11 Best Foodie Experiences in Apia

1. See an Umu Demonstration at the Samoa Cultural Village

The traditional Polynesian method of slow-cooking fish, tropical root vegetables and dishes like palusami with hot rocks is usually saved for special occasions in Samoan culture, but Samoa Cultural Village generously shares this tradition on their free tour in Apia.

Happening from 10 am Tuesday to Friday, the Samoa Cultural Village shows guests how to weave their own plates before demonstrating how an umu is prepared and, of course, you get to experience the result while enjoying a magnificent cultural performance.

Check out more about what’s happening at the Samoa Cultural Village in the 10 Best Cultural Activities in Samoa.

Location: Behind the Samoa Tourism Information Centre, Beach Road.

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2. Browse Apia’s Produce and Street Food Markets

One of the unmissable foodie experiences in Apia is the markets. Fugalei Market is the largest in Samoa, where between the stalls with large mounds of tropical fruit and vegetables are vendors selling traditional Samoan meals, such as palusami and facial elegy.

On the other hand, there’s also the Samoa Women’s Association of Growers (SWAG) Market which is a cute Saturday gathering with organic produce and local Samoan food products for sale.

Try out the unique drive-thru Taufusi Market.

Finally, a congregation of street food await at Apia’s monthly Night Market, happening on the last Friday of the month from around 4 pm.

Dive into the details of each market in the 10 Best Markets in Samoa.

Location: All over Apia! See the link above for specific locations.

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3. Take Part in a Samoan Cooking Class

Immerse yourself in Samoan culinary traditions at Taumeasina Island Resort with their “Making Vaisu” activity. You’ll learn to prepare vaisu, a traditional Samoan dish where fish is grilled directly on charcoal, imparting a deliciously smoky flavour.

This hands-on experience, guided by the resort’s activities team, is part of their daily cultural program. It’s usually an hour-long afternoon session that’ll have you feeling like a local chef in no time!

Often combined with other cultural activities like coconut climbing or weaving demonstrations, this immersive experience is a must-try for food enthusiasts and culture vultures alike.

Location: Taumeasina Island Resort, Taumeasina Road, Apia.

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4. Experience a Fiafia Night!

Another way to sample authentic local cuisine is through a fiafia night. “Fiafia” means “happy” in Samoan, which follows an equation that can’t help but put a smile on the faces of locals and visitors alike.

Many will start with an ‘ava (kava) welcoming ceremony before guests are treated to a buffet of Samoan staples, as well as some international favourites.

Once your stomach is gleeful, the show can get underway with cultural Pacifika dancing and, usually the highlight of the show, siva afi which is Samoa’s very own knife fire-dancing in the homeland where Polynesian fire dancing originated!

Location: All over Apia! Make your selections, as well as find out their locations, in the 10 Best Cultural Shows (Fiafia) in Samoa.

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5. Try Samoan Snacks

Although international food is well-represented across Apia, Samoans also have plenty of their own snacks available to pick up at many convenience stores and bakeries across the city – Sula’s Supermarket & Bakery is one of the local go-to’s for Samoan snacks, just a head’s up. We personally love exploring the local snack scene!

Why not try taro or banana chips? Bite into a soft keke pua’a (pork bun) or paifala (halfmoon pie). A bag of keke saiga (Chinese biscuits) will surely see you through until dinner!

Check out more Samoan snacks to try in Traditional Samoan Food: 20 Foods to Try in Samoa.

Location: Sula’s Supermarket – Main East Coast Road, Moataa.

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6. Catch Your Own Dinner on a Samoan Fishing Charter

Nothing compares to the thrills of reeling in the South Pacific’s monstrous pelagics, such as yellowfin tuna, sailfish, giant trevally, mahimahi and marlin, and then having it cooked up for you at your resort! Fishing is a way of life here on the islands, so there’s no lack of experienced fisherfolk who can show you the lines.

Troppo Fishing Adventures and Blue Marlin Game Fishing (Discovery Rentals) are your go-to charters in Apia, while new charters are often cropping up in the Apia Marina.

Head to the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Samoa for the most up-to-date list.

Location: Apia Marina! Check out the link above for recommendations and their locations.

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7. Treat the Tastebuds at Apia’s Cafes or Restaurants

An obvious foodie experience, but one still worth mentioning, is dining at Apia’s cafes and restaurants! When we were there last, we were delighted by the variety of culinary options available.

Some of its best establishments are the cafes, with highlights being Nourish Cafe and RiVaiv Cafe, with healthy (and obviously naughty) meals in quaint garden settings, while dine-in restaurants like Paddles Restaurant and Bistro Tatau rarely fail to impress.

You can even go vegan at the Kure Juice Bar or try the best coffee in town next door at the Coffee Roaster.

Compare all of your best options in the 10 Best Restaurants in Apia and the 10 Best Cafes in Apia & Upolu.

Location: All over Apia! See the links above for recommendations and their locations.

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8. Taste and Learn About Samoan Chocolate

Experience the rich world of Samoan chocolate at the Wilex Samoa Chocolate Factory. This innovative company not only produces delectable treats but also supports local cocoa farmers through the Samoa Koko Industry Association.

On the fascinating factory tour, you’ll journey through the complete chocolate-making process. Start with cocoa beans from local farmers and learn about the intricate grading system. Observe the roasting, de-shelling and grinding stages before witnessing the final production, where temperature control is crucial.

The highlight? Tasting opportunities featuring their 72% dark chocolate, 84% darker variety, dairy-free options, and milk chocolate. You might even sample their macadamia creations!

The tour concludes with insights into sustainability and Wilex’s role in reviving Samoa’s cocoa industry. Don’t forget to pick up some Koko Loa chocolate bars as delicious souvenirs!

Location: Lelata Road, Lelata, Apia. Signposted along Lelata Road. Find it behind the convenience store.

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9. Be Treated to a Private Dining Experience

If you seek a more exclusive experience, perhaps for a special occasion, then treat your loved one/family/friends to one of Apia’s private dining experiences.

When we were there last, we discovered that Taumeasina Island Resort indulges you in a three-course dinner with bubbles either on your room’s balcony or by the beach.

For more couple-centric experiences like this, take a look at the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Apia.

Location: Taumeasina Road, Taumeasina.

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10. Experience a Sunday To’onai

To’onai is a traditional Sunday lunch in Samoa, which brings in family and friends not only to eat together but to prepare the meal with each family member having a different role to play.

Hotels in Apia also host Sunday to’onai which, admittedly, will be more about eating than cooking for the visitor.

According to our very own editor-in-chief, Laura, you’ll love trying dishes like palusami and food that has likely been cooked in an umu at accommodations like the Orator Hotel and Taumeasina Island Resort.

To’onai buffets usually start at midday; be sure to book your spot. If you’re lucky (and friendly enough), your resort staff may invite you to their church service and then to their family home for a more authentic to’onai experience.

For more ways to spend your Sunday, check out the 10 Things to Do in Samoa on a Sunday.

Location: Orator Hotel – Tanumapua Village, Alafaalava Road, Aleisa. Taumeasina – Taumeasina Road.

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11. Learn About Koko Samoa, Taste it and See How it is Made!

The Samoan version of hot chocolate, “koko Samoa” is where cacao is turned into a paste and mixed with hot water and sugar, which has been part of the fabric of Samoan homes for generations.

For an immersive experience in Apia, head to Ms Sunshine Organic Farms on Upolu. They not only produce chocolate but also run fascinating agri-tours. Don’t miss their “Tree to Bar” workshop where you’ll get to make your own chocolate bars (we personally love getting our hands chocolatey!).

At Ms Sunshine, you’ll learn about the entire chocolate-making process, from cultivating cacao to crafting delicious treats. The enthusiastic team will guide you through each step, sharing their passion for organic farming and sustainable chocolate production.

For more drinks to try on the islands, check out the 15 Drinks in Samoa You Have to Try.

Location: Tuanai Village, Apia, Upolu.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com