If you close your eyes and picture your ideal holiday it should be able to ignite all your senses. In fact you can probably remember some of the greatest dishes and dining experiences you’ve ever had and find they coincide with travel. The South Pacific obviously nails the sights (hello worlds-best beaches and swaying coconut palms!) and sounds, smells and touch are well covered too. As far as taste goes, the South Pacific remains relatively unassuming but delivers BIG TIME for those in the know. As the experts in this area of the world you can trust our tastebuds, we promise! So, what are the best foodie experiences? Let’s dive in!

Traditional umu and cultural show

Most countries in the South Pacific will have their own version of dinner and show on offer, but one of our favourites is in Samoa. A Fiafia night (happy get together) is a chance for Samoan’s to showcase songs, dance, traditional crafts, and most importantly food! They prepare an umu (oven made of earth and hot volcanic stones) and spend all day cooking taro and potatoes, meats like pork and octopus, plus vegetables and bananas. Add some sides like palusami and you’ve got a heck of a feast!

Dine with the locals

One of the highlights of any trip to Norfolk Island is the Progressive Dinner tour. Some may wonder if this is really the best pace for them but we promise that even our 20-and-30-something year old staffers have enjoyed this experience! You are taken by bus to 3 island homes for one course at each. You are eating fresh and local, you are speaking to the locals, and quite honestly you’re making friends along the way.

Dinner cruise

If you are a water lover as well as a foodie then this option will fit you like a glove. What do you get when you combine golden sunsets, the tranquil waters out from Fiji’s Denarau Marina, a dinner buffet PLUS lobster tails, and your ideal travel companion? Well, quite frankly, we think it’s a recipe for one of the most memorable nights of your holiday.

Learn to cook

Hands on experiences always prove popular in the South Pacific. We think it’s the combination of fresh simple food and hosts that are so lovely you wish you could take them home with you! At Eden on the River in Vanuatu can join in a cooking class making simboros – a local delicacy of mashed or grated banana or taro that is stuffed into cabbage leaves and cooked. It’s a fun experience and a very unique skill to take home and share with others.

Fresh off the hook

There are two experiences in Rarotonga that go hand in hand – deep sea fishing charters, and devouring some of the freshest Ika Mata (local raw fish dish) you’re ever going to find! How does it work?

• Book your Fishing Charter - and best to book it for early in your holiday in case you need to be flexible due to weather.
• On your charter come home with a good catch (this isn’t always a given but it IS rare to come home empty handed. We caught two great sized Mahi Mahi!) and after the charter crew take their share you are given your prize.
• Speak to the local restaurants and let them know you have a catch you’d like prepared and check their table availability.
• Deliver your catch to the restaurant – they will take their share, and turn what’s left into a delicious fresh meal for you.

Eat like a local

Some of the most authentic experiences come from following the locals, eating where they eat. The Islands of Tahiti have a reputation for being expensive, and when you’re inside of the brand name resort complexes this can be true (the same as hotel dining in Australia is more expensive), but not when you eat where the locals go. In Papeete city you will find the Roulottes. Each night, down by the port, these food trucks and street bars come to life with food that will make your tastebuds happy dance for a price your wallet will thank you for. As most Tahiti packages will include a stopover here, why not stop by?

Food lovers rejoice in the South Pacific

Food in South Pacific is known for bringing people together. No matter the country or the culture food can unite us and help us create lasting memories. If you have a rumble in the belly and are looking for some palatable deals then check out our packages here. We can help you plan an itinerary that includes farm tours, cooking classes, cultural dinners and more! For a tasty personalised quote call our reservations team on 1800 800 722.

Photos courtesy of Fiji Tourism, Cook Islands Tourism