Traditional Food and Meals from Niue
Niue’s restaurants might be more known for their tropical twist on international favourites but when you have the opportunity to try traditional Niuean food don’t pass on it! Being an island nation, Niuean food typically consists of fish, while plantations grow taro, bananas, pawpaw, coconuts, cassava and more. Admittedly, Niue food is not served on the menu of many restaurants, but special Niuean buffet and umu nights, as well as occasionally at the Niue Market and Village Show Days, is where you’ll get your chance to try something authentically local. When you get the opportunity to, these are the unique food in Niue you have to try!
What is an “Umu”?
One of the best ways to try a multitude of traditional Niuean dishes is with an umu. Umu is a traditional Niuean cooking method where food is slow-cooked in a hot rock or wood oven and covered with banana leaves.
Oh, and for more food talk, be sure to check out The Guide to Food in Niue, as well as the 5 Drinks in Niue You Have to Try.
1. Uga (Coconut Crab)
Uga have been a prized traditional food in Niue for centuries, usually saved for special occasions or for older members of the family. There are not many opportunities to try uga for yourself other than on a uga hunting tour, for instance, with Taue Uga Tours. After your tour learning traditional hunting methods, you’ll be offered an uga to be cooked for you (or you’ll be shown how to cook it) and brought to your accommodation. Learn more about the tour in The Best Guided Tours in Niue, as well as where to sample coconut crab in Where to Try Uga in Niue.
Where to try: Lilo’s Restaurant (Hakupu), Village Show Days (All over Niue) and Taue Uga Tour (Avatele).
(c) niuepocketguide.com2. Nane (Niuean Porridge)
This local dish is typically served for breakfast, made with coconut flesh and arrowroot. Nane has a similar consistency to porridge or a dumpling, providing a hearty way to start your day. Find some for sale at the Niue Market. Learn more about the market in the 5 Best Markets in Niue.
Where to try: Niue Market (Alofi) and Sevene’s Tavern (Alofi).
© NiuePocketGuide.com3. Takihi (Pawpaw, Taro and Coconut Cream Treat)
A Niuean favourite typically cooked in an umu (underground oven), takihi is a creamy sweet but savoury treat made with taro, coconut cream and pawpaw. It’s a staple at many of the umu nights on the island, which you can find out more about in The Ultimate Guide to the Niue Nightlife.
Where to try: Hio Cafe (Tuapa), Scenic Matavai Resort Buffet Night (Tamakautoga), Manuiz Buffet Night (Alofi) and Lilo’s Restaurant (Hakupu).
© NiuePocketGuide.com4. Povi Masima (Corned Beef Brisket)
Povi masima is a dish shared with Samoan cuisine, due to Niue’s historical influences from its South Pacific neighbour. The dish is made with corned beef brisket mixed with green vegetables, like cabbage, spinach or pak choy. Again, it’s another dish you’re likely to try during an umu buffet.
Where to try: Scenic Matavai Resort Buffet Night (Tamakautoga), Manuiz Buffet Night (Alofi) and Lilo’s Restaurant (Hakupu).
© NiuePocketGuide.com5. Banana Chips (A Niuean Snack)
A popular snack on the island, Lupe Banana Chips are bananas sampled in a whole new way! These are your healthy alternatives to your standard potato chips. They are typically available to purchase at the Niue Market, as well as the airport market on plane days.
Where to try: Airport Market (Hanan Airport), Ba’s Bar by the Runway (Hanan Airport), Explore Niue (guided tour), Niue Market (Alofi), Swanson Supermarket (Swanson Complex) and Double M (Alofi).
© NiuePocketGuide.com6. Ota Ika (Raw Fish in Coconut Cream)
A popular dish across the South Pacific, ota ika is Niue’s version of raw fish marinated in coconut cream (and between you and us, it’s some of the best in the South Pacific). It is usually also flavoured with chilli and lime, both of which are commonly grown on the island. Learn more about Niue’s staple fruit in the 10 Exotic Fruits in Niue You Have to Try.
Where to try: Hio Cafe (Tuapa), Scenic Matavai Resort Buffet Night (Tamakautoga), Manuiz Buffet Night (Alofi) and Lilo’s Restaurant (Hakupu).
© NiuePocketGuide.com7. Fai Kai Ika (Fish, Coconut Cream and Ferns)
This fish dish is typically made with tuna, which you can catch yourself with one of the fishing charters in Niue. The classic Niuean cuisine is tuna steak with ferns grown on the island (or some other island vegetables) and served with a flavoured coconut cream sauce. Again, find it at your Niuean buffet!
Where to try: Scenic Matavai Resort Buffet Night (Tamakautoga), Manuiz Buffet Night (Alofi) and Lilo’s Restaurant (Hakupu).
© NiuePocketGuide.com8. Lupe (Pacific Pigeon)
A native pigeon to the island and across the South Pacific, lupe is a delicacy in Niue and highly sought during the lupe hunting season. Slow-cooked in an umu is the usual method for cooking, containing the fatty juices in a banana leaf. We have also seen lupe prepared into a risotto.
Where to try: Manuiz Buffet Night (Alofi) and Lilo’s Restaurant (Hakupu).
© NiuePocketGuide.com9. Talo (Taro)
The savoury vegetables and fruit of Niue are also worth trying! Starchy staples like talo (taro) and green bananas are often served as a side dish with Niuean meals. Talo is very filling, however, so don’t load up too much at the buffet!
Where to try: Niue Market (Alofi), Scenic Matavai Resort Buffet Night (Tamakautoga), Manuiz Buffet Night (Alofi) and Lilo’s Restaurant (Hakupu).
© NiuePocketGuide.com10. Coconut Bread
Niueans love their baked goods, especially coconut bread. Pick up a loaf with a subtle coconut flavour at bakeries, such as the Rolling Pin Bakery in the Swanson Supermarket, the Rockbak Bakery which supplies bread to the Central Services gas station, and Ilena’s Bakery near Pacific Way Bar. There are also baked goods sometimes available at the Niue Market.
Where to try: Rolling Pin Bakery (Swanson Complex), Central Services (Alofi), Ilena’s Bakery (Alofi South), Double M (Alofi) and Niue Market (Alofi).
© NiuePocketGuide.comMore About Niue Food
That’s it for our list of the most unique Niue food but by no means the end of our food wisdom! Check out the following guides for ways to tantalise your tastebuds in Niue:
For more about the way of life in Niue, check out The Guide to the Niuean Culture for Travellers, as well as more experiences in the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List.
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