Get a Taste of the Cook Islands at the Museum

Get a Taste of the Cook Islands at the Museum this Saturday

Situated between west and east Polynesia, the Cook Islands embrace the best of both 'nesian food worlds. Chef Aketaura Makimou will this Saturday demonstrate the best of Cook Islands' cuisine with the preparation of Pai varaipani, a sweetener made from very ripe bananas mixed with arrowroot / cassava starch.

Pai varaipani is a food typically included in children's school lunches, as part of feasts and eaten during all occasions. Cook Islands people after moving to NZ in the 1930's have brought this method of cooking here.

In order to learn how to cook this food, young girls learn from parents / grandparents by helping with preparations and observing cooking. Over time one graduates from a helper / observer status to a taunga (expert) cook. One becomes an expert pai varaipani cook not by certification, but rather through verbal commendations of hungry people!

Aketaura Makimou has over 40 years experience in cooking pai varaipani and has satisfied hundreds of hungry people over the years. Entertainment will be provided by the Mauke Cultural Dance Group, already known to many Aucklanders from performances at the Pasifika Festival, Kia Orana Day and Matariki events.

The World on Your Plate series allows you to experience incredible foods from some of the 181 ethnic groups that call New Zealand's largest city home.

The following Saturday, August 14, is the Indian World on Your Plate

ENDS

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