Santo Pekoa International Airport

Santo Pekoa International Airport is a small, unhurried place, and its dining scene reflects exactly that charm. The terminal has a modest café near the departure lounge that serves as the main hub for travellers grabbing a bite before flying out. Don't expect a food court with a dozen options — what you'll find instead is a genuinely warm space where staff know their regulars, fresh fruit juice is almost always on offer, and the pace of the South Pacific quietly takes hold.

The local specialties worth seeking out here lean into Vanuatu's agricultural bounty. Lap lap, the traditional dish of grated root vegetables baked in coconut cream and wrapped in banana leaves, occasionally appears on the menu in simplified form, and it's worth trying if you haven't encountered it in town. Fresh coconut water, local pineapple, and simple grilled fish dishes turn up regularly, all reflecting Espiritu Santo's reputation as one of Vanuatu's most fertile and food-rich islands. It's honest, unfussy cooking that suits the relaxed atmosphere perfectly.

The honest truth is that Santo Pekoa rewards travellers who eat well in Luganville before arriving at the airport. The town's markets and waterfront warung-style eateries offer a far broader picture of ni-Vanuatu cuisine. That said, the terminal café does a commendable job for its size, and catching a cold Tusker beer or a freshly squeezed juice while watching small planes taxi across the tarmac is one of those quietly memorable travel moments that stays with you long after you've landed elsewhere.