Experience the authentic flavor of Tahiti through freshly caught seafood, gourmet food trucks, a historical marketplace, and upscale restaurants.
From luxurious overwater bungalows to vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, French Polynesia presents distinct marvels throughout its five island groups within an aquatic region comparable in size to Western Europe. However, experiencing the nation’s varied cuisine doesn’t require extensive travel. Among the 118 islands and atolls, only a handful match the dynamic gastronomic landscape found in Tahiti.
In Papeete’s downtown area, the culinary scene showcases both Tahitian traditions and the impact of French governance along with the contributions from Chinese immigrants who arrived in the 1860s for jobs related to coffee and sugarcane fields. No matter whether you’re savoring gourmet dishes at high-end eateries, browsing through neighborhood markets, or sampling street fare at roulottes (mobile food stalls initially designed to serve workers near job locations), numerous opportunities abound to explore this region’s gastronomy.
Explore Papeete’s historic market
To get an intensive look at Tahiti’s modern cuisine scene, sign up for a tour of Papeete’s Municipal Market, which dates back to 1847. As Chef and Founder Heimata Hall explains, “This market was the initial spot where growers and fishers could showcase their products from various regions.”
Tahiti Food Tours
This is where trade began alongside the blend of various cuisines.
Make certain you arrive with an appetite since you’ll get to taste a variety of delights showcasing Tahiti’s diverse cuisine, including saucy chow mein sandwiches and firi firi, which are coconut milk-infused doughnuts. Alongside this, your guide will offer insights into Papeete’s rich historical tapestry and, considering you likely haven’t had enough food yet, make stops at “snacks” or fast-service eateries like
Lucky Luke
, famous for its creamy raw fish dish.
Shop for gourmet souvenirs
No matter if you’re a chef or simply wish to capture a piece of Polynesia in your everyday life,
La Cave de Tahiti
This is where you should go shopping. Instead of opting for the imported French wines and pâtés, head over to the exceptional local products area filled with treasures such as pineapple wine, Manutea Rum, and Poumaka chocolate crafted from cacao sourced in the Marquesas. Make sure not to depart without sampling these delights.
La Fromagère de Tahiti
Created by the talented Juliet Lamy, this fusion dish combines French cheeses such as Tomme with local tastes, featuring elements like passionfruit and Marquesas pink berries.
Experience fine Polynesian dining
Not every upscale eatery in Papeete features foie gras and escargot. Tahiti boasts a distinct culinary tradition that has transformed significantly over the past few years, largely due to innovative chefs from a new wave of Polynesian talent. One of the pioneers driving this change was Teao Maiarii.
Maru Maru
Known for his creative, nostalgic cuisine such as gnocchi crafted from breadfruit—a staple ingredient cherished in Tahiti—Hall recounts, “The first time I ate there felt like jumping back into my youth.” He further recommends this experience.
Le Kozy
and
Nui Bistro
Where you’ll discover innovative twists on mountain plantain, fresh water prawns, taro root, and much more.
Discover how to prepare Polynesian cuisine specialties
The finest way to start your Sunday in Papeete is by having breakfast with Tereva Galopin, the mastermind behind one of Tahiti’s premier dining spots.
Restaurant Le Sully
Begin early morning at the Municipal Market as you gather fresh supplies such as fish freshly sourced from the Tuamotus and pua’a roti, a sweetened roasted pork common in traditional Sunday meals, destined for Galopin’s kitchen. Don’t be astonished if someone offers you a glass of wine around 7 AM.
To gain insight into authentic Polynesian cuisine, reserve a spot with Hitia’a Village, located approximately a 45-minute journey from Papeete. Here, under the guidance of Hervé Maraetaata, you will enjoy a meal sourced directly through hunting and gathering led by him. “This experience transcends mere culinary preparation; it embodies the revival of an age-old lifestyle wherein sustenance was intertwined with communal bonds, hard work, and reverence for nature,” explains Alexandrine Wan, who founded and runs a local touring business based in Tahiti.
Nani Travels
.
Eat with the locals
Every evening starting at about 5:30 p.m., Tahiti’s food trucks called “roulottes” come alive, attracting both local residents and tourists drawn by the mouthwatering aromas of grilled meats and stir-fried noodles cooking in hot woks. Although you can locate these mobile eateries near the cruise ship docks in Papeete, some of the favorite spots include
Poke Bar II
and
Cafe Maeva
, have shifted to permanent setups at
Vaipoopoo Park
And Taapuna Park, located just a 10-minute drive from downtown. Curious about what to order? Wan suggests trying “the finest açai in Tahiti” here.
Cold
and
Temaiti West Side
For its “ample servings.” One significant advantage of the new spot: You can indulge in chow mein, steak frites, and crêpes while enjoying the sunset view over Moorea, which neighbors Tahiti.
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Food & Wine
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