If you consider yourself a fan of overseas culinary experiences, then this comprehensive foodie’s guide to Tahiti is perfect for you. The next time you go on a Tahiti holiday, you owe it to yourself to try the country’s signature style of food - one that combines fresh produce with traditional Polynesian cooking techniques with an eye towards constant innovation.

At Spacifica Travel, we offer a range of Tahiti holiday packages that - along with providing a holiday of a lifetime - allow you to experience the best of French Polynesian cuisine. Make sure you have a notebook at the ready to jot down these exquisite must-try dining experiences for your Tahiti vacation.

Must-try Dishes in Tahiti

No Tahiti or Bora Bora holiday is complete without trying some of the islands’ must-try dishes. With so much history and heritage found in French Polynesian food, you would be wise to sample as much local cuisine as possible during your stay.

The most famous dish found on the Islands of Tahiti is Posisson Cru. This is marinated raw tuna in lime and coconut milk and is a staple throughout Tahiti thanks to the abundance of fish and coconuts found in and around the islands. Plantains, taro, chicken, and roast pork also feature heavily in the Tahitian diet, and there is an abundance of meals that make terrific use of these ingredients.

Last, but certainly not least, is Firi Firi. This delicious style of doughnut is made with coconut milk and is often eaten alongside breakfast every morning.

Fresh Produce in Tahiti

In Tahiti, there is no shortage of mouth-watering fresh produce. Tropical fruits, such as mango, pineapple, and vanilla thrive in the island's lush conditions. Coconuts are particularly cherished, with their water and flesh being staple elements in the local cuisine, offering a refreshing and nutritious treat. Papaya and bananas are also regular snacks and ingredients in meals, each adding their distinct flavours and textures to the Tahitian diet.

Seafood is another cornerstone of Tahitian cuisine, with the surrounding Pacific Ocean teeming with marine life. Fish like mahi-mahi, tuna, and lagoon fish are commonly featured on menus you will come across in your Tahiti and Bora Bora holidays, often prepared using traditional methods that highlight their freshness.

The Mix of The Old and the New

While strong traditions run through Tahitian cuisine, contemporary chefs are finding new ways to innovate on old favourites. A classic example that is becoming more popular in Tahitian restaurants is infusing Poisson Cru with new ingredients such as mango, avocado, and new types of fish to the dish. Some other Tahitian dishes that mix the old with the new include:

• Tahitian Poke Bowls: Inspired by the Hawaiian poke bowls, Tahitian chefs are creating their versions using traditional Tahitian ingredients. They may include raw fish, seaweed, taro, and tropical fruits like pineapple or papaya. These bowls offer a modern presentation while highlighting Tahitian flavours.
• Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Vanilla Sauce: Grilled fish is a staple in Tahitian cuisine, and chefs are elevating this dish by incorporating Tahitian vanilla into the sauce. The sweetness of the vanilla complements the savoury flavours of the fish, creating a unique and delicious fusion dish.
• Taro Puree with Coconut Foam: Taro is a traditional root vegetable in Tahitian cuisine, often used in savoury dishes. Contemporary chefs may turn it into a creamy puree and serve it with a modern twist, such as topping it with coconut foam or infusing it with exotic spices for added depth of flavour.
• Banana Leaf-Wrapped Fish: Wrapping fish in banana leaves is a traditional Tahitian cooking method used to infuse the fish with flavour and keep it moist during cooking. Contemporary chefs may experiment with different seasonings and marinades before wrapping the fish, adding a modern twist to this classic technique.
• Tahitian Vanilla Infused Desserts: Tahitian vanilla is prized for its unique flavour, and chefs are incorporating it into a variety of desserts. From vanilla-infused custards to creamy panna cottas, Tahitian vanilla adds a luxurious and exotic touch to traditional desserts.

Contact Spacifica Travel

Hopefully this foodie’s guide to Tahiti has shed some light on why French Polynesian cuisine is so special and absolutely worth a try during your next holiday here. If you need help planning and booking a Tahiti holiday, contact the team at Spacifica Travel today. photos courtesy of Conrad Bora Bora & Intercontinental Thalasso Spa