A Cuisine Shaped by the Ocean and the Land

The food of Bora Bora — and French Polynesia more broadly — reflects its geography, history, and cultural layers. At its heart, it is a Pacific island cuisine built on fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and root vegetables, elevated by French culinary influence and enriched by the warm hospitality of the Mā'ohi people. Eating here is one of the true pleasures of any visit.

Essential Dishes to Try

Poisson Cru

This is the national dish of French Polynesia and arguably the most important thing you'll eat on the island. Raw tuna (or other fresh fish) is marinated in fresh lime juice, which effectively "cooks" it, then mixed with coconut milk, cucumber, tomato, and spring onions. The result is cool, creamy, and beautifully fresh — a perfect expression of the island environment. You'll find it everywhere from resort restaurants to roadside snack bars.

Chevreffes (Freshwater Shrimp)

Unique to French Polynesia, these freshwater shrimp are found in mountain streams and are a local delicacy. They're typically grilled or sautéed with garlic and butter. Not always easy to find, but worth seeking out at local restaurants in Vaitape, the main village on Bora Bora.

Fafa

Fafa is a traditional Polynesian dish made from taro leaves cooked in coconut milk, often served alongside pork, chicken, or fish. The taro leaves have a spinach-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of coconut milk. It's commonly served at local feasts and tamaara'a (traditional Polynesian buffets).

Mahi-Mahi and Fresh Reef Fish

Mahi-mahi, tuna, and parrotfish feature prominently on menus across the island. Given the proximity to the ocean, fish is almost always incredibly fresh. It's typically grilled or served with a light vanilla sauce — a French Polynesian specialty that sounds unusual but works beautifully.

The Roulotte Experience

Don't leave Bora Bora without visiting a roulotte — a mobile food truck or street food van found near the main harbor in Vaitape. Roulottes are a Tahitian institution and offer some of the most affordable and authentic eating on the island. Expect fresh crepes, Chinese noodles, grilled meats, and of course poisson cru. It's a wonderful way to eat well without resort prices.

Drinks and Refreshments

  • Fresh coconut water — served straight from a green coconut, available from roadside stalls and markets.
  • Hinano Beer — the iconic Tahitian lager, brewed locally and found everywhere. Light and very drinkable in the heat.
  • Vanilla rum punch — French Polynesia is famous for its vanilla production (especially from Tahaa island), and local cocktails frequently feature vanilla-infused rum.
  • Tropical fruit juices — papaya, mango, passionfruit, and pineapple are all grown locally.

Cultural Dining Etiquette

Polynesian culture places significant value on hospitality and generosity. When invited to a local home or community gathering, it is customary to accept food and drink graciously. A few cultural notes:

  • Dress modestly when visiting village restaurants or local eateries, especially away from resorts.
  • The pace of dining is relaxed — don't expect the speed of a city restaurant.
  • Tipping is not a widespread custom in French Polynesia as it is in North America, though it is appreciated at resort restaurants for excellent service.
  • Learning a few words in Tahitian — māuruuru (thank you) and ia ora na (hello) — is warmly received.

Where to Eat on a Budget

Resort dining in Bora Bora is beautiful but expensive. For more affordable options, head to Vaitape village on the main island for local snack bars and roulottes. The small grocery stores (notably Chin Lee supermarket) also stock supplies for self-catering if your accommodation permits it. Picking up a fresh baguette and local cheese — a nod to French influence — makes for a simple, satisfying island breakfast.