French Paradise: Noumea’s Food Trail
People told us the South Pacific island of New Caledonia was a little piece of France with a lot of azure water, but we didn’t truly believe them until we touched down in the capital. Noumea is set on a hilly peninsula surrounded by sweeping bays and a handful of virtually untouched islets just off the coast. The scenery screams South Pacific, but the food scene is French fusion.
Expect to see baguettes and gooey French cheeses sold alongside coconuts and yams at the local market – the tropical and Gallic blend of influences makes the island such a delicious destination for foodies. Here’s our guide to eating your way around town:
Spring rolls for breakfast?
Noumea’s no-frills snack bars have adopted several classic Asian dishes over the years, so it’s not unusual to see locals slurping bowls of Vietnamese pho for brunch. Head to the Chinatown district and look out for vendors ladling nem from the deep-fryer. Deliciously naughty, this grease-laden street-food looks like a fat spring roll and consists of minced pork, beef or crab wrapped in a wonton and plunged in bubbling oil.
If you prefer to start the day with something sweet, head to Noumea’s oldest bakery – La Vieille France (77 Rue de Sébastopol). The team start baking at 2:30am, making 20kg of croissants every day. Like kids in a candy shop, we grabbed doughnuts, strawberry tarts and chocolate eclairs before trying to sample all 32 flavours of macaron – the Coca-Cola variety was interesting. Their speciality is the Coeurs de Voh, a heart-shaped chocolate made in honour of the stunning heart-shaped magrove glade north of the main island of New Caledonia.
If your sweet-tooth still isn’t satisfied, or you need a few souvenirs, make a beeline for Chocolat Morand (9 Rue Porcheron) in the old Latin Quarter – this is artisan chocolate-making at its best. Classically French-trained owner Patrick sources chocolate from all over the world to feature in his inventive creations. He’s keen to show off the latest recipes (the guy has more than 200 up his sleeve) so samples are forthcoming – we suggest you request the delicious 55% dark French chocolate filled with a mint and green tea white chocolate ganache. Other flavours include mango, Szechuan pepper, basil and mandarin. Need we say more?
More Articles With Destination
Expedia has released its 2023 Air Travel Hacks Report, providing six proven tips to help save travellers time and money.
Planning for travel in a post-lockdown era can be stressful. The team at Expedia has prepared this guide to help with all the questions travellers may have on the New Zealand and Cook Islands Travel Bubble. Note: The information provided below has been prepared to give travellers guidance on the arrangements to date. We encourage… Continue reading Cook Islands Travel Bubble guide
Planning for travel in a post-pandemic era can be stressful. The team at Expedia has prepared this guide to help with all the questions you may have on the Australia and New Zealand Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble. Note: The information provided below has been prepared to give travellers guidance on the arrangements to date. We encourage… Continue reading Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble Guide
Oahu. A land where swaying palm trees and aquamarine beaches meet fine dining and five star hotels. Where surfing, smoothie shacks coupled with road trips to meet dinosaurs are part of the everyday. Where honeymooners dance under the stars and couples curl up on the beach in cabanas. It’s almost too easy to turn on… Continue reading Oahu – the easiest romantic holiday ever
Are you looking for a romantic getaway that’s big, bold and beautiful? If you want to take things up a notch, and go way beyond the typical honeymoon, anniversary or couple’s getaway, you need to make a beeline for Hawaii Island. Here’s why: Size First off, yes, there is a reason Hawaii Island is known… Continue reading Why we love Hawaii Island