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Tahiti Culinary journey
Made up of five archipelagos and 118 islands, French Polynesia — tucked away in the heart of the South Pacific — is a legendary destination.
Just the mention of Tahiti conjures visions of an idyllic paradise where imagination dances close to reality. Remote, tropical, and lush, these islands form a world of their own: vast white-sand beaches lined with coconut palms, turquoise lagoons, emerald seas, and fragrant tiare flowers worn as necklaces — a vibrant palette of colors and scents.
Moorea, Bora Bora, Tuamotu, the Windward Islands, the Leeward Islands, the Marquesas — where Gauguin once painted the light…
The cuisine of Tahiti is internationally renowned for its fresh fish and exotic fruits and vegetables, prepared with Polynesian influence and a touch of French flair. Tahitians are also known for their delicate sauces, which often contain home-grown vanilla beans and freshly squeezed coconut milk. Parrot fish, ahi, mahi-mahi and other fresh fish are divine in this light sauce.
Chevrettes
another popular Tahitian dish, are tasty freshwater shrimp which can also be found on the beautiful native islands of Tahiti.
No amura’a (meal) is complete without a rich dessert inspired by the islands. The ultimate Tahitian dessert is Poe, a sweet pudding made of taro root flavored with banana, vanilla, papaya or pumpkin and topped with a rich coconut-milk sauce.
Looking for something a little lighter? Try the mouth-watering French croissants or the tasty biscuit-like treats, kato, which are made with coconut milk. A cup of the local coffee flavored with vanilla beans and served with sugar and coconut cream compliments any of these delicious Tahitian treats.
Totally Tahititan
Stop by the roulottes located near the wharf - a great way to sample Tahiti’s varied cuisine while experiencing local culture. The roulottes, or rolling restaurants, are colorful, electrically lit vans that offer the best inexpensive dining in Papeete. Both locals and visitors can dine on a variety of dishes from roast pork and pizzas to chow mein and flaming crêpes.
Another way to sample authentic Tahitian cuisine is to attend a Tahitian feast called a tamaaraa. At the feast, visitors will be greeted by traditional Polynesian singing, dancing and celebration. Native Tahitian dishes of fish, roasted pork and chicken are cooked in an underground oven called ahimaa and are served as a sample of classic Tahitian cuisine.
Baguettes anyone?
Check out those little boxes outside homes that look like mail boxes. They are not for mail, but for French bread delivery. Residents get a fresh loaf dropped off twice a day. But alas, they must go to the post office to retrieve their mail!

Tahitian-Style Raw Fish with Coconut Milk - A well-known dish made with chunks of tuna (red or white), carrots, cucumber, and onion. Add lime juice, a pinch of salt, and coconut milk to enjoy an authentic Tahitian-style raw fish, best served with warm rice!

Tahitian Sunday Morning Donuts - This is a coconut milk doughnut, a Tahitian specialty enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack with butter, spread, or simply on its own.

A delicious and surprising dish: Mahi Mahi, a fish beloved by Tahitians, grilled and served with a vanilla sauce made from the famous vanilla of Taha’a.

Switch up your usual bread—this one is made with grated coconut and coconut milk. A true delight!

Coconut milk plays the role of conductor—whether it's used to braise pork, add creaminess to a risotto, infuse the dough of a firi firi, or bring a raw fish salad to life. Coconut oil is brushed over shrimp skewers or the skin of a fish, and the coconut itself transforms into a homemade Bounty bar.
Collaboration: e-Tahiti-travel.com
Coconut Photo: Tijana Drndarski, Unsplash
Coconut bread Photo: Mel'i Mel'o du Fenua

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