6 typical foods of Rapa Nui: What to eat on Easter Island?

Rapa Nui, better known as Easter Island, is a mystical and remote destination in the South Pacific, famous for its imposing moai, its ancient culture, and its unique landscapes. But beyond its history and natural beauty, the island also offers an exquisite cuisine, influenced by Polynesian tradition and local ingredients. Among them, tuna stands out, an abundant fish in its waters and the base of many traditional dishes.

If you visit Easter Island, you cannot miss these six typical dishes that are part of its culinary identity.

1. Umu Rapa Nui

The Umu Rapa Nui is the island's quintessential traditional dish. Similar to Chilote curanto, this cooking technique is based on the slow cooking of food in an earth oven with red-hot volcanic stones. It is covered with banana leaves, and layers of meat, chicken, fish, and seafood are interspersed with tubers such as sweet potato, taro, and cassava. The result is a steaming dish with a deep, earthy flavor. This tradition is still alive during special celebrations, such as the Tapati Rapa Nui festival, where tourists and locals can share this community experience. If you visit the island outside of this festival, you can try Umu at the Te Ra’ai restaurant.

2. Tunu Ahi

Tunu Ahi is another of the island's ancestral cooking techniques. Its name in Rapa Nui means "cooking with fire" and consists of cooking food on hot volcanic stones. Although it was originally used for fish and kokoma (its innards), today meats and other seafood are also prepared using this technique. Additionally, Tunu Ahi is a social experience on the island. On weekends, the people of Hanga Roa head to the coast to light bonfires and enjoy an outdoor lunch with friends and family. Many restaurants have also adopted this technique, using modern grills while preserving the characteristic smoky flavor.

3. Po'e rapanui

Po'e is the traditional dessert of Easter Island. This fluffy and moist sponge cake is made with banana, pumpkin, or cassava, flour, milk, and sugar. Its natural sweetness and soft texture make it perfect to accompany Umu Rapa Nui or enjoy as a snack. In the past, Po'e was cooked wrapped in banana leaves inside the Umu, but today it is baked in modern molds. In supermarkets and local stores, you can find individual portions, ideal for taking on an excursion around the island.

4. Rapanui Ceviche

Rapanui ceviche is one of the stars of the island's cuisine, standing out for its freshness and unmatched flavor. The base of this dish is fresh tuna, cut into cubes and marinated with ingredients such as lemon, chili, coconut milk, or soy sauce, depending on the culinary influence to be highlighted. This ceviche is served with sweet potato, rice, or salad, making it a refreshing dish, perfect for the warm days on the island. Its blend of Polynesian and Latin American flavors makes it a must-try when visiting Rapa Nui.

5. Tuna Carpaccio

Tuna carpaccio is a sophisticated and light option within the island's cuisine. It is prepared by cutting thin slices of fresh tuna, which are seasoned with salt, lemon juice, olive oil, capers, and grated Parmesan cheese. Thanks to the high quality of tuna on Easter Island, this dish is an absolute delight, highlighting the pure taste of the fish with a touch of acidity and saltiness.

6. Tuna Empanadas

Tuna empanadas from Rapa Nui have gained popularity among tourists due to their crispy crust and juicy filling. They come in different varieties, but the most popular are tuna with cheese, followed by tuna with tomato and shrimp. Although they are traditionally fried, you can also find baked versions.

Extra: Rapa Nui Honey

A highly valued gastronomic product is Rapa Nui honey. Due to the island’s geographical isolation, local bees are free from diseases and do not require chemical treatments, making their honey one of the purest and healthiest in the world. This honey is known for its fruity undertones, derived from the nectar of local plants such as banana, guava, mango, and pineapple. It is a gourmet product, highly sought after, and an excellent souvenir from the island.

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