A tourist has recently claimed that she found the world’s tastiest banana in a rarely visited country. According to figures from the International Trade Administration, fewer than 150,000 people visited the nation in 2023. Located just north of Australia, Papua New Guinea is made up of more than 600 islands and over 800 indigenous languages. It’s often described as one of the world’s final frontiers – remote, largely untouched, and full of natural beauty.
In a viral YouTube Short titled “Letting locals decide what I eat in Papua New Guinea!”, food vlogger KarissaEats, who has over four million subscribers, shared her experience trying a range of local dishes – with one item standing out. After being shown around a busy market by a local named Ephie, Karissa tried a banana and gave it a glowing review. “They were literally so sweet, like candy, and so soft,” she said. “They just melt in your mouth. 11/10 best banana ever!”
She also sampled other dishes during her trip including ‘Island Sprite’ (coconut water with lime), breadfruit cooked in coconut milk, and a jelly-like dessert made with sago palm, banana leaves and coconut milk called saksak.
“The saksak had a cool jelly texture, kind of like a giant coconut banana gummy,” she said, adding that she also enjoyed coconut-boiled chestnuts and deep-fried dough balls that were “super soft inside” and crispy on the outside.
While Papua New Guinea isn’t a typical tourist hotspot, Karissa’s video has drawn attention to the country’s unique food culture and warm hospitality.
Papua New Guinea lies around 100 miles (160km) north of Australia and stretches across the South Pacific.
According to its official tourism website, it’s part of a huge mountain arc stretching from Asia through Indonesia and into the South Pacific. The country is divided into four regions and 20 provinces.
British nationals planning a visit will need a visa, and the UK Government advises checking travel guidance before booking.
Some areas are subject to ongoing security risks and visitors are urged to remain cautious.
But those who do make the journey will find more than just sweet bananas.
Other highlights include the Kokoda Track – a stunning hike through mountains with World War 2 history – and scuba diving in the middle of military wrecks in Madang.
For anyone who plans to visit, the British Government has issued some travel advice, which can be found here.