Cuisine in Tahiti: Dishes not to be missed
If you are a lover of gastronomy and want to discover new flavors, Tahiti is an essential destination for you. Tahitian cuisine is a real explosion of flavors that combines fish, the main dish with vegetables, local fruits and coconut milk. In this article, we are going to explore the dishes not to be missed during your visit to French Polynesia.
Fish, the essential ingredient of Tahitian cuisine
Fish is the main dish of Tahitian cuisine. The people of Tahiti are proud of their sea fishing tradition and the freshness of the fish is always guaranteed. The most popular local fish varieties are mahi-mahi, tuna, barracuda, and mackerel. These succulent fish are cooked in a variety of ways, including grilled, pan-fried or steamed.
Traditional Tahitian dishes
Tahiti’s most famous dish is raw fish marinated in coconut milk, called Tahitian raw fish. It’s an explosion of flavors with a combination of fresh fish, colorful vegetables and creamy coconut milk. Tahitian raw fish is served as a main dish or as an accompaniment to main dishes such as fafa, chicken fafaru or fried fish.
Fafa is a dish prepared from local green vegetables such as taro leaves, accompanied by fish and coconut. It is often served with rice or bread.
Chicken fafaru is a chicken dish marinated in fafaru sauce, a traditional Tahitian sauce that combines vegetable pulp, lime and salt.
The fried fish, called raw coconut fried fish, is a crispy and crunchy local fish, which is dipped in a batter made from flour, grated coconut and spices before being fried.
Typical Tahitian dishes
Among the typical dishes of Tahiti there is coco bread, a bread made from coconut milk, perfect to accompany main courses or simply to be eaten with butter.
Po’e, a sweet dessert made from sweet potatoes or taro, is a delicious, sweet, savory mix popular in Tahitian cuisine.
Coconut milk is also an essential component of many other Tahitian dishes. It is used to add a creamy, smooth flavor to sweet and savory dishes such as curries, soups and sauces.
A few restaurants to try in Tahiti
If you are looking for where to eat in Tahiti, you can try traditional dishes in local establishments such as the Poulet Fafa snack bar such as the famous Roulotte food truck in Papeete or the Trou du Souffleur located in Mahina which offers French and Tahitian cuisine based on local products. The restaurant l’O à la Bouche, located on the waterfront of Papeete, also offers refined French cuisine with a Tahitian touch.
FAQs
What are the main ingredients of Tahitian cuisine?
Tahitian dishes are prepared from fresh fish, local vegetables, seafood, coconut and coconut milk.
What are the traditional dishes of Tahitian cuisine?
Traditional dishes of Tahitian cuisine include Tahitian raw fish, fafa, chicken fafaru and coconut fried raw fish.
Where to eat traditional Tahitian dishes in Tahiti?
Local restaurants like Poulet Fafa for a snack or Trou du Souffleur for French and Tahitian cuisine made with local produce are places where you can try traditional dishes of Tahitian cuisine.
Conclusion
Tahitian cuisine is an exciting culinary discovery for food lovers. Tahitian dishes are an explosion of flavors, very fresh and based on local ingredients. If you want to visit Tahiti, don’t forget to taste these amazing dishes and leave with the memory of Tahitian dishes.