Written by : Lisa DI SALVIA
Sunday mornings in Polynesia are sacred. Whether you like to wake up slowly after a long sleep-in or you’re an early riser, there’s one tradition you can’t miss: brunch! Here, flavors are mixed, sweet and savory come together, and most importantly, we indulge in the delicious products of the fenua.
So, if you want a 100% Tahitian brunch, here’s what you absolutely need on your table.
The Essentials of a Polynesian Brunch
🔥 Pua’a Roti : The essential! This juicy, golden roast pig on the spit is a Sunday brunch classic. And for even more indulgence, add a grilled Chinese sausage. Want the best? Head to the Pua Roti at Liberty, right next to the cinema, near the Papeete market.
🌿 Chicken Fafa A perfect mix of tender chicken, the sweetness of coconut milk, and the slightly spicy flavor of taro leaves (fafa). A burst of flavors!
🐟 Tahitian Raw Fish Ultra fresh, ultra tasty! Tuna marinated in lime and coconut milk, with crunchy vegetables… A pure delight.
🥟 Chinese Food : Because in Polynesia, culinary influences are varied. On the menu: chao pao (small stuffed buns with pork or chicken), bouchons (steamed ravioli) and crispy spring rolls.
🥥 Coco Bread : Soft, slightly sweet, with a subtle coconut flavor. Spread with butter, jam, or enjoy plain.
🍩 Firi Firi : Impossible to resist! These figure-eight-shaped, slightly sweet donuts are perfect for dipping into a good cup of coffee.
🍠 Po’e : A typical dessert made with fruit (banana, papaya, etc.) or vegetables (pumpkin, sweet potato, etc.), tapioca flour, and coconut milk.
🍍 Local Fruits : Pineapple, mangoes, bananas… Full of vitamins and freshness to accompany your brunch.
💦 Coconut Water : The ideal drink to hydrate and refresh yourself. 100% natural, 100% Polynesian.
Ma’a Tahiti
If you want to take authenticity even further, why not opt for a Ma’a Tahiti? This traditional feast includes roasted uru (breadfruit), fe’i bananas, and taro, accompanied by raw fish, roasted pua’a, or fafa chicken. And of course, all generously drizzled with fresh coconut milk.
A Polynesian brunch with a Ma’a Tahiti is the guarantee of a gourmet and 100% local Sunday!
Where to Find All This?
📍Papeete Market is your best ally. Exotic fruits, fresh fish, prepared meals, local delicacies…
You will find everything you need for a successful brunch.
🕔 Opening hours :
- Monday to Friday : 5.30am – 4pm
- Saturday : 5.30am – 1pm
- Sunday : Special opening from 4:30 am. to 10 am. This is the day when you will find all the local specialties with a multitude of street vendors.
A Moment of Sharing and Flavors
In Polynesia, Sunday brunch, or ma’a tahiti, is more than just a meal. It’s a tradition, a moment of conviviality, a gourmet moment shared with family or friends. After a morning at the beach, at the market, or even a good lie-in, we gather around a beautiful table to enjoy these treasures of the fenua.