A Taste of Tahiti
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
throughout the islands offer French, Tahitian, Chinese,
Vietnamese, Japanese, and Italian dishes for the discerning
palate. Tahitians are known for their delicate sauces, which
often incorporate home-grown vanilla and freshly squeezed
coconut milk.
Poisson cru (ia ota) is the national dish
of Tahiti, and can be found in most restaurants. This melt-in-your-mouth
entrée consists of raw fish and diced vegetables
soaked in coconut milk and marinated with lime juice. Chevrettes,
another popular Tahitian dish, are tasty freshwater shrimp
which can also be found throughout on the beautiful native
islands.
No amura’a (meal) is complete without a rich island-inspired
dessert. The ultimate Tahitian
dessert indulgence 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 and served with sugar and coconut
cream complements any of these delicious Tahitian treats.
Les Roulottes, located near the wharf, are
a great way to experience Tahiti’s local cuisine and
culture. These roulottes, or rolling restaurants, are colorful,
electrically lit vans that offer the best inexpensive dining
in Papeete. Both locals and visitors alike can be found
diningenjoying 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, Vvisitors will be greeted by traditional Polynesian
singing,and dancing, and celebration. Native Tahitianlocal
dishes of fish, roasted pork and chicken are cooked and
inserved from an underground oven called an ahimaa. Visitors
to Tahiti will receive a final touch of Tahitian tradition
as the tamaaraa concludes with a full Polynesian show complete
with exotic costumes and dancing.
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Note to reporters, writers, and editors: please list the
following information for readers/viewers to obtain additional
information:
Tahiti Tourisme North America
300 Continental Blvd., Suite 160
El Segundo, CA 90245
Tel: 310-414-8484 Fax: 310-414-8490
Web site: www.tahiti-tourisme.com
Email: info@tahiti-tourisme.com
