New Caledonia’s cuisine is one of the best in the South Pacific. There are unique and extraordinary flavours to be found in each of the destinations’ varied regions, whether they be from the blue waters of the world’s largest lagoon, the rural ‘cowboy country’ in the west, the Gallic hub of Noumea or the traditional Kanak culture in the east. The fusion of flavours is a true testament to the blend of cultures living together on the island. New Caledonia will surprise you and deliver a true gourmet experience. Bon appetit!

French Flavour

Forget the twenty plus hours flying time, if you are after a taste of France then head to New Caledonia. Delicious foie gras, renowned French wines & champagnes, fine chocolate and more awaits on this South Pacific island.

Francophiles can feast on the escargot (snails) of the Isle of Pines - they are farmed by the locals and are a delicacy to be tried. Or if your taste buds aren’t that adventurous, why not indulge the senses with dishes like gratin of mangrove crab, local venison, dauphine potatoes and croquettes at a traditional French restaurant in Noumea?

The boulangeries and patisseries in Noumea are worth the trip alone. The bread is incredible - every bite tastes of France. You can also delight in mouth-watering macarons, éclairs and chocolates, such as those handmade by expert chocolatier Patrick Morand.

In New Caledonia, the taste of wine is synonymous with pleasure and socializing. Many wine shops offer prestigious French wines, but also more reasonably priced vintages. Take the opportunity to purchase and sample an incredible selection of very reasonably priced French wines, most of which are not available in Australia. Then there are the stores with pâtés, terrines, fois gras, duck cassoulets and of course an array of French cheeses. Wine and cheese platter anyone?

Kanak Cuisine

If you are looking to taste the Melanesian side of New Caledonia’s cuisine, then we encourage you to explore the flavours of the local Kanak culture. Indulge in the bougna, a dish typically made from tubercles, coconut milk and fish. Far from a quick meal, the bougna can take up to two hours to cook - but it’s definitely worth the wait.

The best way to experience a Kanak bougna is to visit a local village and be part of the preparation. Here's what you need to do:

• Before you even start to cut up the ingredients, you prepare the traditional oven.
• This consists of preparing red-hot rocks and a hole in the ground where the meal will be cooked.
• Once the earthen oven is ready, it is time to cut the meat or fish and yams, sweet potatoes and occasionally poingo bananas (or plantains).
• All the ingredients are placed together in a bed of banana leaves, and covered with coconut milk.
• Once closed-up and tied, the bougna bakes under the hot stones. A true authentic delicacy!

Should you be short of time then fear not, you can still experience these local flavours in the restaurants of Noumea.

Local Produce

Be sure to head to the local markets and supermarkets to see the wide array of delicious local produce available for you to sample. To get started, keep any eye out for the creamy (Niaouli) honey, venison sausages and the popular and brightly coloured vegetable pickles called ‘achards’. Seafood is available all year round and the fish market in Noumea allows you to marvel at displays of whole fish, crabs, locally farmed prawns and oysters, and meaty tuna fillets.

The vanilla from Lifou is world renowned and used as an ingredient in all sorts of sweet and savoury recipes. You can purchase some in its natural form (vanilla pod) to try your hand at a recipe when you return home and show off your culinary skills to family and friends.

Although New Caledonia has not been steeped in brewing traditions, many 100% local craft breweries have sprung up in the capital in recent years. Some of the beers have even won awards worldwide. What better way to quench your thirst than a nice cold beer? Whether on draught or bottled, get to the heart of the matter by discovering new flavours from Caledonian microbreweries run by passionate people. To be enjoyed in moderation of course.

Food Festivals

Celebrate New Caledonia’s wonderful produce, with one of the many food focused events and colourful festivals that take place throughout the year. Timing your holiday with one of these foodie gatherings is a great way to experience not only the unique flavour of the destination, but also the local culture and traditions.

We have selected a few to showcase but rest assured there are many more to choose from. Held in April, the Avocado Festival celebrates the humble avocado through numerous leisure activities, tastings, music and traditional dances.

The French Cheese Festival is an amazing buffet with over 130 cheese specialties presented by a “Maître fromagier” - or cheese master.  For over 20 years, award-winning French cheese masters have visited Noumea to share their incredible knowledge of an amazing variety of French cheeses and wines.

At the vibrant Beef Festival expect a live rodeo, French cowboys, livestock demonstrations and food tastings. These include New Caledonia’s famous “brochettes” or kebabs which will delight the senses.

The Festival of the Sea is devoted to marine produce including lobster, fresh and smoked fish and shellfish. Watch fish smoking demonstrations, traditional and modern dance groups or participate in weaving contests, coconut peeling or an introduction to spear shooting.

Dining Options

Now that you know what delicacies to sample and savour, the next step is how to best enjoy them.

You will find the best of New Caledonian cooking at the restaurants of the many high end hotels, traditional bistros and beachside restaurants around the mainland and the islands.

Alternatively, discover “Table d’hote”, a network managed by local farmers that combines farm life, accommodations and culinary delights. You will get to experience Caledonian farm life, and then feast on meals prepared from local recipes and ingredients, including venison, wild pig, snails, crayfish, coconut crab, fish and tropical fruit.

Our final suggestion is the DIY approach. This way you can experience the local flavours your way by

preparing your own gourmet feast. Gather together a delicious picnic from the local markets, bakeries, delis or supermarkets and enjoy your spread sprawled on a beach somewhere in the glorious sunshine.

Enjoy the Taste of New Caledonia through Spacifica Travel

If the above has your taste buds tingling and your mouth watering then it’s time to speak to one of our South Pacific specialists to tailor a Tastes of New Caledonia holiday package just for you.