt safe and exciting under their care! Lucy and Wilson’s hospitality captures the soul of Palau: warm, welcoming, and deeply connected to the environment.
Lucy reminds all visitors: “Respect marine life, protect the corals, and leave with a greater appreciation of Palau’s natural beauty.”
If you’re dreaming of Palau, take Lucy’s advice to slow down, connect with locals, and let the magic of the islands unfold.
Palauan Culinary Specialties
Much of Palau’s culinary specialties come from the land and sea. Here are some of the delicious local cuisines we tried:
Fresh Seafood
Palauan cuisine has an abundance of fresh seafood. Fish, lobsters, and clams are often fried, steamed, grilled, or prepared with coconut milk. Locals and visitors often enjoy it sashimi style.
💭Did you know: The Palau National Marine Sanctuary safeguards 80% of the country’s waters through a no-take zone. This initiative aligns with the Indigenous tradition known as “bul,” which protects ecosystems from human over-extraction. This prevents overfishing and helps support food security for the people of Palau.
Fruit Bat
Fruit bat is a culinary specialty that can be enjoyed on the islands. The bat is slow-cooked in coconut milk, spices, and ginger. Its texture and taste are often compared to chicken.
Demok
Demok is a tasty soup with green taro leaves in rich coconut milk. Dubbed the national soup of Palau, you can enjoy it at various local restaurants and even at mom-and-pop stores.
Ukaeb (stuffed crab)
This delicious local delicacy can be found at King’s Minute Mart. The crab is stuffed with minced crab meat and covered with rich, creamy coconut cream.
Pichi Pichi
A sweet snack and traditional dessert made with grated cassava and sugar.
Our trip to Palau was made even more special thanks to Chef Casey Castro from Capitol Kitchen, who joined us on an unforgettable food tour of the islands, sharing his local connections and love for island flavors.
Speaking of Chef Casey, if you’re craving a taste of the ocean closer to home, Capitol Kitchen is still serving their Oyster Specials! Perfectly fresh and expertly prepared, these oysters are your ticket to an island-inspired indulgence. Swing by to try them out, and be sure to follow Capitol Kitchen on Instagram for the latest updates and specials.
Places to Dine
The Taj
For the last 22 years, Chef Robert has been offering flavorful Indian cuisine in Palau, which has quickly become a favorite among locals. Don’t forget to stop by and try Palau’s locally brewed Red Rooster on tap.
Here’s what we tried:
Fresh local chili crab smothered in a spicy sauce, rich and creamy butter chicken, tender lamb saag cooked with fresh spinach, and buttery garlic naan.
The Penthouse Hotel
If you’re looking to try fruit bat, the Penthouse Hotel offers this delicacy along with other dishes, including coconut crab in coconut milk, beldakl (local fish soup), and whole parrot fish.
King’s Minute Mart
Before heading off to your excursions, stop by King’s Minute Mart for a quick lunch. This mom-and-pop store also serves ukaeb (stuffed crab).
Festivals in Palau
Mark your calendars! If you plan a trip to Palau this year, don’t forget to check out these celebrations and festivals.
♻️ April: Green Fair
Palau continues to be a leader in environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. The annual Green Fair aligns with Earth Day in April, where the community gathers to showcase ways we can contribute to a greener lifestyle.
🇵🇼 October: Olechotel Belau Fair (OBF)
Since 2001, OBF has celebrated Palau’s rich culture and history with an annual festival. Each of the 16 states has beautifully decorated booths that reflect the region’s traditional arts, crafts, food, and games, fostering celebration at the heart of the community.🏃🏻♀️ June -July: Pacific Mini Games
Watch the best of the best in the Pacific take center stage in the exciting world of volleyball, wrestling, judo, swimming, and more!
For more info, visit Palau Visitors Authority website.
📸 And our winner for our giveaway is…
Congratulations to Quenie S—our lucky reader who’s taking home a Kodak Fun Saver disposable camera and a stylish Kodak hat. Perfect for capturing those 2025 memories!
Have a Good One!
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