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Fafaru

Fafaru is a traditional and unusual Polynesian dish. It is distinctive because of its intense aroma of rotten fish. Crushed shrimps are marinated in a glass jar filled with seawater, preferably under the sun, for two or three days. The mixture is filtered, and tuna slices are left in the liquid to ferment for three to eight hours, depending on the desired flavor.


Contrary to its strong smell, fafaru has a slightly sweetish, soft taste. It is best served with bottled mitihue, which is a fermented coconut milk product.