Tahitian Food
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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. Restaurants offer French, Tahitian,
Chinese, Vietnamese and Italian dishes for the discerning palate. Tahitians
are also known for their delicate sauces, which often contain home-grown
vanilla beans and freshly squeezed coconut milk.
Poisson cru (ia ota),
is the national dish of Tahiti and Her Islands, and can be found in
most restaurants. This melt-in-your-mouth entree consists of raw fish
and diced vegetables marinated with lime juice and soaked in coconut
milk. 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.
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Les Roulottes, located near the
wharf, are 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 to the hungry visitors
as a sample of classic Tahitian cuisine. Visitors to Tahiti will receive
a final taste of Tahitian tradition as the tamaaraa concludes with a
full Polynesian show complete with exotic costumes and dancing.
Additional information:
Tahiti Tourisme, 300 Continental Blvd., Ste. 160, El Segundo, Calif.
90245 Tel: 800-365-4949 (U.S.) Fax: 310-414-8490
Web site: www.Tahiti-Tourisme.com
Email: info@tahiti-tourisme.com
