11 Best Foodie Experiences in Samoa

1. See an Umu Demonstration

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 there are a couple of ways to experience this special meal for yourself in Samoa.

The easiest way would be to join one of Samoa Cultural Village‘s tours in Apia where guests are shown how to weave their own plates before watching the umu demonstration and, of course, dining on the result while enjoying a magnificent cultural performance.

Alternatively, there’s also the opportunity to watch umu demonstrations at resorts such as Le Vasa Resort on Upolu and Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge on Savai’i.

Location: Samoa Cultural Village – Behind the Samoa Tourism Information Centre, Beach Road, Apia. Le Vasa Resort – Main West Coast Road, Apolima-uta, northwest coast of Upolu. Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge – Between Auala and Asau villages in Asau Bay on the northwest coast of Savai’i.

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2. 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.

While resorts such as Amoa Resort offer a fantastic cultural insight with their Koko Samoa Demonstration, you can dive deeper into the drink with the Koko Plantation Tour at Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge. This tour is a chocolate lover’s dream! You’ll see the entire koko cultivation process, from tiny seedlings to dried cocoa beans. The highlight? Watching (and tasting!) as they demonstrate how to make the beloved koko Samoa. While there’s plenty to see year-round, we recommend visiting in May–June for the best experience. You’ll get to witness the roasting process and indulge in a tasting that’ll make your taste buds dance.

For an even more immersive experience, 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!).

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

Location: Amoa Resort – Faga village on the east coast of Savai’i. Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge, between Auala and Asau villages on the northwest coast of Savai’i. Ms Sunshine Organic Farms – Tuanai Village, Apia, Upolu.

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3. Browse Local Produce and Street Food Markets

One of the unmissable foodie experiences in Samoa is its markets.

Fugalei Market is the largest market in Samoa where, between the stalls with large mounds of tropical fruit and vegetables, there are vendors selling traditional Samoan meals, such as palusami and fai’ai elegi. A similar experience with fewer stalls can be found at the Salelologa Market on Savai’i.

On the other hand, there’s also Apia’s Samoa Women’s Association of Growers (SWAG) Market which is a cute Saturday gathering with organic produce and local Samoan food products for sale. 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 8 Best Markets in Samoa.

Location: Apia and Salelologa. See the link above for specific locations.

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4. Take Part in an ‘Ava Ceremony

Like in many of the Polynesian islands of the South Pacific, ‘ava or kava is a popular drink used for ceremonial purposes.

‘Ava is made from the root of a pepper plant that has been ground up and mixed with water. It has narcotic/sedative properties, but the quantity usually consumed by tourists won’t have much effect.

Experience ‘ava at attractions like Samoa Cultural Village, while some volunteers are chosen to try ‘ava at fiafia nights (more about the latter below).

For more food-related activities on Samoa’s main island, check out 10 Best Foodie Experiences on Upolu.

Location: Samoa Cultural Village – Behind the Samoa Tourism Information Centre, Beach Road, Apia.

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5. Tour a Plantation

Samoans heavily rely on the tropical produce of their inland plantations, much like the Ifiele’ele Plantation on Upolu. Either stay as a guest at the accommodation or book ahead if you’re a group of four or more people to take a tour of this plantation, famous across the island for its healthy dried fruit snacks, real fruit ice pops, as well as jams and chutneys.

Alternatively on Savai’i, stay at the unique B&B experience of Florence’s Place for the fascinating foodie experience of exploring a 300-acre farm awash in taro, coconuts, papaya, pineapple, limes, bananas and livestock. After learning about the Samoan way of life through your friendly hosts, you’ll indulge in the farm’s fare through home-cooked meals. Plus, also see Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge‘s koko plantation tour, as described above or in the 11 Best Foodie Experiences on Savai’i.

Location: Ifiele’ele Plantation – Satui Road, Fasito’outa, northwest coast of Upolu. Florence’s Place – Fa’a’ala village (Palauli district), signposted off the main road on the southeast coast of Savai’i.

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6. 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 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 Samoa! Make your selections, as well as find out their locations, in the 10 Best Cultural Shows (Fiafia) in Samoa.

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7. Learn How to Make Vaisu at Taumeasina Island Resort

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, Upolu.

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8. Taste and Learn About Samoan Chocolate

Discover the sweet side of Samoa at the Wilex Samoa Chocolate Factory. This local gem offers an enticing tour that takes you through the complete chocolate-making process, from bean to bar.

You’ll learn about cocoa grading, witness the roasting and grinding stages, and observe the intricate molding process where temperature control is crucial. The highlight? Tasting opportunities featuring their 72% dark chocolate, 84% darker variety, dairy-free options and milk chocolate.

According to our editor-in-chief, Laura, “The tour concludes with fascinating insights into sustainability and Wilex’s role in reviving Samoa’s cocoa industry.” It’s a delicious journey that chocolate lovers and culture enthusiasts alike will savour.

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

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9. Experience Palolo Rising

An annual phenomenon and cultural event that you can almost set your alarm by, the rising of the palolo reef worm is an exciting time to be in Samoa.

Just before dawn during the waning October or November moon (sometimes both), locals flock to the reefs with their nets, buckets and lanterns in paopao (canoes) or on foot to haul in the tails of these unique and incredibly tasty reef worms. If you’re in Samoa during or a few weeks after Palolo Rising, you’ll either find palolo being sold in its raw or cooked form at the local markets or on the specials boards of restaurants.

Alternatively, attend the Palolo Festival which is held at a different village and venue each year, so keep an eye on this accommodation or on the Samoa Tourism events page for where the next festival is taking place.

For more advice, check out How to Experience the Palolo Season in Samoa.

Location: All over Samoa!

© Samoa Tourism Authority

10. Try 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. If you’re lucky (and friendly enough), resort staff may invite you to their church service and then to their family home for an authentic to’onai experience.

Alternatively, some hotels, resorts and beach fales also host Sunday to’onai. Try dishes like palusami and food that has likely been cooked in an umu at accommodations like Taumeasina Island Resort, Orator Hotel Samoa and Faimafili Village Resort and more. To’onai buffets usually start at midday; be sure to book your spot.

Location: All over Samoa! See the links of the recommended accommodations above to see their locations.

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11. Experience a Scenic Tour with Foodie Experiences

Immerse yourself in Samoa’s food traditions and stunning landscapes with these captivating scenic tours. Sunshine Samoa Tours offers a unique visit to a local family plantation, where you’ll witness an umu demonstration, try your hand at weaving, and watch daring coconut climbing. It’s a true taste of Samoan life!

For a “Sunsational Experience”, join Samoa Sunsation Tours. You’ll meet village chiefs, participate in an ava ceremony, and walk through lush plantations harvesting your own taro. The tour culminates with a traditional Samoan cooking demonstration, giving you a delicious insight into local cuisine. Best of all, they operate on both Upolu and Savai’i islands.

Nature lovers and culture enthusiasts will adore Golden Eco Tours. Start with a kava ceremony before exploring plantations and experiencing warm local hospitality. Guided by a local family, you’ll gain unique insights into daily life and natural food practices in Samoa.

Learn more about these tour companies and others, check out the 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Samoa.

Location: Tours include accommodation transfers from various locations on Upolu and Savai’i.

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