Top 5 New Caledonia Foods & Drinks: A Tasty Guide

New Caledonia, it’s like, a beautiful island that boasts not just stunning beaches, yet it offers a unique culinary experience. That said, this French territory has influences from France, Melanesia, and Asia, and that is something to really enjoy. We want to get to a taste of the top five must-try foods and drinks, and find where you can find the best eats, for those visiting and wondering what you might be eating.

Bougna: A Traditional Melanesian Feast

Bougna is like the quintessential Caledonian dish, and it gives insight to local culture. Actually, it is a type of stew, which is typically cooked in an underground oven, and that makes the flavour stand out in a unique way. Often, the main ingredients are yams, taro, bananas, and seafood (or chicken), all are wrapped with banana leaves before slow cooking them, too. And because this cooking style traps all those tastes, it brings such great flavours once it’s opened.

In some areas, families pass the cooking styles, they are all unique in their own ways too, like your family’s secret ingredient or something. That said, the taste is always moist, a little bit smoky, and really quite comforting. It is like the New Caledonian BBQ!

Where to find it: For a super true taste, many local tribes prepare bougna for special occasions. It might be a bit tricky for visitors, yet several restaurants in Nouméa do offer bougna on their menu. Check out local eateries that really focus on traditional Caledonian stuff; they, often, have the super real, yummy flavors.

Read our full review: New Caledonia Bougna Full Review and Details

Fresh Seafood: A Taste of the Pacific

Okay so, with its huge lagoon and location in the Pacific, that is going to mean fresh seafood. very tasty!. What is worth getting too, is you will see a lot of freshly caught fish, crabs, lobsters, and prawns. Also the way they get cooked is cool, the cooks could simply grill the fish and some of the food ends up with a perfect, crisp finish. A taste that screams pure sea flavour, is their sashimi and ceviche! very yummy!

If your someone who likes seafood you would want to grab local crab. Typically a Mud Crab. With very plump legs. And can be served hot or cold. Both amazing in their own way. These tasty treats are found by local fisherman around mangroves and inlets.

It’s almost one of those times when trying fresh is as essential as a sip of water is after a big walk. That means get fresh seafood is right near the beachside in local shops.

Where to find it: Some local restaurants around Baie des Citrons and Anse Vata provide great seafood selections. Try checking out smaller establishments along the coast where, apparently, they get a daily fresh catch.

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Coconut Crab: An Island Delicacy

Oh wow, the coconut crab really does have a reputation, being an expensive delicacy. You, it is like you cannot find them just anywhere since these big crabs, sometimes, need a certain permit for harvesting them and what not, since a bit harder to come across, you know? And really the crabs, as what the title means, they do eat coconut, what happens there is it adds a nice bit of flavour into their meat!

That is, apparently, its dense flesh that carries a uniquely sweet and rich flavour and really goes nice being prepared super simply to let the true flavour shine; often you see this in steamed preparations.

Where to find it: Honestly, trying out this kind of delicacy you probably won’t just stumble across in all locations; however, various high-end restaurants are quite well at delivering rare things, particularly within Nouméa and Isle of Pines.

Read our full review: Coconut Crab Review Full Review and Details

Hinava: Raw Fish Salad

Hey you, we look into raw seafood but if that peeked your interest you might think about a crack into Hinava – raw fish, is that its something the people love out here too. Often what can be used is mackerel that is basically pickled in lime juice.

That you will also get with this meal, is coconut cream and veggies; if its that good expect something like ginger and shallots, they are all added for a fresh kick. That means you get acidity and fragrance!.

And so what happens here when the lime “cooks” all of that, so its something unique too, not needing anything else. So keep it authentic or a taste like no other if your close too beach-side eateries that put extra effort.

Where to find it: Its seemingly popular, yet not every single corner will serve the meal. Try restaurants specializing in Caledonia and ask people for that suggestion of what it is you might like to consider!.

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Numèa Beer: Thirst Quenching Brews

Very refreshing and a big player within local brewing. Their lagers suit climates that are hot. Not that its going to suit your taste too well, it gets some people thinking how mild it is, also really well paired if your thinking how great it tastes when together with seafood. And, that you have plenty of options here to drink to that with either a light beer, or something darker too.

And you know how something gets good through process. What is actually liked is seeing what styles are influenced, so if it all lines up nice and you have more of those flavours.

Where to find it: If your someone trying to get it local it may sound as straight forward to just go to local bottle shop!. Then you will soon see it very common among bars.

Read our full review: Numéa Beer Review Full Review and Details

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