Discover Samoa, a pristine Polynesian paradise in the South Pacific where ancient culture thrives alongside stunning natural beauty. From the iconic To-Sua Ocean Trench to cascading waterfalls and white-sand beaches, this independent island nation offers authentic cultural experiences and warm hospitality.
Top food tours
Guided experiences that show you Samoa through its food.
Apia Market Morning Food Tour
Early morning guided walk through the Fugalei Market and Apia Flea Market sampling traditional Samoan breakfast foods including koko alaisa (cocoa rice), panipopo (coconut buns), and fresh tropical fruits with a local food guide explaining cultural context.
Apia Waterfront Culinary Walk
Evening food walk along Beach Road sampling fresh oka (Samoan ceviche), roadside BBQ fish, and traditional snacks from various street vendors and casual eateries. Ends with tropical cocktails overlooking the harbour.
Village Umu Feast Experience
Travel to a traditional Samoan village to participate in the preparation and cooking of an umu (underground earth oven) feast. Learn the ancient cooking techniques before sitting down to a communal meal of palusami, roast pork, taro, and breadfruit with the village community.
Samoan Cacao and Koko Samoa Tour
Focused tour of Samoa's beloved koko (cocoa) culture visiting a local cacao processor, learning the roasting and grinding process of traditional koko Samoa, and tasting different preparations of Samoa's most important traditional beverage.
Tour formats
Different ways to experience Samoa's food scene.
Street food tours
Guided street food walks focusing on roadside BBQ stands, Fugalei Market stalls, and wharf-area snacks operating Friday-Saturday evenings
Market tours
Morning market tours to Fugalei Market and Apia Flea Market with guided tasting of traditional Samoan breakfast foods and tropical produce
Restaurant tours
Curated restaurant progressive dinner experiences visiting two to three Apia restaurants for different courses, guided by a local food writer
Specialty tours
Focused experiences including koko Samoa cacao tours, traditional umu cooking participation, fresh seafood experiences at the fish market, and tropical fruit tastings
Cooking classes
Take a piece of Samoa home with you.
Umu Cooking and Traditional Samoan Cuisine Class
Hands-on cooking class learning traditional Samoan umu techniques alongside a local family. Prepare palusami (taro leaves in coconut cream), lu pulu (corned beef in taro leaves), and traditional sides before eating what you cook in a communal feast setting.
Pacific Fusion Cooking Class at Paddles Restaurant
Learn to prepare Italian-Pacific fusion dishes under the guidance of Paddles Restaurant's chef. Includes making fresh pasta with local seafood, oka (Samoan ceviche), and tropical desserts incorporating Samoan ingredients. Finishes with a meal of dishes prepared.
Samoan Sweets and Tropical Baking Workshop
Learn to make traditional Samoan sweet treats including panipopo (coconut buns baked in coconut cream), fa'apapa (traditional Samoan bread), and coconut milk puddings with a local home baker in Apia.
DIY self-guided food tour
A self-guided food crawl through central Apia is easily done on foot covering the best Samoan culinary experiences in a few hours
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1
Stop 1 (6:30-7:30 AM): Fugalei Market - try koko alaisa (cocoa rice) and panipopo (coconut buns) from market food stalls for breakfast
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2
Stop 2 (8:00-9:00 AM): Fish Market near Apia Wharf - buy fresh oka (raw fish in coconut cream) straight from the vendors
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3
Stop 3 (10:00 AM): Milani Cafe or Mocha Cafe on Vaea Street for excellent coffee and fresh pastries
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4
Stop 4 (12:00-1:00 PM): Fugalei Market food stalls for lunch - try sapasui (Samoan chop suey), BBQ chicken and taro, or palusami
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5
Stop 5 (3:00 PM): Kure Juice Bar in Fugalei for fresh tropical fruit smoothie or green juice
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6
Stop 6 (5:00-6:00 PM): Roadside BBQ stand on Beach Road - grilled fish, BBQ chicken, and taro for a local evening snack
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7
Stop 7 (7:00 PM): Cocktails on the Rocks on Beach Road for fresh tropical cocktails and light evening bites with harbour views
Foodie tips
Get more out of every meal.
Visit Fugalei Market before 8 AM for the freshest produce, fish, and traditional breakfast foods before crowds and heat build up
Sunday is observantly respected in Samoa - almost all restaurants except resort dining rooms close, so plan accordingly and stock up on Saturday
Traditional umu feasts at village homestays are the most authentic Samoan food experience - ask your accommodation to arrange one
Oka (Samoan-style raw fish marinated in coconut cream and lemon) is the must-try national dish - order it everywhere you see it
Koko Samoa (traditional drinking chocolate made from roasted cacao) is available at market stalls for just $2-3 and is completely different from commercial hot chocolate
Fresh coconut is available everywhere for $1-2 - vendors will machete it open and give you a straw, then split it for the flesh
Most Samoan home cooking uses generous amounts of coconut cream - if you have dietary restrictions, ask specifically about ingredients
The Apia Flea Market (Flea Market near the wharf) has vendors from 4 AM who cater to ferry passengers - an unusual but authentic early morning food experience
Roadside BBQ stands on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5-9 PM offer the most authentic casual Samoan street food experience alongside locals
Resort restaurants serve good food but miss the authentic experience - combine at least two or three meals at local restaurants and market stalls