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🥩
Main course Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥580kcal
💪38gProtein
🌾22gCarbs
🥑38gFat
🌿2gFibre
⚖️350 gServing

* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.

Allergens

🐟 Fish 🥜 Nuts

Bougna

How to order / say it
Say it Bougna — [Boon-ya]
Order I'd like to try the Bougna, please.
Locally Je voudrais essayer le Bougna, s'il vous plaît.
Say locally

Bougna is a traditional New Caledonian dish cooked in banana leaves.

Why try it?

Bougna represents the Melanesian roots of the indigenous Kanak people of New Caledonia. It embodies the communal spirit as it is often prepared for special gatherings and celebrations, providing travelers a taste of local traditions.

How it tastes

The taste is a blend of hearty flavors from chicken, root vegetables, and coconut milk, all slow-cooked together, resulting in tender, aromatic, and flavorful bites.

Origin & History — first documented: 1850

Bougna has been a part of New Caledonia's culinary heritage since at least the 19th century. Initially prepared by the Kanak people using traditional earth ovens, it became iconic due to its communal and festive associations.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥩 500 g chicken
  • 🥕 5 pieces banana leaves
  • 🥛 200 ml coconut milk
  • 🥕 300 g sweet potatoes
  • 🥕 300 g taro
  • 🌿 15 g fresh coriander

Method

  1. 1 Prepare the meat and vegetables.
  2. 2 Wrap them in banana leaves.
  3. 3 Cook in an earthen oven for several hours.

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All Oceania recipes — New Caledonia — Noumea — Bougna
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