Introduction
French Polynesia is an archipelago made up of just over 118 islands, located in the South Pacific. This dream destination is known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, corals, fauna and flora, but also for its unique gastronomy. Indeed, Polynesian cuisine is a blend of flavors, ingredients and culinary techniques that have been inherited from Tahitian, French and Chinese cultures, as well as influences from surrounding countries. In this article, discover the culinary specialties of Polynesia to taste during your next trip.
Tahitian raw fish
Tahitian raw fish, also known as coconut milk raw fish, is the signature dish of French Polynesia. This delicate and fresh dish is prepared with fresh fish cut into small cubes, lime juice, coconut milk, cucumber, tomato, onion and salt. Tahitian-style raw fish is served cold and often accompanies other Polynesian dishes.
The fresh fish
The choice of fresh fish is crucial for the success of this dish. Favorite varieties are tuna, mahi-mahi and snapper.
coconut milk
Coconut milk is the base of the sauce that accompanies Tahitian raw fish. It brings a delicious sweetness that goes perfectly with fresh fish and crunchy vegetables.
Accompaniments
The most common accompaniments are cucumber, tomato, onion and salt. They bring freshness and texture to the dish.
The fafa
Fafa is a popular dish in Polynesian cuisine. It is prepared with local spinach, called fafa, which is cooked in coconut milk and accompanied by meat, often pork, beef or chicken.
Local spinach
Local spinach, or fafa, is a variety of spinach that grows exclusively in French Polynesia. They have a unique, slightly bitter flavor that goes perfectly with coconut milk.
coconut milk
Coconut milk is the base of the sauce that accompanies spinach. It brings a delicious sweetness that counterbalances the slight bitterness of spinach.
Meats
The most commonly used meats are pork, beef and chicken. They add texture and flavor to the dish.
grilled fish
Grilled fish is a must in Polynesian cuisine. It is prepared with fresh fish grilled on the barbecue and accompanied by rice, grilled vegetables and a sauce made with lime and coriander.
The fresh fish
The choice of fresh fish is crucial for the success of this dish. Favorite varieties are tuna, mahi-mahi and snapper.
Grilled vegetables
The most commonly grilled vegetables are eggplant, zucchini and bell pepper. They bring texture and color to the dish.
Lime and coriander sauce
The sauce is prepared with lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt and pepper. It brings freshness and spiciness to the dish.
The fafa chicken
Chicken fafa is a traditional dish from French Polynesia prepared with chicken, local spinach, coconut milk and served with rice.
The chicken
The chicken is cooked in coconut milk and spinach. The result is tender, aromatic meat that flakes easily with a fork.
Local spinach
Local spinach, or fafa, is a variety of spinach that grows exclusively in French Polynesia. They have a unique, slightly bitter flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken.
coconut milk
Coconut milk is the base of the sauce that accompanies spinach and chicken. It brings a delicious sweetness that counterbalances the slight bitterness of spinach.
smoked fish
Smoked fish is a traditional Polynesian dish. It is prepared with hot-smoked fresh fish, and served with rice and crunchy vegetables.
The fresh fish
The choice of fresh fish is crucial for the success of this dish. Favorite varieties are mahi-mahi, marlin and tuna.
Smoking
Fresh fish is hot-smoked for several hours, giving it a delicious smoky flavor.
The crunchy vegetables
The vegetables most commonly served with smoked fish are cucumber, tomato and onion. They bring freshness and texture to the dish.
The desserts
Polynesian cuisine is also rich in delicious desserts.
the poet
Po’e is a dessert made from mashed red fruit, cassava flour, coconut milk and sugar. It is steamed and served cold.
Coconut flan
Flan coco is a creamy dessert made with coconut milk, eggs, sugar and vanilla. It is baked and served cold.
banana pie
Banana pie is a sweet pie made with caramelized bananas, cream and sugar. It is often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Conclusion
Polynesian cuisine is rich in unique flavors, ingredients and cooking techniques. Iconic French Polynesian dishes such as Tahitian-style raw fish, fafa, grilled fish, chicken fafa, and smoked fish are not to be missed on your next trip. Polynesian desserts such as po’e, coco flan and banana pie will perfectly complement your Polynesian dining experience. Enjoy your food !
FAQs
Q: What are the ingredients needed to prepare Tahitian raw fish?
A: The ingredients needed to prepare Tahitian raw fish are fresh fish, lime juice, coconut milk, cucumber, tomato, onion and salt.
Q: What are the most common vegetables grilled with grilled fish?
A: The most common vegetables grilled with grilled fish are eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper.
Q: What is local spinach, or fafa?
A: Local spinach, or fafa, is a variety of spinach that grows exclusively in French Polynesia. They have a unique, slightly bitter flavor that goes perfectly with coconut milk.
Q: What are the most popular Polynesian desserts?
A: The most popular Polynesian desserts are banana po’e, coco flan, and banana pie.