Rourou is an authentic Fijian dish made with taro leaves or ‘rou rou’ in Fijian, cooked or stewed in coconut milk. The simple rourou is usually served as a soup or a side dish accompanying various fish or chicken dishes. It is sometimes enriched with the addition of nutmeg, ginger, or garlic for extra flavor.

Although Fiji has a vast reserve of top-quality fish, today, they also purchase cans of fish like tuna for storage and easily prepare food without heading out to go fishing. Cans preserve the meat well and provide a useful backup when a day of fishing does not go too well or when the weather makes it tough. Rourou peti typifies the Fijian food, uses Fiji’s favourite ingredients and makes this dish a winner!

An alternate substitute to rou rou is pumpkin leaves, but Chinese cabbage will also work. Choose leaves that are young and around 15- 20cm in diameter if possible, which will allow them to be filled with a sufficient amount of filling to make a good meal.

How to cook Rourou, Fijian dish

  1. Place 1 litre water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
  2. Meanwhile, peel the taro, breadfruit and sweet potato (root crops), then cut them into thick chunks. Add to the boiling water and cover—cook for approximately 10 minutes.
  3. Boil 1 cup water in a saucepan over low heat. Add a pinch of salt.
  4. Take the taro leaves and fold them into quarters. Add to the boiling water.
  5. Add the onion and coconut milk to the pan with the taro leaves, and add additional salt if necessary. Bring to the boil. Turn off the heat and set aside. Be sure to cook the taro leaves for at least 10 minutes, to remove the toxin that causes itchiness from the leaves.
  6. Remove the root crops and slice them about 2 cm thickness. You can eat them boiled like this or fry them.
  7. To fry, add the root chips to pre-heated cooking oil until golden brown in colour. Sprinkle a little salt over the root chips and serve with the rourou mixture as a dipping accompaniment.
The only super app
you need in Fiji.
Discover . Book . Save

Best Travel Sites to Help in Planning Your Fiji Trip

December 2, 2023

Preparing for a trip requires meticulous planning and budgeting to ensure a seamless and enjoyable vacation experience. Dealing directly with ...

Best accommodations for the island of Ovalau: Fiji’s old capital, Levuka

November 28, 2023

Levuka and the island of Ovalau, Levuka’s island home has always played a vital role in Fiji’s colonial history. Visitors, ...

All you need to know about boat travel in the Fiji Islands

November 24, 2023

Photo Credit: Awesome Adventures Fiji. Like many of the Pacific’s island nations, the Fiji Islands encompasses a vast area of ...

Everything You Need to Know About Laundry Services in Fiji

November 22, 2023

In Fiji, especially in urban areas like Suva and Nadi, there are several laundromats catering to the needs of customers. ...

Budget-Friendly Tips for Moving Around Nadi in Fiji

November 20, 2023

Fiji is often touted as one of the world’s pricier travel destinations, and Nadi, its tourism hub, attracts numerous visitors. ...

10 things to do in the Ra province

November 17, 2023

Rakiraki is the provincial town of the northernmost province of Viti Levu, Ra. Ra, is the ultimate hub of Fiji’s ...

Fiji’s Geography: Know Where You’re Staying on Your Fiji Holiday

November 15, 2023

Ever been on vacation or travelled and wondered which part of the country you were in or are currently staying ...

zip-fiji-zipline

One week family itinerary recommendation in Fiji: Nadi and Suva

November 11, 2023

Embarking on a family vacation is an exciting opportunity to create enduring memories. Fiji, with its breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, ...