The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Pitcairn Islander Foods. If you manage to be in an Pitcairn Islander restaurant or you are visiting Pitcairn Island, I recommend the following:
1. Pota
This dish is made from the leaves of a plant they call “Story”, pronounced Ta-La or Taro as it is known in other parts of the Pacific. There are many tales on the island, often found under large trees, in valleys or even on the sides of roads. Although it will grow in full sun, moisture is key for taro to produce large leaves, especially the long, healthy, fan-shaped leaves that are used to make potatoes.
2. Meat Pie
It is made from puff pastry filled with sauce and minced meat. Of course, there are many variations, so the filling can also be made with onions, chicken and asparagus, mushrooms, cheese, alligator meat, vegetables or seafood. Mince pies also come in a variety, such as party pies (small pies served to party guests) and floating pies (mung bean soup with pies floating on top).
3. Kumara Pilhi
As the name suggests, they use Kumeras; peel and chop, then throw away. They are then baked for an hour in a shallow pan lined with banana leaves. They can also be made with ripe or green bananas.
4. Mudda
Another popular local delicacy, this dish requires considerable effort. First, peel and grind the plantain, then roll it into balls. Then open the coconuts to extract the milk and cream, which is simmered with palm sugar. Finally, add the meatballs to the mixture and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving them hot from the pan.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional Oceanian Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.