New Zealand Food
Is Maori Food
In New Zealand, food Maori style is to be tried and savoured – (Kai is the Maori word for food)
He toka hapuku kit e moana, he kaihua ki utaMaori proverb “A rock in the sea where Hapuku abound; a tree where birds are speared on land.” Meaning: Both are plentiful sources of food At some point on your New Zealand holiday you will hopefully experience a Maori hangi (pronounced hung-e). You may even have seen one among the plethora of television nature and culture shows.
A pit is dug, lined with red-hot stones and covered with vegetation. The food covered with cloth then placed on top. The oven is sprinkled with water and covered over with more leaves and fronds. Finally the pit is filled with soil and the meat and vegetables are left to steam.Around Rotorua the Maori get to use the natural subterranean hot pools as ovens. Several tourist locations, including Rotorua in the North Island, put down hangis for groups of visitors.
The potato and kumara (sweet potato) are staples of Maori food. Rewena pararoa or Māori bread is made from potatoes. Speciality bread shops, delicatessants and food markets stock this traditional Maori food.
New Zealand greenlip mussels, puha greens, kelp, eels, fish and kina (sea eggs) are all Maori food delicacies enjoyed throughout New Zealand.
Maori place names often commemorate food. Kai as we know means food (or a meal) and koura means crayfish. So the town of Kaikoura is a place known for dining out on good tucker.
New Zealand food holds many fascinations. Chalrey and I urge you to explore the Maori cuisine and savour not just the food but the welcome waiting for you! Hit the link below or go to the Nav Bar on your left.
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