Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Food shopping Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Tahiti & French Polynesia
sixstarsnz 07:27 UTC 07 Sep 2009 | Hi everyone im visiting Tahiti and Moorea later this month for a couple of weeks. I looking forward to the trip but have one big question. Im on a gluten free diet for almost 30 years and have travelled quite a bit so, can I buy Gluten Free food in French Polynesia? I see there is a Carrefour in Papeete looks like a good start. Im staying in hostels and pensions so can cook for myself and of course can eat fruit and veges and fish. Also wondering about customs in Tahiti airport, will they allow me to bring in some gluten free snacks/supplies from New Zealand? Any ideas and advice? Thanks. |
jmk 08:51 UTC 07 Sep 2009 | I just returned from 2 weeks in FP. I try to eat organic, but gave up while I was there. You can bring snacks in, just not fresh items. I don't think you'll find things labeled gluten free like you do other places. You can buy rice ... I ate mostly fish, fruit, cheese and Hinanos. I lost weight too! Have a great visit. | 1
mortyman 22:20 UTC 08 Sep 2009 | I don't know, but I expect there to be at the Carrefour. I beleave Tahiti gets daily supplies from France.and it would be strange if there was'nt such a service at Carrefour. Carrefour is a bit further down the highway from the Hotel Sofitel Maeva Beach. | 2
taravana 07:51 UTC 09 Sep 2009 | I have lived here for 3 years and have never seen gluten free food in the supermarkets. Not even in the few organic shops around the traps. You WILL be able to buy lots of fresh produce though. Customs here will not bother you (normally) with food unless it is salami or cheese or something suspicious. I bring dried cat food here for my cats from Sydney and that has never raised any concerns. I'd bring as much as you fit in your bag from NZ | 3
sixstarsnz 02:24 UTC 11 Sep 2009 | Thanks for the ideas everyone. Ill take some supplies and hit the carrefour first stop and the market second. It doesnt sound too difficult afterall ! | 4
nowornever 17:19 UTC 26 Oct 2009 | carrefour is there, easy to reach by bus. but beware, everything is very very expensive there! and i mean it! better you bring a supply of cookies and that sort of things with you, in tahiti food is not cheap, except plain baguettes even fresh fruits cost more than anywhere else. | 5