Polynesian cuisine today is a tasty blend of different influences.
Polynesia, through your stomach
The traditional element is essentially based on local fish, fruit and vegetables.
Fish and coconuts are the traditional items par excellence. The best known dish is « poisson cru » a delicious ceviche-style combination of raw fish marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk.
We also cook using a ground oven, the « ma’a Tahiti », a hollow in the earth filled with hot stones heated on embers. Fish, suckling pig, chicken, root and other vegetables and fruits are wrapped in banana leaves and placed on the stones. The whole is covered by a layer of more leaves and slow-baked for many hours. The meal may be served with a fermented coconut milk called mitihue.
A local, little-known caramelized delight is made by dipping a hot stone into coconut milk.
Apart from traditional dishes, you will also recognize the widespread influence of both Chinese and French cuisines.
The fusion of the three cuisines can be found throughout French Polynesia in many restaurants. To name just a few of our favorites : mahi mahi with a vanilla sauce » or roast pua’a (roast pork) or poe (a fruit and starch mixture) or pai (wraps stuffed with coconut or banana) or coconut bread or firi firi (sweet fritters)…
Enjoy !
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