As islanders, the people of the Pacific obtain their protein from the abundant fish in the Pacific Ocean. Along with fish, the Pacific is also renowned for its unique chicken, pork and beef dishes which are often accompanied with vegetable staples like yams, sweet potatoes, taro root or leaves or even plantains. However, the secret to most delicious Pacific cuisine lies in the way it is prepared and cooked – a mouth-watering feast of fresh local delicacies wrapped in foil or banana leaves and then placed on hot rocks to give you that perfectly cooked meal rich in its smoky flavour.
Photo by Edvin J.
The earth oven is one of the most distinctive types of cooking common to the Pacific. This method involves laying the prepared food on hot rocks and covering it in the earth which traps the heat inside the ground, providing the right conditions for either baking, cooking or steaming the food using this method of ancient cooking.
Photo by Edvin J.
With much of the Pacific referring to these earth ovens as umu (Tonga, Cook Islands and Samoa to name a few) it is called lovo in Fiji, koua in Rotuma, and ahima’a in Tahiti. Despite some similarities, there are many differences in the details of preparation, their cultural significance, and current usage. Earth ovens are said to have originated in Papua New Guinea and have been adopted by the later arriving Polynesians.
Photo by Josese R.
Despite some similarities across the Pacific, many differences are there in the details of preparation, current usage and the cultural significance for the people. When you finally go on that perfect vacation to the Pacific, remember to try an earth oven cooked meal with its Instagram-worthy deliciousness that is sure to be the highlight of your trip!
For more information and travel inspiration to plan your getaway to the Pacific, visit https://southpacificislands.travel/discover/ now.
