Written by : Lisa DI SALVIA
Want to immerse yourself in authentic Tahitian culture, far from the hustle and bustle of the city? Head to the Papara Market at PK 38, a vibrant hub where smiles, traditions, and the flavors of Fenua mingle.
A lively and welcoming market
Under a huge marqueein front of Papara Town Hall open 7 days a week, small producers, talented artisans and experts in traditional dishes share their passion and expertise. Here, the exchanges are warm: we chat, we laugh, we discover. A place where the inhabitants of Papara and the surrounding area come together to share what makes Polynesia so rich: its local products and crafts.
@Dominique Bauvais
📆 A Sunday meeting that has become unmissable
On Sunday mornings, at dawn, the market becomes a place of pilgrimage for lovers of fine produce. No need to go all the way to Papeete to do your brunch shopping! Here, stallholders offer their homemade dishes, garden fruits, and local specialties that delight the taste buds.
Among the delicacies that can be enjoyed on site or taken away:
– Of pua rôti and some firi firi piping hot, essential for early morning
– Of raw fish in coconut milk,, some ultra-fresh sashimi and generous traditional snacks
– Sweets like Fenua fruit pai or the poe banana, perfect for those with a sweet tooth
– Some hot dishes with the scents of Fenua, like the chicken fāfā or the Ma’a Tahiti traditional
🍍 Festival of tropical flavors: The stands are overflowing with exotic fruits and vegetables that are 100% local and often organic
🎨 Dive into local crafts, the Papara Market is also a beautiful showcase of Polynesian crafts:
– Woven hats, pandanus fans, shell necklaces, handmade baskets, unique jewelry and traditional sculptures… Each piece tells a story.
– Local plants and flowers also add color to the market aisles.
@Tahiti Tourisme
🕘 Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday: 4:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
📲 To follow market news and stay up-to-date on special events:
Join the Facebook group👉 Marché de Papara – Groupe Officiel
🌺 Haere Mai ! Come experience the market like a real local—between tradition, encounters and gourmet pleasures.
