What Food To Try in Noumea and Food Prices

Soupe de Poisson - Fish Soup (savory seafood soup) - A rich broth made with local fish, tomatoes, and spices, often served with rouille and crusty bread. Locals enjoy it on chilly evenings, reminiscing about fishing trips.

Bougna - Traditional Root Stew - A hearty mix of taro, sweet potatoes, and fish or chicken wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. Often prepared for special gatherings, it's a dish filled with cultural significance.

Gougère - Savory Cheese Puffs - Light and airy puffs made from choux pastry mixed with local cheese, baked until golden brown. Typically enjoyed as an appetizer in casual settings, don't mistake them for a dessert!

Samosa - Savory Pastry (street food) - Crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes or meat, often found in local markets. Best eaten fresh from street vendors during midday, perfect for a quick lunch on the go.

Oysters - Huîtres (fresh delicacy) - Locally harvested oysters served raw with a squeeze of lime or on a bed of salad. A popular starter for dinner at seaside restaurants, they are best enjoyed during warmer months.

Canard aux Cerises - Duck with Cherries - Tender duck cooked in a rich cherry sauce, blending savory with sweet. It's a cozy dish that locals cherish during special occasions, showcasing the region's local produce.

Taro Chips - Chips de Taro (crunchy snack) - Thinly sliced and fried taro, creating a crispy treat that's great as an afternoon snack. While often ignored, they make a surprisingly filling accompaniment to meals or can stand alone.

Poisson Cru - Raw Fish Salad - Fresh marinated fish in lime juice with coconut milk, tomatoes, and cucumber giving it a refreshing kick. It's typically eaten as a light lunch by locals, especially during warmer months. By the way, it's great for cooling off on hot days!

Café au Lait - Café au Lait (coffee with milk) - This creamy blend of freshly brewed local coffee mixed with steamed milk creates a comforting warm drink. Morning or afternoon, you'll find locals savoring it in cafés, often accompanied by a fresh baguette or croissant.

Froze - La Frosé (frozen rosé) - A refreshing blend of chilled rosé wine and fruit purees served icy and slushy in hot weather. Perfect for afternoon relaxing at the beach or socializing during the summer months—the locals love enjoying this spirited drink at sunset.

Oka - Oka (local beer) - This smooth, golden lager features light malt and a crisp finish, often enjoyed cold on a sunny day. You’ll typically see locals sharing a round during casual gatherings or after a day at the beach, usually with some grilled seafood on the side.

Chouquette - Chouquette (sweet pastry) - These small, airy pastries with sugar crystals on top are light and slightly sweet, best enjoyed warm. Most locals indulge in them during breakfast or as an afternoon snack, sometimes paired with coffee—perfectly bite-sized for those sweet cravings.

Poipoi - Poipoi (coconut pudding) - A deliciously creamy dessert made from coconut milk, sugar, and sago pearls, served chilled. Often found at local celebrations and gatherings, it's a comforting dessert that brings families together, especially during festive occasions like New Year's—absolutely irresistible!