• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Belly Rumbles
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Restaurants
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Restaurants
  • Work With Us
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Blog

    Port Vila Markets, Vanuatu

    September 2, 2014 By Sara McCleary Updated August 5, 2019 - This post may contain affiliate links

    Vanuatu MarketsA short stroll along the waterfront from the Grand Hotel and Casino you will find the Port Vila fruit and vegetable markets. The markets are open six days a week, 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday.

    The markets stalls are run by local woman from villages around the island. For a two week period they will leave their families and set up shop in the market. Living at the markets, sleeping at their stalls. All the villages share the market space, and take turns in selling their produce. The income is a, if not the, major source for their families.

    The market is housed in a large open walled building, which lets the breezes flow through. Produce is piled high on tables and along the middle of the aisles. Take care not to trip over yams, coconuts and the likes, as I saw one fruit gazing tourist do.

    Port Vila Markets Port Vila Markets Port Vila MarketsAll the produce is fresh and seasonal. Depending on what time of year you visit you will find items from small green hot chilies through to staples such as yam, taro and paw paw.

    When I visited there was quite a vast selection on offer and in addition to the above stumbled upon peanuts, beans, oranges, grapefruit, daikon, lettuce, herbs, eggplant, bananas and much more.

    Port Vila Markets Fruit and Vegetable Markets Port Vila Vanuatu Local ProduceDo keep an eye out for the raspberries when you are there. They’re seasonal and have a limited season. I visited in July and I believe the season runs for a couple of months. Unlike the raspberries you come across in Australia, these are smaller and sweeter, with a hint of the tropics. I would say they even have a hint of lime. If you see them, buy them. I did and munched my way merrily through a big bag for 400 Vat (roughly A$4).

    Port Vila Markets Vanuatu Raspberries Port Vila MarketsDon’t haggle or barter, it’s just not done. Prices are clearly displayed on the produce and that is what you pay. The women are lovely and helpful, and also don’t push you to buy. Take your time, wander around and have a chat to the locals.

    Once you have finished wandering around the fresh fruit and vegetables, and an appetite has been worked up, head to the food stalls. For a very reasonable price you will find all sorts of delicious dishes.

    Port Vila Food Markets Port Vila Local Food Lap lap has a big presence in the markets, as a staple, it is basically the national dish of Vanuatu. Taro paste is spread out on a large green banana leaf and then topped with various toppings. I saw a lot of fish heads on my visit, but you will also find cabbage, chicken wings, really anything.

    Port Vila Markets Port Vila Markets Port Vila MarketsBeside the ladies selling lap lap you will also see a collection of food stalls all selling different dishes. Average prices seemed to be 350 Vat. Grab a plate of food (usually meat or fish with gravy and rice), plonk yourself at one of the communal tables and enjoy the comings and goings of the markets.

    The Port Vila fruit and vegetable markets are a must visit when in town, just remember they are closed on Sundays.

    Sara xxx

    Vanuatu Raspberries

     

    « Cumquat (Kumquat) & Barberry Chutney
    Lemon Myrtle & Macadamia Nougat »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Margarette Nerida

      February 19, 2017 at 4:42 am

      Thanks for your post Sara! I'm currently in Port Villa now and we're planning on buying our food on a daily basis as our apparment let's us cook and store food. Your tip about not bartering was exactly what I needed to know! Only because some other places do them, and in this instance, they don't. I'm glad I read this before we go out and do some shopping lol.

      Reply
      • Sara

        February 21, 2017 at 10:12 pm

        Margarette I wish I had had an apartment when we were staying in Port Villa, you lucky person! Hope you are enjoying the local produce and cooking up a storm. Glad my advice was handy.

        Reply
    2. Rosemarie

      September 03, 2014 at 6:18 am

      Loved the photos, especially of the peanuts and raspberries which looked delicious

      Reply
    3. Gourmet Getaways

      September 03, 2014 at 8:36 am

      Pretty interesting, especially for a markets lover like me! I was amazed to see peanuts still intact tied in a bunch! Great shots, too!

      Julie
      Gourmet Getaways

      Reply
    4. Gaby

      September 03, 2014 at 7:30 am

      I love visiting markets and learning about local foods. Much more interesting (and tasty) than museums IMO!

      Reply
    5. Helen | Grab Your Fork

      September 03, 2014 at 12:29 am

      Open 24 hours? I know where I'd be if I had insomnia! Love that they sell the raspberries in old margarine containers too 🙂

      Reply
      • Chelleid

        March 13, 2016 at 8:57 pm

        Not sure they are raspberries.

        Reply
        • Sara

          March 13, 2016 at 10:51 pm

          They are raspberries, local ones and are quite amazing in taste. If you happen to be in Vanuatu during the very short raspberry season, make sure you try them 🙂

          Reply
    6. Padaek

      September 02, 2014 at 3:52 pm

      Fabulous post! Thanks very much for sharing the Port Vila Markets experience with us Sara. Felt like I was there roaming around. Everything looks so exotic. The fresh peanuts look wonderful and so do the raspberries - they look like a cross between our raspberries and mulberries? The fish lap lap looks delicious too. And the women's textile/clothing looks so beautiful and colourful - I love it! Port Vila Markets definitely looks like a place I want to see when I visit Vanuatu. Great snaps! Thanks, best wishes! 🙂

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    photo of Sara McCleary, Founder, Belly Rumbles culinary travel blog

    Well hello there! I’m Sara McCleary a food photographer, creative recipe developer, and avid traveller (when the World isn’t in a pandemic).

    Welcome to Belly Rumbles, my slice of the Internet.

    I share Recipes discovered or inspired by my adventures and family favourites too! Come join me on my culinary adventure.

    More about me ?

    Footer

    back to top


    Nitty Gritty

    About Us

    Let's Connect

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • About
    • Sara McCleary
    • Work With Us
    • Contact
    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

    © Sara McCleary and Belly Rumbles® 2009-2023

    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Yummly
    • LinkedIn
    • Reddit
    7 shares