Palace Takeaways became our go-to spot during our early days in Rarotonga. It’s conveniently located on the outskirts of the main town, close to the airport. With a group of 27, we needed a place that could handle our size, and this spot was perfect. We ended up visiting at least three times, including their Wednesday happy hour. I sampled quite a few of their burgers, including one from their “secret menu”—a burger served “wet.”

The standard hamburger was great. The vegetables were fresh and crispy, providing a nice crunch, and the meat patty was well-cooked, with a homemade quality. Inside, there was a blend of mayonnaise and tomato sauce that complemented the flavors.

The cheeseburger, in my opinion, was even better. The cheese tied everything together nicely. It had all the elements of the hamburger but with a piece of cheese melted on the patty as it grilled, which made a big difference.

The “wet” cheeseburger was on a whole other level. Wrapped in foil, it came with a rich, flavorful sauce at the bottom—probably a blend of mayonnaise and coconut milk. The salad was pared down to just lettuce, but the sauce made up for it. This burger was a total surprise—one of the best I’ve had. It was simple, classic, and the sauce added a messy but worthwhile twist.

I also tried the bacon burger, opting to have it “wet” as well. It came with two crispy slices of bacon that added a satisfying crunch. The rest of the burger was similar to the cheeseburger, minus the cheese, and I might have enjoyed this one even more. The bacon gave it a great flavor, but next time, I might combine it with cheese for the best of both worlds.

Their fries and fried mussels were also on point. The fries were well-seasoned and perfectly cooked, with fresh-tasting oil. The fried mussels had a nice crunch, though the batter was a little thick for my taste. Still, they were fresh, flavorful, and so good I ordered them twice.

Overall, the burgers were reasonably priced and just as I remembered them from six years ago. A bonus: on Wednesdays, some burgers are only $3.50—a great deal. The place is popular with locals, though I was surprised not to see more tourists. Maybe the atmosphere throws them off, but they’re definitely missing out.