Cuisine in Cook Islands

Ika Mata

National dish of tuna or mahi-mahi marinated in coconut cream and citrus.

• Region: All islands
• Main ingredients: Raw fish, Coconut cream, Lime, Onion

Rukau

Rich side dish of taro leaves simmered in coconut milk.

• Main ingredients: Taro leaves, Coconut milk, Onion

Umu Kai

Festive dish of pork, root vegetables, and fish steamed in underground oven.

• Main ingredients: Pork, Taro, Fish, Banana leaves

Kare Eke (Octopus Curry)

Home-style dish of tender octopus finished with spices and coconut.

• Region: Rarotonga
• Main ingredients: Octopus, Curry powder, Coconut milk

Poke

Sweet steamed dessert of banana or pumpkin with palm sugar.

• Main ingredients: Banana, Coconut cream, Tapioca starch

Palusami

Traditional snack of fish wrapped in taro leaves and baked.

• Region: Southern islands
• Main ingredients: White fish, Taro leaves, Sea salt

Coconut Bread

Breakfast staple of fluffy bread kneaded with coconut milk.

• Main ingredients: Wheat flour, Coconut milk, Yeast

Rori (Sea Cucumber Vinegar)

Delicacy of dried sea cucumber tossed with coconut vinegar.

• Region: Northern atolls
• Main ingredients: Sea cucumber, Coconut vinegar, Chili pepper

Papaya Salad

Refreshing side of semi-ripe papaya tossed with lime and chili.

• Main ingredients: Papaya, Lime, Chili

Kai Moana (Seafood Platter)

Grilled daily catch including lobster and mahi-mahi.

• Main ingredients: Lobster, Seafood, Lemon