Mumu
East
New Britain
A mumu is a traditional way of cooking
in East New Britain. Rocks are
heated with fire for
several hours, and in the meantime
food is prepared. The food usually
consists of sweet potatoes, yams,
bananas, taro, and chicken or
pork. These ingredients are mixed
together and placed inside freshly
cut leaves from a banana tree.
The banana leaves are wrapped
tightly so that no air can leak
out, and just before the package
is sealed, coconut grease is
poured into the package to flavor
the ingredients. The package
is then placed on the pile of
hot rocks and covered with additional
rocks and coconut husks. After
cooking for several hours or
overnight, the feast may be eaten.
Very tasty!
