Lolowai
Lolowai is a traditional Polynesian dish originating from the Cook Islands, specifically from the island of Rarotonga. The name "Lolowai" translates to "cooked in the ground," reflecting its preparation method, which involves cooking food in an underground pit or *umu*. This method has been used for centuries across Polynesia, allowing for slow, even cooking of meats, fish, and vegetables.
The dish typically consists of layers of food placed in a pit lined with heated stones. Common
The preparation of Lolowai requires careful planning, as it involves digging a pit, heating stones, and layering
Beyond the Cook Islands, variations of the dish exist in other Polynesian cultures, such as Hawaii’s *imu*