Polynesian Cuisine
The cuisine of Bora Bora is simple, fresh, and sea-inspired — fish, coconut milk, and tropical fruits form the foundation. Added to this is the French influence: baguettes, patisserie, cheese, and wine are as common on Bora Bora as coconuts.
Must-Try Dishes
- Poisson Cru (Ia Ota) — THE Polynesian national dish: raw tuna marinated in lime juice and mixed with coconut milk, tomatoes, cucumber, onions, and sometimes ginger. Fresh, light, and incredibly aromatic. Served everywhere — from street food to fine dining. A must-try!
- Ma'a Tahiti — The traditional Polynesian feast: pork, chicken, fish, and taro, cooked for hours in an earth oven (Ahima'a) under hot stones and banana leaves. The flavors are smoky, tender, and unique. Offered at special occasions and in some resorts as a "traditional Polynesian dinner."
- Chevrettes — Freshwater shrimp from the rivers of the larger islands, grilled or in coconut milk curry. A Polynesian delicacy.
- Firi Firi — Polynesian donuts: fluffy, slightly sweet yeast rings, freshly fried and served with coffee for breakfast. Addictive.
- Baguette & Croissant — A nod to France: The bakeries on Bora Bora produce excellent baguettes and croissants. The French breakfast in paradise is a brilliant combination.
Restaurants & Dining Out
- Resort Restaurants: High-quality cuisine, often with an international flair and local ingredients. Prices: main course 3,000–8,000 XPF (€25–67). The quality is consistently high, but expensive.
- Local Restaurants (Vaitape): Significantly cheaper: lunch 1,200–2,000 XPF (€10–17). Aloe Cafe, Snack Matira, and other small restaurants offer authentic cuisine.
- Roulottes (Food Trucks): Mobile food stalls at the port of Vaitape: Poisson Cru, crêpes, grilled fish, fries. The cheapest dining option on the island — a complete lunch from 800 XPF (€7).
