If you’re visiting the Cook Islands, either for pleasure or business, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll find yourself on Rarotonga Island. Rarotonga is home to the Cook Islands’ capital and is the most populous of the nation’s Islands with a resident population of about 15,000.
Here on the island of Rarotonga, you’ll be amazed to discover that a single road – the Ara Tapu Road – takes you everywhere you need to go on this paradise destination. In addition to the sandy beaches and other tourist attractions the road will take you to, this go-everywhere road will also take you to one of the country’s gems when it comes to culinary experiences: Kikau Hut.
Kikau Hut is an à la carte restaurant in Arorangi, Rarotonga that caters to the world taste with an infusion of authentic Rarotonga flavour. In addition to its sites and scenes, Cook Islands is also renowned for its unique culinary flavours – and the best place to experience this part of the culture is no other than Kikau Hut.
Meet the stars of the show
Like any successful productions, a strong cast is necessary for the creation of a masterpiece. At the helm of the operation is Gordon Brown and his wife Rebecca (Kiwis who have made the islands their second home) overseeing the management part of the business.
At the heart of Kikau Hut is the head chef, Mata Marsters. This is the person responsible for making your taste buds tingle with delight and always lives up to the billing. Mata, a chef of great pedigree, has had loads of experience in the culinary industry having taken on a variety of roles (both junior and senior) locally and abroad with stints of service in Australia and New Zealand.
Chef Mata, a true native of Cook Island, previously held the position of second chef in Harbourside Restaurant – a prestigious establishment on Auckland’s waterfront – before moving back to the Cook Islands where he worked for the Pacific Resort for 7 years. Bringing all this experience with him, he joined Kikau Hut in 2014 as the Head Chef and has been passionately practising his art here since.
Being a native Cook Islander, Mata is very passionate about the local flavours of his home country – something that you’ll definitely note with his unique culinary creations. His dishes utilise as much local ingredients as possible depending on availability and season to truly capture the essence of the islands and to provide guests with a unique, unforgettable dining experience.
Taking care of the hospitality side of things is the ever friendly Baciseva Rayasidamu or ‘Lena’ as she’s fondly called, the front house manager. Lena, an islander of Fijian descent, is there to ensure that your dining experience is pleasant and cordial. She has been at the Kikau Hut for close to a decade where she’s a well-loved personality – both by guests and fellow staff alike.
The menu – something for everyone
Kikau Hut is an à la carte restaurant, which means diners have the freedom to choose the dishes they want from the menu from entrées all through to the desserts. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes with fishes sourced fresh from the surrounding Pacific Ocean and fruits and salad produce bought from local markets.
The restaurant offers a healthy mix of authentic local dishes, traditional European and Antipodean cuisines with a localised touch to suit a variety of taste pallets.
Entrée options include Hannah’s garlic bread, seafood fan, beef gulai and Kikau chowder, just to name a few. Among the main dishes you can pick from are Rarotonga-style fish (created by the chef with all local produce), Mata’s island moa and Wale’s rib eye stake.
For dessert your options include Hut’s banana/chocolate bread & butter pudding, Lena’s banoffee pie and Natalie’s gluten free cake. The desserts use local seasonal fruits and are combined with chef’s home-made sauces. Salads options are also available if you’re looking for something light or meat free. Special dietary requirements can also be catered to upon request.
There’s also a kid’s menu that includes soft drinks and juices, fries, chicken nuggets, fish, mini burgers and a sundae special to get the little ones excited.
If you’d prefer to eat what you have caught, Kikau Hut will gladly cook the fish you’ve brought from your fishing trip.
The restaurant also offers a full range of beers, cocktails, wines and spirits that can be enjoyed either at the indoor or outdoor dining areas.
Kikau Hut Restaurant is a must visit for any foodie as well as diners looking to experience the authentic flavours of Rarotonga cuisine.
Source: http://kikau-hut-is-an-a-la-carte-restaurant-in-arorangi.pen.io
