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.
Samoan cuisine centers on fresh Pacific seafood, root vegetables (taro, breadfruit, cassava), and coconut cream used in almost every dish. The traditional umu (underground earth oven) cooking method gives unique smoky flavor to Sunday feasts of palusami (taro leaves in coconut cream), roast pork, and lu pulu (corned beef in taro leaves). Samoan food is simple, hearty, and deeply connected to community and cultural identity.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Samoa.
Oka
Samoa's signature raw fish dish - fresh tuna marinated in lemon juice then mixed with coconut cream, onion, chili, and cucumber. Similar to ceviche but richer from the coconut cream.
Where to try: Fish Market Grill near the wharf, Sails Restaurant at Taumeasina, Paddles Restaurant
Price: $10-28
Palusami
Young taro leaves baked in coconut cream and wrapped in more taro leaves, slow-cooked in the umu. Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying - the most emblematic Samoan dish.
Where to try: Fugalei Market food stalls, Samoa Tradition Restaurant, village umu feasts
Price: $5-12
Koko Alaisa
Traditional Samoan breakfast of white rice cooked in rich chocolate-brown koko Samoa (roasted cacao) drink. An acquired taste that locals love - earthy, slightly bitter, and comforting.
Where to try: Fugalei Market morning stalls, local market vendors from 6-8 AM
Price: $2-4
Panipopo
Sweet Samoan coconut buns baked in coconut cream syrup - a morning market staple that combines bread-like softness with rich coconut sweetness. Eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
Where to try: Fugalei Market, local bakeries, Milani Cafe
Price: $1-3
Lu Pulu
Canned corned beef mixed with onion and coconut cream, wrapped in taro leaves and slow-cooked in the umu. A humble but beloved dish that represents the blend of imported and traditional Samoan ingredients.
Where to try: Samoa Tradition Restaurant, Bella's Kitchen, village homestays
Price: $8-14
Sapasui (Chop Suey)
Samoan adaptation of Chinese glass noodle stir-fry with pork, vegetables, and soy sauce - now deeply embedded as a Samoan comfort food served at virtually every local restaurant and market.
Where to try: Bella's Kitchen, Fugalei Market food stalls, Roko's Restaurant
Price: $7-18
Koko Samoa
Traditional hot drinking chocolate made from roasted, ground, and pressed cacao beans grown locally. Thick, rich, and earthy with a completely different character from commercial hot chocolate.
Where to try: Fugalei Market stalls ($2-3), Samoa Tradition Restaurant, some cafes
Price: $2-6
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Paddles Restaurant
Samoa's most acclaimed fine dining establishment has operated since 2004, offering authentic Italian cuisine with Samoan hospitality. The elegant garden setting and exceptional pasta, seafood, and wine selection make this a special occasion destination.
Vaitele Street, Apia, Upolu
Kokobanana Bar & Grill
Lively casual steakhouse with garden deck atmosphere featuring tender New Zealand steaks, fresh seafood, and tropical cocktails. Popular with both locals and visitors for quality meat and vibrant ambiance.
Vaitele, Upolu
Nourish Cafe
Respite from Upolu's deep-fried cuisine with healthy meals made from local ingredients. Fresh salads, smoothie bowls, wraps, and vegan options in a modern, air-conditioned setting.
Fugalei, Apia, Upolu
Fugalei Fresh Produce Market Food Stalls
Bustling market with numerous food stalls serving traditional Samoan breakfast and lunch. Try palusami, oka, sapasui, and fresh tropical fruits at incredibly affordable prices.
Fugalei Market, Apia, Upolu
RiVaiv Cafe
Creative menu with vegan options and specialty health drinks including turmeric lattes. Modern cafe atmosphere with excellent coffee, fresh juices, and Instagram-worthy dishes.
Matafele, Apia, Upolu
Bistro Tatau
Upscale restaurant offering eclectic international menu with Pacific influences. Sophisticated atmosphere with white tablecloths, extensive wine list, and beautifully plated dishes using fresh local ingredients.
Beach Road, Apia, Upolu
Giordano's Pizzeria
Best pizzas in Apia served in a gorgeous garden patio setting. Authentic wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and Italian classics made with quality ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere.
Matautu, Apia, Upolu
Milani Cafe
Delicious breakfast and lunch with Italian love in comfortable, modern air-conditioned cafe. Great coffee, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and friendly service make this an Apia favorite.
Vaea Street, Apia, Upolu
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Traditional Samoan
Pulenu'u Village Umu Sunday Lunch
Join locals for traditional Sunday umu feast in village settings. Various villages near Apia open their Sunday umu cooking to visitors by arrangement. Communal meals of taro, breadfruit, palusami, and whole pig cooked underground.
Various villages near Apia, Upolu
Samoa Tradition Restaurant
Authentic umu-cooked Samoan cuisine in a traditional fale setting. Specializes in palusami, lu pulu, and other dishes cooked in the underground earth oven. A cultural dining experience.
Beach Road, Apia, Upolu
Western
Roko's Restaurant
Western-style dishes with Samoan twist served in elevated setting with beautiful forest views. Known for generous portions, friendly service, and relaxed atmosphere away from town bustle.
Cross Island Road, Central Upolu
Apia Bowling Club Restaurant
Open-air restaurant at the Apia Bowling Club serving consistently good Western dishes with Pacific touches. Cold beer, rugby on TV, and generous portions make this a local favourite.
Apia Bowling Club, Upolu
Bbq
Roadside BBQ Stands
Various roadside stands throughout Upolu serving grilled fish, chicken, and local specialties. Especially popular on Friday and Saturday evenings. Look for smoke and crowds.
Various locations, Beach Road and main roads
Cafe & Bakery
Mocha Cafe
Cozy cafe serving excellent coffee, fresh baked goods, and light meals. Wi-Fi available makes this popular spot for digital nomads and students.
Vaea Street, Apia, Upolu
Cafe & Bar
Cocktails on the Rocks
Beachfront cafe and bar perfect for coffee by day and cocktails by night. Stunning ocean views, relaxed vibe, and good selection of light meals and drinks.
Beach Road, Apia, Upolu
Cafe And Light Meals
Vaiala Beach Club Cafe
Relaxed beachside cafe on the eastern edge of Apia with garden tables, good coffee, and casual meals. Popular with expats and travelers for its laid-back vibe.
Vaiala Beach, Apia, Upolu
Chinese
Bella's Kitchen
Affordable local fare serving both Samoan and Chinese dishes with generous portions. Popular lunch spot with locals, offering authentic flavors at budget-friendly prices.
Fugalei Street, Apia, Upolu
Indian
The Curry House
Authentic Indian cuisine with extensive menu of curries, tandoori dishes, and vegetarian options. Spice levels can be adjusted and generous portions make this excellent value.
Fugalei Street, Apia, Upolu
International And Pacific
Aggie Grey's Bar and Grill
Casual dining at the iconic Sheraton Aggie Grey's with a relaxed poolside atmosphere. Well-priced Pacific dishes in beautiful garden surroundings. Live music some evenings.
Sheraton Aggie Grey's Hotel, Beach Road, Apia
Local Samoan
Flea Market Food Vendors
Weekend market near the wharf with vendors selling traditional Samoan food, barbecue, and fresh fruit. Authentic local experience with rock-bottom prices.
Beach Road near Apia Wharf, Upolu
Mixed Street Food
Apia Night Market Stalls
Weekend evening market near the Apia waterfront with food vendors serving a mix of Samoan, Chinese, and Western street food. Buzzing atmosphere with locals enjoying post-work Friday-Saturday evenings.
Apia Waterfront area, Beach Road, Upolu
Pacific Rim
Sails Restaurant & Bar
Stunning beachfront fine dining at Taumeasina Island Resort featuring fresh seafood and Pacific Rim cuisine. Romantic setting with ocean views, sunset dining, and expertly crafted cocktails.
Taumeasina Island Resort, Apia, Upolu
Pizza & Pasta
Scalini's Restaurant
Casual Italian eatery popular for wood-fired pizzas, pasta dishes, and gelato. Family-friendly atmosphere with outdoor seating and quick service.
Beach Road, Apia, Upolu
Seafood
Fish Market Grill
No-frills seafood spot next to Apia's fish market serving the freshest catches cooked simply. Lines form at lunchtime as locals know this is the freshest fish in Apia at market prices.
Apia Waterfront near Fish Market, Upolu
Vegan
Kure Juice Bar
Blended drinks with real island ingredients and 100% vegan snacks and meals. Fresh juices, smoothies, and healthy plant-based options in a bright, clean setting.
Fugalei, Apia, Upolu
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Roadside BBQ Fish and Chicken
Grilled fresh fish and chicken from roadside BBQ stands operating mainly on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5-9 PM. Look for smoke and lines of locals on Beach Road and main routes.
Find it at: Various roadside stands, Beach Road, main arterial roads of Upolu
Fugalei Market Stall Food
Hot breakfast and lunch dishes served from stalls inside and around Fugalei Market including koko alaisa, panipopo, BBQ chicken and taro, and Samoan-style Chinese food.
Find it at: Fugalei Market, Fugalei Street, Apia (Monday-Saturday 6 AM-3 PM)
Apia Flea Market Vendors
Wharf-area vendors near the Apia Flea Market selling fresh coconuts, tropical fruits, and grilled foods from early morning catering to ferry passengers and market traders.
Find it at: Beach Road near Apia Wharf (from 4-5 AM on weekdays)
Fresh Coconut Vendors
Roadside vendors selling fresh green drinking coconuts machete-opened on the spot for $1-2 WST. Found throughout Apia and along main roads across Upolu.
Find it at: Throughout Apia and main routes across Upolu
Apia Night Market Food Stalls
Weekend evening market vendors selling mixed street food including grilled corn, samoan chop suey, BBQ meats, and local sweets alongside craft stalls on the Apia waterfront.
Find it at: Apia Waterfront, Beach Road (Friday-Saturday 5-9 PM)
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Fugalei Market (Maketi Fou)
Apia's main covered produce market selling fresh fish, tropical fruits, vegetables, root crops, and traditional prepared foods from hundreds of vendors. The authentic heartbeat of daily Samoan commerce and food culture.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Apia Flea Market
Market near the Apia waterfront combining craft vendors with food stalls selling fresh produce, tropical fruits, and traditional snacks. More tourist-oriented than Fugalei Market but easily accessible from Beach Road.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Salelologa Market (Savai'i)
Main market on Savai'i Island near the ferry terminal selling fresh local produce, fish, root crops, and village-crafted foods. More authentic and relaxed than Apia markets with minimal tourist presence.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Sunday is the one day to plan carefully - almost all local restaurants close. Resort restaurants remain open but local eateries, markets, and casual venues will be shut.
Lunch is often the main and most affordable meal at local restaurants - many offer lunch specials not available at dinner
Fresh oka (raw fish in coconut cream) is best ordered at restaurants near the fish market where you can be confident of freshness
Vegetarians will struggle beyond salads and rice dishes at local restaurants - Nourish Cafe and Kure Juice Bar in Apia are the best options for plant-based eating
Bring cash to local restaurants and markets - card payment is not universally available
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $8-20/day | Market stall meals, fresh produce, koko alaisa breakfast, roadside BBQ |
| Mid-range | $30-60/day | Mix of local restaurants (Kokobanana, Giordano's) and casual cafes |
| Upscale | $80-150+/day | Paddles Restaurant, Bistro Tatau, or resort fine dining |