Teheiura Teahui : chef and adventurer
Teheiura Teahui
A chef, an adventurer, an ambassador of the islands, a father... Teheiura Teahui has many roles, which allow him to fully live all his passions. Born on the island of Taha'a, in the Society Archipelago, Teheiura now lives in mainland France, where he became known to the public through the French TV adventure show Koh Lanta (based on "Survivor").
Thanks to his job, this chef pays daily tribute to the flavors of his native land. His food truck, Le Manatoa, travels all over France to offer local delicacies: raw fish with coconut milk, fafa chicken, and Tahitian beer are on the menu.
Teheiura Teahui carries a little piece of French Polynesia with him everywhere he goes, inspired by his love for Taha'a, the island that forged him during the first 20 years of his life. Today, he likes to share his culture and his experience of French Polynesia with everyone he meets.
« The Polynesian culture is always a big part of my life. If you have the opportunity to go to French Polynesia, don't hesitate! »
Between the Polynesian flavors and culture, Teheiura Teahui shapes his own experience of French Polynesia with his good humor, to give you his best travel tips. Let's go for the adventure!
Stay in a guesthouse
The accommodation you choose during your stay in French Polynesia is an essential part of your island experience. You'll find small hotels or large luxury resorts, as well as guesthouses, called "Pensions de Famille."
Teheiura advises all visitors to the islands to give this a try: "It's best to live as close to the locals as possible. Guesthouses are ideal to really experience the culture of our islands. Of course, it's also great to enjoy the big hotels and their restaurants, it's wonderful! But guesthouses are the best way to experience the Polynesian way of life and enjoy the culinary culture." Enjoy daily activities, local food, and the unique atmosphere of island life, in a friendly exchange that will allow you to live a real human adventure.
Eat only local products
The most important thing for Chef Teheiura, passionate about Polynesian flavors, is to have a 100% local diet during your stay. Indeed, fruits, vegetables and fresh fish will delight the gourmets! You will also find some exceptional products. "In Taha'a, we produce a lot of vanilla and rum, for example. Vanilla and Polynesian rums are excellent, and they regularly win awards at the Paris Agricultural Show!"
In French Polynesia, "les Roulottes" (Polynesian food trucks) can be found everywhere, to eat in a friendly and convivial atmosphere. You will see them during the day along the roads, or in the evening in Vaiete or Aorai Tini Hau for example. "I always advise tourists to have at least one little "roulottes" dinner during their stay."
Finally, the Chef has a very special surprise: fafaru, a traditional preparation of fish macerated in a seawater-based brine, which, like the most fragrant cheeses in mainland France, is not always appreciated by foodies. "It is as important as the Eiffel Tower in Paris... the fafaru! I always say that if you haven't tasted fafaru, you haven't been to Tahiti!"
Explore Taha'a
Taha'a, Teheiura's island of birth, is about 1 hour from Tahiti by plane, via Raiatea airport. The two islands share a beautiful lagoon between Bora Bora and Huahine.
For the adventurer, there is no doubt; Taha'a is one of the essential destinations during your trip to French Polynesia. "I really recommend discovering Taha'a, it's a beautiful island. Go to the vanilla plantations, listen to the legends of the island, discover the extremely well-preserved coral garden. I also recommend a 4x4 excursion to discover the interior of the island which is also very beautiful and wild.”
Visit the other archipelagos
Although we often think of Tahiti or Bora Bora when we think of French Polynesia, there are many other incredible and wonderful destinations. The 118 islands that make up this territory are separated into five archipelagos. It is this diversity that Teheiura wants visitors to discover: "Each Archipelago has its own characteristics, such as the very wild part of the Marquesas Islands, with their magnificent cliffs, or simply the very peaceful side of the Leeward Islands (Raiatea, Taha'a, Huahine...), with all the Polynesian legends that make up a big part of the culture. Diving enthusiasts should also discover the deep waters of the Tuamotus (Rangiroa, Fakarava...).”
Attend traditional sports competitions in July
Every year in July, French Polynesia comes alive for the Tiurai celebrations during which the Heiva song and dance competitions take place, as well as traditional sports competitions. It's a unique opportunity to experience a true immersion in today's Polynesian culture. "It's just beautiful to see! There are several events: climbing coconut trees, javelin throwing, or the impressive stone lifts... It's just a great time to be there." The traditional sports competitions in July are held in public parks in Tahiti and are free. So don't hesitate to come and see them!
Bonus: bring products and inspiration home!
French Polynesia is full of treasures. In addition to Tahitian vanilla and rum, you will also find the magnificent black pearls, or Tahitian monoi, flavored with Tiare flower, that you can bring back in your luggage as souvenirs of an exceptional stay.
And if you want to reproduce some Polynesian recipes when you return to the United States, Teheiura also has some tips. "You have to cook the way you like, inspired as much as possible by Polynesian cuisine. But it is not always easy to find the ingredients of this cuisine in the United States. So, you have to adapt it: for example, choose spinach to replace the fafa in the recipe for fafa chicken. I have written a cookbook, "Aventure culinaire" ("Culinary Adventure"), in which I give all this advice and product equivalences."
