Umu Rapa Nui

Umu is a traditional dish originating from the Easter Islands as a specialty of the Rapa Nui people and a version of the more popular Chilean curanto. A hole is frist dug in the ground and the base is covered with kindling. A pile of volcanic rocks is placed on the kindling and everything is set alight.

The stones are then covered with banana leaves, and the banana leaves are topped with strips of fish and meat. There's another layer of leaves and rocks on top so that the fish and meat are cooked from above and below. Various types of potatoes and vegetables are placed on the top layer, and the dish is slowly cooked for up to six hours. The preparation of umu is a special occasion for the entire community, and the dish is always served to huge crowds of people.

Umu is often prepared for weddings, religious festivities, and Tapati, a celebration of the Rapa Nui culture that's held annually in February.