The Taste of Cook Islands: Unmissable Culinary Experiences

The taste of Cook Islands is well defined by an eclectic and delicious cuisine and is a huge draw card for travellers. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by fresh and local produce. This produce ranges from tropical fruits, a range of grains and starches, as well as a huge range of delicious fresh seafood.

It can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to local cuisine, and with so much amazing food on offer, what to prioritise. Your Cook Islands accommodation will often have food included or nearby, so this is a great place to start before venturing out onto the island.

Our team at Spacifica consider the following to be the most important and unmissable culinary experiences for every traveller.

Seafood, Seafood, Seafood!

On the Cook Islands, seafood is a tried and true staple that is well-loved and well-consumed. It is safe to say that this place is a seafood lover's fantasy, and a seafood feast really speaks to the taste of the Cook Islands.

In Australia, seafood can often be expensive and is seen as a speciality treat. On the Cook Islands, this is not so - seafood is found in most meals and is cheap as chips. Ika Mata is one of the island's most popular dishes and consists of raw fish cooked overnight in lime juice and coconut milk. This refreshing meal is not only safe to eat, but it is extremely delicious.

Travellers can also expect $12 plates with heaped Kingfish Sashimi on the menu at most restaurants. For those who love sashimi but hate the Australian price tag, this is basically reason enough for a holiday to the South Pacific locale!

It is definitely a luxury to know that all the fish on the island is freshly caught in the local waters by local fishermen. This ensures not only are you supporting the local economy, but also getting the best possible product from it.

Island Markets

If you are looking to try the delicious local dishes that the Cook Islands is so well known for, then hop on down to the local island markets and sample as much as you can.

The Punanga Nui markets are the most popular market on Rarotonga and you can find all the popular dishes there. Ika Mata, as mentioned earlier, always makes an appearance. Maroro (flying fish) is grilled with Cassava and Rukau, the leaves of the Taro plant, is served with coconut cream in a salad.

Poke is also very popular on Rarotonga, but not just in its savoury form. Cook Islander’s often like to try a dessert Poke which consists of coconut cream, arrowroot, and banana or pumpkin together. It can be found at any market.

The Muri night markets are another popular market - but this one stands out if you are keen for a fix of seafood. This is where you go if you want fresh and delicious seafood for a great price.

Umu

There are different versions of Umu all over the world, and the Cook Islands are no exception. The Umu is a type of underground oven which is dug out and lined with banana leaves. Vegetables, meat, and fish are cooked inside on hot stones, and while it is a bit more effort, this is a great way to cook up a large amount of food.

Umu’s are usually reserved for special occasions and large gatherings like weddings and celebrations. With that said however, tourists can opt to be part of a traditional Umu feast by booking through a touring company.  This allows visitors to experience the umu from beginning to end - from preparing the food to finally eating it, as well as a fire show and a guided tour.

If you want to try traditional Cook Islands cuisine in its most traditional and delicious form, we highly recommend taking part in an Umu.

Night Show and Buffet Dinner in Rarotonga

The overwater night show and buffet dinner is one of the key highlights for anyone's trip to the Cook Islands. Hosted by Te Vara Nui Village, the dinner and show is a celebration of Cook Islander food and culture.

Dancers tell the beautiful story about how the local people came to find Rarotonga and their journey. It tells a story about how people came together over their love of food and really speaks to the energy and spirit in this beautiful country.

The buffet consists of both Island and Western fare, so you know that everyone will be satisfied. This is a great way to dive into local history, culture, and food and receive it all in one delicious package.

The Taste Of The Cook Islands

The taste of the Cook Islands can be defined by a love of fresh and local produce, seafood, and delicious food. On Cook Islands holidays, food is the best way to experience the locals' love for their country.

If you are considering a trip to the Cook Islands, then it is definitely worth considering if the local cuisine is for you. Many people note that it can be expensive to eat non-local cuisine like imported meats and processed foods. For example, a can of coke can cost over $5, but a fresh coconut would only set you back $1.

If you are planning to travel to the Cook Islands any time soon, then get in touch with our team at Spacifica Travel today. We can help prepare you for your trip and we would love to give you our top food recommendations should you need.