When In Bora Bora…

The process of going on a vacation to a tropical island destination is a fantasy that many people are doomed never to realize; however, for those that do the experience is always a memorable one, filled with new experiences and exciting adventures. When leaving the home they are familiar with one of the most memorable and exciting (and most risky, depending on exactly where it is that they are headed to) parts of the experience center around the opportunity to partake of the native food.

As in most of Tahiti the natives enjoy the splendors of traditional Polynesian foods. Beware! If your tongue is used to the bland food on the mainland and you are not a great fan of living adventurously it may be wise to steer away from some of the more unusual entrees; there have been many tourists who have found the food in Bora Bora to be less than satisfactory. One can only conclude that this is because their palate was not prepared for the different tastes and seasonings that it was in store for.

Be aware, however, that unlike the traditional meats of the mainland fish, lamb and various shellfish (particularly lobster) comprise a large part of the local diet. If you happen to have allergies to any of these items it would be very wise to give your waiter a heads up before ordering; although the item may not be specifically listed in the ingredients it is always possible that it or one of its derivatives has been used in preparation.

The original inhabitants of the island cooked in ovens that were set down into the ground, and although the advent of technology has made this a rarity it is still a technique that is used for special occasions in much the same was as cooking over a grill or an open fire is done for entertainment on the mainland. Many of the inhabitants of the island have described its way of life as an all day party, however, so this may be more of a way of life for the islanders than those of us who cling tightly to our electric stoves and our microwaves would like to believe.

The good news for those tourists who wish to visit the gorgeous beaches and marine life of Bora Bora but do not subscribe quite as adamantly to the policy of “When in Rome” is that Bora Bora is in every way a tourist community. This means that their visitors have the option not only to try the delicacies that are particular to the island but to enjoy native Italian, French and American foods as well; there is something for everyone (although it is a guarantee that anyone who returns home without ever having sampled any of the island food will never be able to live it down.)

For more information on where to dine when in Bora Bora go to http://www.thetahititraveler.com/islandguide/borarestaurants.asp?iles_id=3 prior to ever leaving home; this is one piece of information you are going to be eternally grateful for.