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Food & Dining

Food & Dining

Tahiti And French Polynesia

Culinary Overview

Cultural & Historical Context

French Polynesian cuisine reflects a fusion of traditional Tahitian, French, and Chinese influences, shaped by the islands' environment.

The arrival of French colonizers introduced European culinary techniques, while Chinese immigrants contributed stir-fries and noodle preparations, creating a distinctive taste profile.

Dining Customs & Meal Times

  • Dining in Bora Bora is generally relaxed, even at fine dining establishments.
  • Tipping is not customary or expected, as service charges often arrive within menu prices.
  • Casual attire is acceptable for most local eateries; resort fine dining accepts smart casual to elegant wear.
  • Meal times: Breakfast 7-10 AM, Lunch 12-2 PM, Dinner 6:30-9:30 PM. Many resorts offer half-board or full-board options.

Ingredients & Flavors

Fresh Seafood & Tropical Fruits

Fish (tuna, mahi-mahi, snapper) forms the core. Abundant fruits include mango, pineapple, papaya, and passion fruit.

Root Vegetables & Coconut Milk

Taro, breadfruit (uru), sweet potato are staple carbohydrates. Coconut milk adds creaminess and a distinctive flavor to many dishes.

Lime & Tahitian Vanilla

Lime "cooks" raw fish in Poisson cru. Tahitian vanilla, known for its rich, floral aroma, features in desserts and sauces.

Regional Variations

  • Local "roulottes" (food trucks) and guesthouse meals present authentic, traditional French Polynesian flavors.
  • Resort dining often features a globalized menu, adapting local ingredients to international dishes.
  • Seafood dictates many local diets, reflecting reliance on the ocean.
  • The island environment and history have shaped its distinct culinary blend.

Must-Try Dishes

Signature Dishes

Poisson Cru

The national dish of French Polynesia: fresh, raw tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk with diced vegetables.

A refreshing and iconic taste, widely available at resorts, local eateries, and roulottes.

Grilled Fish

Freshly caught fish like mahi-mahi or tuna, often grilled simply with butter, lemon, or a light sauce.

Many restaurants and roulottes offer daily fresh catch options.

Poulet Fafa & Chao Mein

Poulet Fafa: chicken cooked in coconut milk with taro leaves. Chao Mein: Chinese noodle dishes, popular due to Chinese influence.

Both present an unique fusion of flavors; Fafaru (fermented fish) is a local acquired taste, less common for tourists.

Traditional Beverages

  • Fresh Fruit Juices: Made from local mango, pineapple, and papaya, these juices are refreshing and flavorful.
  • Hinano Beer: The local beer of French Polynesia, widely accessible across the island.
  • Rhum Arrange: Rum infused with local fruits and spices, a flavorful alcoholic drink often found at bars.
  • Coconut Water: Fresh from the source, directly from a young coconut, an ideal tropical refresher.

Street Food & Desserts

Roulottes Food Trucks

Near Vaitape Pier in the evenings, these provide the best source for affordable and authentic meals like grilled fish, steak frites, and Chinese food.

Po'e & Fresh Fruit

Po'e is a sweet, pudding-like dessert (taro, banana, or pumpkin), served with coconut milk. Fresh fruit platters are abundant and delightful.

Dining Options

Fine Dining

These establishments reside mainly within luxury resorts, offering sophisticated menus and ambiance.

  • Lagoon Restaurant by Jean-Georges (St. Regis)
  • Arii Moana (Four Seasons Resort)
  • Iriatai French Restaurant (Conrad Bora Bora Nui)

Mid-Range Restaurants

These selections deliver quality meals in a relaxed setting, often on the main island.

  • Bloody Mary's Restaurant & Bar (famous casual spot)
  • St. James Restaurant (Vaitape, French & Polynesian mix)
  • Fare Manuia (local favorite)

Budget Eateries & Street Food

For affordable and authentic options, look to these spots.

  • Roulottes (Food Trucks near Vaitape Pier)
  • Snacks (small local eateries for quick meals)
  • Supermarkets (Chin Lee, Super U for groceries & self-catering)

Markets & Food Halls

Local Markets

Smaller versions of the Papeete market in Vaitape; offer fresh produce, fish, and some prepared snacks.

A glimpse into local commerce, suitable for self-catering.

Supermarkets

Located in Vaitape, these stock groceries, snacks, drinks, and ingredients for meal preparation.

A good source for beverages and water.

International Cuisine Options

Resort Variety

Luxury resorts often feature Italian, Japanese, and American cuisine.

Main Island Influences

Chinese and French influences are common in restaurants.

Adapting Local Fare

Many establishments adapt local ingredients to international dishes.

Diverse Menus

A globalized menu selection across many dining locations.

Special Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian & Vegan Options

  • Resorts are increasingly accommodating to dietary restrictions; vegetables and fruits are abundant.
  • Communicate your needs clearly to restaurant staff, notably at resorts.
  • Poisson Cru can adapt to a vegetarian version using only vegetables and coconut milk.
  • Supermarkets display fresh produce for self-catering.

Halal & Kosher Availability

Limited Options

Halal and Kosher food options are extremely limited, if available at all, in Bora Bora.

Travelers with these dietary requirements should plan for extensive self-catering.

Pre-packaged Food

Bringing pre-packaged foods suitable for your diet is a consideration.

Choose resorts willing to prepare special meals with advance notice, but do not expect certified options.

Gluten-Free & Other Allergen-Aware Dining

Allergen Communication Tips
Inform resort kitchens in advance.
Carry a translation card for severe allergies.
Focus on naturally gluten-free foods (grilled fish, rice, fruits).
Be cautious with sauces and fried items.
Inform tour operators about allergies during booking.
Resorts are generally knowledgeable for common allergies.
Allergy Translation Cards

For severe allergies, carrying a translation card in French clearly stating your restrictions can be immensely beneficial.

Translation Apps for Communication

Using a translation app on your phone can bridge language gaps when explaining dietary needs at local eateries.

Download a Translation app for offline use.

Resources for Dietary Needs

Pre-Trip Communication
  • This allows them to prepare suitable options.
  • Special meal requests are often accommodated with prior notice.
Local Eatery Challenges
  • Explaining complex dietary needs at local eateries may present challenges.
  • Learn basic French/Tahitian phrases related to your diet.
Self-Catering Control
  • Visit local supermarkets for ingredients if you plan to self-cater part of your meals.
  • This method offers maximum control over your food.

Culinary Experiences

Unique Dining Concepts

Overwater Dining

Many resort restaurants reside directly over the lagoon, featuring glass floor panels to view marine life below.

Stunning ambiance Marine life views
Explore private dining
Private Beach/Lagoon Dinners

Resorts frequently offer romantic private dining experiences on secluded beaches or floating platforms.

Intimate setting for special occasions
View romantic options
Theme Nights & Motu Picnics

Resorts host Polynesian theme nights with buffets and traditional dance shows. Lagoon tours often include motu picnics.

Culinary and cultural entertainment
Discover experiences

Workshops & Cultural Events

  • Cooking Classes: Some luxury resorts offer private classes focused on local or French-inspired dishes.
  • Farm Visits: Visit vanilla farms on nearby Taha'a ("Vanilla Island") for insight into local production.
  • Food Festivals: Local festivals, like Heiva i Tahiti in July, may feature traditional food stalls and communal meals.
  • Cultural Performances: Resorts host Polynesian dance shows during traditional buffet nights, with fire dancers.

Local Insights & Interaction

Guesthouse Experiences

Guesthouses on the main island offer direct interaction with local families and cultural immersion.

A more personal and authentic cultural connection.

Hands-on Cultural Skills

Some resorts or guesthouses feature basic classes in weaving, sarong tying, or traditional cooking demonstrations.

A tangible introduction to Polynesian crafts and skills.

Culinary Planning Advice

Book in Advance

Private dining experiences and special events often require booking ahead.

Inquire on Arrival

Ask about resort theme nights or special dining events upon arrival.

Roulotte Shuttle

If staying on a motu resort, check for boat shuttles to Vaitape for evening roulotte visits.

Dining Tip

Be adventurous with your food selections. Trying Poisson cru at a local roulotte delivers an authentic taste of the island.

  • Explore various local eateries.
  • Engage with local hosts for dining suggestions.
  • Consider a cooking class to learn Polynesian techniques.
  • Fresh fish is a staple, always a recommended choice.
  • Do not miss the fresh tropical fruit juices.