The food culture of Vanuatu is rooted in the country's abundant natural resources and traditional farming practices. The diet is based on a variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and root crops such as taro, yams, and cassava. Coconut is also a staple ingredient, used in cooking and as a beverage. Seafood, including fish, crabs, and shellfish, is a significant part of the cuisine due to the country's location in the Pacific Ocean. Traditional feasts, called "Nakamals," are an important aspect of Vanuatu's food culture, where families and communities share food and stories together. Food plays a central role in Vanuatu's customs and traditions, and is a reflection of the country's rich history and diverse cultural influences.