From earth ovens to fermented fish, here’s what to eat (and why it matters).

Taste the Islands – A Beginner’s Guide to Polynesian Food

Food in The Islands of Tahiti is more than a meal. It’s connection. It’s culture. It’s tradition.

What is Ma’a?

“Ma’a” means food — but it means more than that. Meals here are shared, slow, and sacred. Families gather around the ahima’a, a traditional underground oven where fish, taro, and pork cook slowly over hot stones. Every dish tells a story.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poisson cru: raw tuna marinated in lime and coconut milk
  • Fafaru: fermented fish (only for the bold!)
  • Fei bananas, breadfruit, and fresh coconut
  • Tahitian vanilla desserts

Where to Eat Like a Local

  • Guesthouses and family kitchens
  • Sunday markets in Papeete or Raiatea
  • Food trucks near the lagoon at sunset

Food in Tahiti reflects the spirit of the islands: wild, generous, and rooted in nature.