Locals had been improving their recipes from island plants, seafood and games for many centuries. Interaction with Europe and Asia influenced the local cuisine and diversified it with French, Italian and Chinese dishes which are also cooked on Manihi in modern days. Moreover, continuous communication with French culture has also changed locals’ attitude to food. Presently, there are lots of virtuoso cooks who skillfully play with diverse combinations and believe that nice presentation is as important as taste. There are dozens of cafes in touristic points which serve traditional European dishes.
If you’ve decided to travel to Manihi together with your children, you should be very careful about choosing a hotel. The island is quite small and sparsely populated, that explains … 
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People of Manihi are open, really kind and a little bit modest. Despite the many centuries of being ruled by Europeans, people have never forgotten their traditions and been honouring … Open
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Those who adore fish should definitely like the island. You can order a mackerel marinated in coconut milk, a grilled parrotfish or a baked barracuda. Tuna is especially tasty when it’s cooked by local chefs. One more fascinating meal is fafaru – a fish marinated in seawater. Stewed shrimps, baked octopus and grilled sea urchin are worth trying.
It's hard to call Manihi a densely populated territory. The last census showed that just about 800 people inhabit the island, and the main activity here is still fishing just like it was … Open
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Poi is a dessert from taro with vanilla and pumpkin or bananas. It’s served with pretty greasy coconut cream. Locals especially like diverse sweet pies, like ones with coconut, guava, bananas or pineapples. Bananas can be fried, baked, mixed with other fruits and vegetables and served in different variations. As for drinks, take a fresh-squeezed juice or coconut water. Vines – whether local or French ones – are highly popular here. Various cocktails with tropical juices, rum or vodka. Hinano is a local kind of beer is actually tasty. In addition, alcohol from all around the world is brought to the island in great quantities.
National cuisine of French Polynesia
Residents of French Polynesia often eat breadfruit, cassava, pork, bread, and seafood. Chicken meat is eaten less frequently. On holidays as well as once every week, food is cooked in many homes on a special stove using volcanic stones heated by fire. Banana leaves are placed on top of the food, and then everything is covered with several layers of earth for about three hours. The food prepared in this way is eaten with hands, dipping piece by piece into coconut sauce. Often on the islands, people often eat snacks. “La Ota” prepared from diced vegetables and raw fish, soaked in coconut milk and lime marinade, as well as a sandwich with tuna, ham, lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers are some popular dishes.
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