Poulet fafa is a traditional Tahitian dish, and it is most commonly used as a part of ahima'a, or pit barbecue. The Hawaiian version of the dish is called chicken luau. Chicken is cut into pieces, fried in hot oil until browned, and then removed.

Onion, garlic, and ginger are sauteed in the remaining oil, then the chicken pieces are added back into the dish and cooked until tender. It is recommended to add cornstarch or arrowroot dissolved in coconut milk into the dish, as it will thicken the sauce.

Poulet fafa is best served with sweet potatoes and taro leaves, but since they can be difficult to find, spinach is also a suitable substitute.