FOOD HIGHLIGHTS IN RAROTONGA
Stay hydrated with fresh sugar cane juice: Make a pit stop at Stevie Wunder Juice, the first of its kind in the Cook Islands where Steve makes fresh sugarcane juice grown on a nearby patch. Steve uses a special juicer to create his drinks and talks you through the health benefits of drinking all natural sugarcane juice.
● Harley St, Pokoinu, Nikao / @ StevieWunderJuice
Try non-traditional food at Antipodes: Opening last year, this al fresco restaurant focuses on Mediterranean cuisine. The villa functions as an event space and also offers accommodation, but its menu of shared plates uses fresh local produce with a Latin flavour unique on the island. ● Pokoinu Tapere, Avarua District /
Eat at the well-known Mooring Fish cafe: plastered on the walls are photos of famous faces who’ve visited here — Carol Hirschfeld, Temuera Morrison, Stan Walker and Tim Shadbolt, to name a few. This Rarotongan institution is a must for the best fresh fish dishes in town. Avana Fishing Club, Muri. For the best burgers head to Vili’s Burger joint:
This cheap and cheerful establishment is perfect when you’re after a quick, easy meal. Its hearty burgers are a favourite among locals. Try the vege burger or the Muri burger — beef, cheese, bacon, pineapple, lettuce and secret sauce.
● Ngatangiia District
Don’t be afraid to eat low-brow: The locals highly recommend Palace takeaways, the McDonald’s of Rarotonga or RFC — Rarotonga Fried Chicken. I tried both and can safely say they are worth it, if only to experience what guilty food pleasure the locals like to indulge in. Also perfect after a night out at the Island’s notorious nightclub Rehab, or if you want to see where Zac Guildford got into that infamous kerfuffle, try Trader Jacks, conveniently located next door to RFC. ● RFC, Main Rd, Avarua 682. Palace takeaways, Main Rd, Ara Tapu, Avarua
Take a food tour with Tik-e-Tours: Earth-friendly e-limo tuk-tuk or e-bike is a great way to explore the Island. The team here are well versed on the culture and history of the island, tailoring a day-long excursion around the best food spots.
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