Bora Bora isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen. Beyond the shimmering turquoise waters and luxurious overwater bungalows lies a vibrant food scene deeply rooted in Polynesian traditions, with a touch of French influence. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and unique local delicacies.
Poisson Cru: The Island’s Beloved “Raw Fish”
Think of Poisson Cru as ceviche’s cool island cousin. This isn’t just raw fish; it’s an experience. Fresh tuna (usually yellowfin) is marinated in lime juice, which “cooks” the fish, and then tossed with coconut milk, vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, and sometimes a hint of vanilla. The result is a cool, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful dish. You’ll find it everywhere, from high-end restaurants to casual snack shacks. The experience varies depending on where you are, and who you are eating with of course!
Practical Tip: Don’t be afraid to try it from a roulotte (food truck). These local eateries often serve some of the most authentic and delicious Poisson Cru on the island, and at a fraction of the price you’d pay at a fancy restaurant. It’s a chance to mingle with locals and get a true taste of Bora Bora.
Real-World Insight: Every family and every restaurant has its own special recipe for Poisson Cru. Some add ginger, others prefer a spicier kick with chili. Don’t be afraid to ask what makes their version unique!
Cost: Expect to pay anywhere from 1500 XPF (around $15 USD) at a roulotte to 3500 XPF (around $35 USD) at a restaurant. The price often reflects the quality of the fish and the ambiance of the establishment.
The Legendary Tama’a Mā’a: An Earth Oven Feast
To truly experience Bora Bora’s culinary heritage, seek out a tama’a mā’a, a traditional Polynesian feast cooked in an underground oven. This is no ordinary barbecue; it’s a celebration of community and a testament to ancient cooking methods. Meats (usually pork and chicken), fish, and root vegetables like taro and sweet potatoes are wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked in a pit filled with hot stones. The result is incredibly tender, smoky, and flavorful food.
The Experience: Preparing a tama’a mā’a is an all-day affair, and often involves the entire family. Watching the process is fascinating, from digging the pit to carefully arranging the food and covering it with leaves and earth. When the oven is opened, the aroma is intoxicating. It’s a genuine cultural experience.
Finding a Tama’a Mā’a: Tama’a mā’a aren’t on the regular restaurant menu. Look for special events or cultural demonstrations at resorts and cultural centers. Some local families may also offer smaller, more intimate versions to tourists. Ask your hotel concierge or local tour guide for recommendations.
Planning Ahead: These feasts are often pre-booked. Secure your reservation in advance. It will be an authentic experience.
What to Expect: The food will be served buffet-style. Don’t be shy; try everything! You’ll likely find poisson cru, roasted pig (pua’a), breadfruit (uru), taro (taro), and sweet potatoes (umara). You’ll hopefully make some new friends during the dining experience!
Cost: The cost is highly variable depending on the scale of the feast and the location. Expect to spend somewhere between 8,000 XPF (around $70 USD) to 20,000 XPF (around $180 USD) for an all-inclusive experience.
Po’e: Sweet Indulgence from the Islands
Po’e is a traditional Polynesian dessert, a creamy, pudding-like confection made from taro, pumpkin, banana, or papaya, mixed with coconut milk and sugar. It’s baked in an earth oven or steamed, and the result is a sweet, slightly sticky treat with a subtle tropical flavor. The texture and taste depend a lot on the blend of local ingredients used.
Why you should try it: Po’e is a great way to taste the local fruits and vegetables in a sweet and satisfying format. It’s a simple dessert that showcases the natural flavors of the islands.
Finding Po’e: You’ll often find po’e at local markets, small restaurants, and the Sunday market in Vaitape. It’s also sometimes included as part of the dessert buffet at resorts.
How to eat it: It’s usually served cold or at room temperature. Enjoy it on its own, or topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of grated coconut.
Cost: A slice of po’e will typically cost between 500 XPF (around $5 USD) to 1500 XPF (around $15 USD), depending on where you buy it.
Fresh Seafood: A Bounty from the Ocean
Being surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Bora Bora boasts an abundance of fresh seafood. From tuna and mahi-mahi to parrotfish and lobster, the options are endless. Restaurants pride themselves on serving fish that was caught that very day. Not only is it an easy choice, but with the freshness, it’s also a choice you’d want to experience.
Must-try Seafood Dishes:
Grilled Tuna Steak: Simple and classic, but when the tuna is this fresh, it’s hard to beat a perfectly grilled steak. Ask for it to be served with a light lemon-butter sauce or a drizzle of local vanilla oil.
Mahi-Mahi with Vanilla Sauce: This is a quintessential Bora Bora dish. The sweet and fragrant vanilla sauce complements the mild and flaky mahi-mahi beautifully. This is a great balance of local ingredients, and a unique tasting experience.
Lobster Thermidor: For a more decadent experience, indulge in Lobster Thermidor, a classic French dish with a Polynesian twist. The lobster is baked in a creamy sauce with cheese and mushrooms.
Where to find the best seafood: Many restaurants in Bora Bora offer exceptional seafood. Consider these:
Bloody Mary’s: An iconic Bora Bora institution. Choose your own fish from the daily catch and watch it being grilled to perfection. You’ve probably read about it, so you should probably see it and eat it!
St. James Restaurant: Offers a more upscale dining experience with stunning lagoon views and innovative seafood dishes.
Beachfront Restaurants: Many hotels and resorts offer beachfront dining with fresh seafood options.
Cost: Seafood prices can vary significantly depending on the type of fish and the restaurant. Expect to pay around 4,000 XPF (around $35 USD) for a grilled fish fillet and upwards of 8,000 XPF (around $70 USD) for lobster.
Breadfruit (Uru): The Versatile Staple
Breadfruit, known locally as uru, is a staple food in Bora Bora. This large, starchy fruit can be cooked in a variety of ways – baked, fried, boiled, or grilled – and it’s often used as a substitute for potatoes or bread. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a texture that’s similar to that of a potato.
How to enjoy breadfruit:
Roasted Breadfruit: Cut into wedges and roasted until golden brown, breadfruit makes a delicious and satisfying side dish.
Breadfruit Fries: A healthier alternative to potato fries, breadfruit fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Breadfruit Salad: Cubed breadfruit can be added to salads for a boost of flavor and texture.
Where to find it: Breadfruit is often served as a side dish at local restaurants and food trucks. You can also find it at the local markets.
Cost: Breadfruit is relatively inexpensive. You can purchase a whole breadfruit for around 500 XPF (around $5 USD) at the market.
Vanilla: Bora Bora’s Aromatic Treasure
Bora Bora is known for its high-quality vanilla beans. The island’s climate and volcanic soil are ideal for growing vanilla orchids. Vanilla is used in a wide range of dishes, from desserts to savory sauces, and it adds a unique and fragrant flavor to everything it touches.
Ways to Experience Bora Bora Vanilla:
Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic way to enjoy the pure flavor of Bora Bora vanilla.
Vanilla Rum: A popular souvenir, vanilla rum is made by infusing rum with vanilla beans.
Vanilla Salt: A unique seasoning that adds a touch of sweetness and aroma to savory dishes.
Vanilla Spa Treatments: Many spas in Bora Bora use vanilla-infused oils and lotions for their treatments.
Where to Buy Vanilla:
Local Markets: The Sunday market in Vaitape is a great place to buy vanilla beans, vanilla extract, and other vanilla products.
Souvenir Shops: You’ll find vanilla products at most souvenir shops on the island.
Vanilla Farms: Some vanilla farms offer tours and sell their products directly to the public.
Cost: The cost of vanilla varies depending on the quality and form. Expect to pay around 3,000 XPF (around $25 USD) for a bundle of vanilla beans.
Hinano Beer: The Taste of the Islands
While technically not food, no culinary exploration of Bora Bora is complete without mentioning Hinano beer. This locally brewed beer is the quintessential island beverage. A refreshing pale lager, Hinano is the perfect complement to any meal or a relaxing afternoon on the beach.
Why Hinano?
Local Brew: Hinano is brewed in Tahiti, so you’re supporting the local economy when you drink it.
Refreshing Taste: It’s light and crisp, perfect for the warm tropical climate.
Iconic Design: The bottle features a silhouette of a vahine (Tahitian woman), making it a recognizable symbol of Tahiti.
Availability: You’ll find Hinano beer at nearly every bar, restaurant, and store in Bora Bora.
Cost: A bottle of Hinano beer typically costs around 500 XPF (around $5 USD).
Exotic Fruits: A Tropical Treat
Bora Bora is overflowing with exotic fruits. Be sure to indulge in the juicy sweetness of mangoes, pineapples, papayas, star fruit, and passion fruit. These fruits are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. These fruits can be enjoyed by themselves, as well in blends like a fruit punch.
How to Enjoy Tropical Fruits:
Freshly Squeezed Juice: Start your day with a glass of freshly squeezed pineapple or mango juice.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of tropical fruits, perfect for a light lunch or snack.
Smoothies: Blend tropical fruits with yogurt or coconut milk for a creamy and delicious smoothie.
Desserts: Many restaurants use tropical fruits in their desserts, such as fruit tarts and ice cream.
Where to Find Tropical Fruits:
Local Markets: The Sunday market in Vaitape is the best place to find a wide variety of fresh tropical fruits.
Roadside Stands: You’ll often see roadside stands selling locally grown fruits.
Grocery Stores: Grocery stores also carry a selection of tropical fruits, although they may be more expensive than at the markets.
Cost: The cost of tropical fruits varies depending on the type of fruit and the season. Expect to pay around 300 XPF (around $3 USD) for a mango or pineapple.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal drinking age in Bora Bora?
The legal drinking age in French Polynesia, including Bora Bora, is 18 years old.
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Bora Bora?
While the tap water in Bora Bora is generally considered safe, it’s recommended to drink bottled water, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Bottled water is readily available at stores and restaurants.
What is the customary tipping practice in Bora Bora?
Tipping is not customary in Bora Bora, as service charges are often included in the bill. However, you can tip for exceptional service if you choose to do so.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available in Bora Bora?
Yes, most restaurants in Bora Bora offer vegetarian options, and some also have vegan choices. Be sure to inquire about the ingredients and preparation methods when ordering. It’s also worth noting that some dishes that seem vegetarian may include fish sauce or other animal-derived ingredients, so it’s always best to double-check.
What is the local currency in Bora Bora?
The local currency in Bora Bora is the CFP Franc (XPF). Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases at markets or food trucks.
Are there any food restrictions or customs I should be aware of?
Polynesian culture places a strong emphasis on respecting food and sharing meals with others. It’s considered polite to accept food offered to you and to try a little bit of everything. Also, avoid wasting food, as it’s considered disrespectful.
What should I do if I have food allergies?
If you have any food allergies, it’s essential to inform your server or the chef when ordering. Most restaurants are accommodating and will do their best to prepare your meal according to your dietary needs. Be sure to clearly communicate your allergies and any specific concerns you may have.
References
- Tahiti Tourisme Official Website
- Lonely Planet Bora Bora
- TripAdvisor Bora Bora Restaurants
Ready to embark on your Bora Bora culinary adventure? Don’t just dream about it – taste it! Book your trip today and get ready to discover the unforgettable flavors of paradise. From fresh seafood to exotic fruits, Bora Bora offers a culinary experience like no other. What are you waiting for? Your taste buds will thank you!
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