When we think of Tahiti, we picture turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and luxury resorts. Food isn’t usually the first thing that cross our minds even though it can turn a good trip into a little disappointing one.
In Tahiti, you can get any kind of cuisine, local, American, European. I personally like to try local food wherever I travel because it’s one of the best ways to connect with locals and get a taste of their culture.
Tahiti’s cuisine is a blend of Polynesian, Chinese and French culinary. It’s mostly comprised of sea food but also includes beef, chicken and other local delicacies. I noticed that coconut is used in lots of things here, plus locals make good use of fish and fruits which I think because they are cheap and easily available to them since they are natural to the island. So there are lot of food options to try in Tahiti.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through the all the popular and some lesser-known foods in Tahiti. So when you visit you’ll know exactly what to eat and what to skip.
Popular Foods in Tahiti
Poisson cru
Poisson cru is a go to dish for Tahitians since it’s easy and quick to make. It’s simply a raw fish (mostly tuna or mahi mahi) with tomatoes, onions, cucumber, lime juice and coconut milk. Locals usually have it in breakfast and usually served with white rice. What I like about Poisson cru is that fresh and healthy ingredients are used to make this dish.
Posson cru is also called Eia ota in Tahitian. This is the national dish of Tahiti and you’ll find it at almost every food place in Tahiti.
Fafaru
Fafaru is a popular dish in Tahiti that locals love to eat. It’s one of those dishes either you’re going to love or simply hate it because of the strong smell. The dish contains slices of a raw fish usually tuna or marlin which is put in a jar of seawater fermented with shrimp heads. This tenderizes the fish and gives it a unique flavor. It’s usually served with fermented coconut milk sauce (mitihue).
This is not an everyday dish in Tahitian cuisine, locals usually prepare it for Sunday meal or during a celebration.
Po’e
If you’re looking to eat something sweet, then you should try Tahitian po’e. It’s a local dessert usually made with bananas mixed in tapioca flour, baked in oven and served chilled with coconut milk. This is popular as banana po’e. You can find this dish in other flavors as well like papaya, pumpkin, mango, guava, taro, etc.
Locals usually prepare po’e when they’re planning to eat something sweet along with a fish dish. This dish was introduced in Tahiti about 2000 years ago and have become an important part of ma’a tahiti (local meal).
Firi Firi
Firi Firi is a Tahitian doughnut that locals usually like to have it in breakfast. It’s made with flour and coconut milk with sugar that makes it crispy outside and soft inside. It’s shaped like a figure 8.
Fun fact: in Tahitian, “firi” means “to twist,” which is exactly how this doughnut gets its name.
So, if you’re craving something sweet, I’d definitely recommend giving this a try, you’ll likely fall in love with it. You can find Firi Firi just about everywhere in Tahiti, from small local bakeries to casual food spots.
Chicken Fafa
Chicken Fafa also known as Poulet Fafa is a traditional Polynesian dish made with chicken and taro leaves or sometimes spinach shoots. And of course, no Tahitian dish would be complete without coconut. The Chicken Fafa is slow-cooked in coconut milk, giving it a creamy, comforting flavor.
Locals usually prepare this dish during weekends or family gatherings. Cooking this dish is kind of becomes a communal activity because everyone in family joins in.
Ma’a Tinito
Ma’a Tinito is a popular dish in Tahiti that was invented by Chinese when they arrived in French Polynesia. It’s a mixture of Chinese and Tahitian flavors. It’s usually sweet and salty as locals make it with beans, meat (mostly pork), pasta, vegetables and accompaniments like soy sauce are added. And it’s served with banana or white rice if don’t want the sweet taste.
Pahua Taioro
Pahua Taioro is a bold, savory and salty dish. It’s often made with pahua (clam), though I also saw it served with raw tuna. Then it’s all soaked in a sauce that’s made from fermented coconut.
Locals usually eat it for lunch and you can find it easily on Sundays.
Uru (Breadfruit)
Breadfruit, or uru as locals call it, is everywhere in Tahiti. It’s a staple food in French Polynesia and some locals even call it the ‘Tree of Life’. The name comes from the fact that when it’s cooked and just ripe enough to eat, it resembles freshly baked bread because of its starchy texture.
As it ripens more, it gets sweeter. It’s usually eaten like potatoes or bread and goes well with corned beef or pâté.
You can prepare it in so many ways like mashed, boiled, roasted, fried, or even eaten raw. It’s delicious when cooked on an open fire until the outer skin is blackened.
If you get pre-cooked, fire-roasted breadfruit, slice and reheat it in a wok. Don’t use a microwave because a local guy warned me it makes it rubbery and dry.
Pua’a roti
Pua’a roti is roasted pork and you’ll find it as one of the most filling dishes in Tahiti. It’s made with large pieces of pork marinated in garlic, soy sauce, honey and ginger, then slowly roasted until the meat is tender and juicy.
This isn’t an everyday dish, Tahitians usually prepare it for Sundays, family gatherings and celebrations because pork has always been a sign of prosperity here.
You can find pua’a roti at markets and roadside stands on Sunday mornings.
It’s usually served with rice, taro, breadfruit or vegetable salads, and it’s definitely a real favorite among locals.
Fe’i
Fe’i is a traditional Polynesian banana with orange flesh that you will enjoy eating after cooking. Don’t try it raw because it smells bad when uncooked, but it’s better when fully or over ripe.
The flesh is drier and starchy with a slightly nutty flavor, so it’s different from regular bananas.
Locals usually boil, bake or stew it and serve it as a side dish with main courses, kind of like how you’d serve potatoes or rice.
Locals usually have fe’i at celebrations and traditional events.
Chow Mein
Chow Mein is a popular dish in Tahiti that was brought by Chinese immigrants in 19th century and has become part of the local food scene.
It’s made with wide Chinese soft wheat noodles stir-fried with chicken, pork, shrimp and vegetables like Chinese cabbage, carrots, onions and peas. The meat and shrimp are marinated in a mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger and rice starch which gives it that classic flavor. Everything gets cooked quickly over high heat.
Locals have made a Polynesian version of chow mein sandwich and it’s so delicious, you have to try it.
They usually eat it during lunch and it’s pretty cheap. You can easily find chow mein sandwiches at street food points and many restaurants in Tahiti.
Snacks in Tahiti
Mape
Mape is one of Tahiti’s most popular seasonal snacks. They’re starchy, soft and full of flavor, kind of like a mix between chestnuts and sweet potatoes.
Locals boil or roast them and sell them directly on the road in little plastic bags. You’ll find vendors selling mape everywhere and it’s pretty affordable.
It tastes best when it’s warm, so grab one fresh from the vendor if you can.
Bonbon Coco
Bonbon coco is a popular traditional Tahitian coconut candy that you’ll find in local grocery stores. It’s made by mixing red and white sugar with lots of grated coconut until you get the perfect sweet texture. The smell alone is incredible.
It’s usually wrapped in small bites so everyone can enjoy a piece, and they’re affordable enough to grab as a quick treat.
Each bite is sticky and sweet, and it’s one of those snacks that locals love to share with family and friends.
Mangue Bonbon Chinois
Mangue bonbon chinois is a popular Tahitian snack made with crunchy green mangoes dipped in a sweet, sour and savory red powder. Locals call them “Chinese candy” or Omaï powder.
It’s one of those treats that kids grow up eating here. You can also eat green mangoes with soy sauce, salt and chili, but the bonbon chinois powder is the classic way.
To make it, you peel and cut green mangoes into quarters, then sprinkle them with the powder, salt, sugar, vinegar and a bit of water. Mix it all together and let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour so the flavors really soak in.
You can find this snack at local markets and it’s perfect for a quick sweet and tangy bite.
How much food cost in Tahiti?
It’s true that food isn’t cheap in Tahiti, but when you look at the portions, it’s not that expensive and pretty much comparable to prices in the US. You’ll even find some items cheaper here.
For example, a budget meal at local snack bars and food trucks can cost around $15-$20 per person. If you’re eating at an upscale restaurant, expect to pay at least $80 to $100 for two people for a casual dine out.
Baguettes are popular and cheap here, costing around $0.60 to $1, which is great if you’re trying to save money on food.
Some Quick Answers
What is the best fish to eat in Tahiti?
Tuna is the best fish to eat in Tahiti. It’s what locals eat the most and you’ll find it in almost every dish, especially in poisson cru. The tuna here is super fresh since it’s caught daily in the waters around the island.
What is the most popular drink in Tahiti?
Mai Tai is the most popular drink in Tahiti and it’s a must-try when you’re here. It’s a tropical cocktail made with rum, lime juice, orange liqueur and a splash of orgeat syrup that gives it a sweet almond flavor. You’ll find Mai Tai at almost every bar and restaurant on the island.
What is the most popular dish in French Polynesia?
Poisson cru is hands down the most popular dish in French Polynesia. If you ask any local what they miss most when they leave the island, and nine times out of ten, poisson cru is the answer.
It’s the national dish and you’ll find it everywhere, from fancy restaurants to small local snacks. Every place makes it a bit differently, so I’d recommend trying it at a few spots to find your favorite version.
