Features of Tahitian cuisine - what is worth trying

Tahitian cuisine combines an amazing mixture of culinary tastes of several nationalities, which has been formed over the course of history for more than one century. Most of the traditional dishes of the island of Tahiti consist of Polynesian, French and Chinese influences.

Culinary traditions of Tahiti

Food. The main ingredients that are included in the dishes of traditional Tahitian cuisine are fish, seafood, coconuts and coconut milk, meat, rice, lime and local fruits, necessarily root vegetables - taro, sweet potato and yams. When testing Tahitian food, you will notice a unique balance of sweet and sour tastes and spices, which differs from the gastronomic preferences of other tropical regions.

Cooking. The process of cooking in Tahiti is no less interesting than what you will see on the table as a result. Often, according to ancient traditions, ovens called ahima’a are used. They are dug into the ground and filled with hot volcanic rocks. In ahima’a, they bake meat, fish, vegetables, crabs, coconuts and other products, which are wrapped in palm leaves before cooking. Such a grill gives a unique aroma. It is worth noting that the main ingredient for creating delicious dishes, Tahitians consider fresh air. Therefore, outdoor kitchens, with underground ahima’a or open fires are commonplace here.

Drinks. Among the popular drinks of Tahiti, do not miss the opportunity to appreciate the taste of craft beer Hinano and tropical cocktail Tahiti Drink.

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What to try in Tahiti

The choice of traditional dishes is very diverse, so we will try to highlight a few that are really worth trying in Tahiti.

Poisson Cru

One of the key names in the menu of traditional dishes of Tahiti. This is nothing more than a salad of raw fish. Usually it is tuna. It is marinated in lime juice with the addition of coconut milk to remove the sharp sour taste. The fish is marinated for a short time, no more than 20 minutes. Then vegetables are added, for example tomatoes, peppers and onions, and spices. Poisson Cru is ready. Everything is very quick and simple, but obviously delicious. The dish is very popular among Tahitians and travelers.

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Fafaru

An unusual dish for gourmets. You can appreciate this culinary masterpiece, but to finish the entire portion you need a strong internal message. One thing is for sure - you will remember fafaru. In order to prepare it according to an ancient recipe, fish and shrimps are used. First, - the shrimps. They are chopped and poured with ordinary sea water, leaving to infuse in the open sun for two or three days. Then they are squeezed out, and the so-called marinade is used again to prepare raw tuna, which absorbs the infused liquid for about 8 hours. Can you imagine the smell? Fafaru is served with a local drink called miti hue, which is fermented coconut milk. Surprisingly, tuna ends up having a sweet-ish and quite mild taste, if you forget about the smell, of course.

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Ahima’a

Chicken or pork, roasted in an ahima’a oven. At the bottom of the pit, volcanic rocks are covered with coconut husks and wood. When the fire burns out, it is covered with banana leaves and the meat is laid on top. Almost a shashlik, but Tahitian. Watching the preparation of authentic ahima’a is a pleasure. This process is demonstrated to tourists with pride.

Poulet Fafa

Poulet Fafa is a meat barbecue with chicken, which is also cooked in an ahima’a oven. Pieces of meat are lightly fried in oil and taken out. Then chopped ginger, onion and garlic are added to the remaining oil. When the fruits give off their aroma, the chicken is returned back. Taro leaves are boiled separately, with the addition of coconut milk and cornstarch. The mixture of cooked meat and leaves creates an unusual flavor tandem.

Pahua Taioro

If you like seafood and want to enjoy an unusual taste, try Pahua Taioro. An exquisite combination of marinated snails and shellfish. The ingredients are first soaked in fresh water for several hours. Then the marinade is added, which usually consists of sea water, grated coconut, almonds, onions, garlic and spices.

Shrimp in coconut-vanilla sauce

Since we are talking about seafood, pay attention to a simple, but no less tasty and nutritious snack. Chevrettes à la vanille et coco are available in almost all restaurants and cafes. It is prepared from peeled shrimp and butter, with the addition of Tahitian vanilla, coconut milk, rum, cream and the simplest seasonings. Shrimp can be replaced with chicken or fish. Rice with spinach is usually served as a side dish.

Sashimi

A traditional Asian dish that has taken root in Tahiti. Thin slices of raw marinated fish, sometimes chicken, with soy sauce. A special feature of sashimi in the Tahitian interpretation is the enriched taste of the sauce, which includes mustard, ginger, onion, garlic, rapeseed oil, Chinese hoisin sauce and oyster sauce.

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Uru or breadfruit

"Uru", sometimes "ulu", is what they call the breadfruit in Polynesia. There are many recipes for its preparation. The unique fruit is fried in an underground oven or in oil, marinated in coconut milk, eaten raw as a side dish for meat or even added to bread. The Tahitian breadfruit is definitely worth trying, because it is the head of everything here.

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Tahitian pizza

You will be surprised to find pizza on the menu of cafes and restaurants. It is available in Tahiti and other Polynesian islands in a wide variety. If you want to deviate a little from the classics, try the Tahitian interpretation of pizza, with local pineapple and ham. The combination of flavors is reminiscent of traditional Hawaiian.

Tahitian Desserts

A holiday in Tahiti will be to the liking of those with a sweet tooth. In addition to the rich sweetness of local pineapples, papayas, bananas and mangoes, which can be enjoyed everywhere, the island is worth trying a few original desserts.

• Po’e. The most common banana pudding in Polynesia. Its special ingredient is arrowroot flour. In Tahiti, Po’e is prepared not only with banana, but also with mango, papaya or pineapple.
• Firi Firi. Reminiscent of donuts. Fried dough consisting of flour, yeast, salt, sugar and coconut milk is the simplest delicacy of the Polynesians. Firi Firi in Tahiti is an ingredient in a typical breakfast with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
• Vanilla cake. A special type of rich vanilla grows in Tahiti, which is added to almost all desserts. Be sure to enjoy its magical aroma and order a vanilla dessert.

Traditional Tahitian cuisine will become your extraordinary gastronomic journey!