11 Best Foodie Experiences on Upolu

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 on Upolu.

The easiest way would be to join one of Samoa Cultural Village‘s free 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.

Location: Samoa Culture Village – Behind the Samoa Tourism Information Centre, Beach Road, Apia. Le Vasa Resort – Main West Coast Road, Cape Fatuosofia, Apolima-uta, northwest coast of Upolu.

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2. 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.

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3. Join 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 – see what you could be having in the 20 Foods to Try in Samoa – 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 Upolu! Make your selections, as well as find out their locations, in the 10 Best Cultural Shows (Fiafia) in Samoa.

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4. Take Part in a Samoan Cooking Class

Take home the knowledge of how to cook Samoan dishes by partaking in a Samoan cooking class; a pretty unique souvenir! This more hands-on foodie experience on Upolu can be experienced at resorts such as Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa and Taumeasina Island Resort.

The Sinalei offering is certainly an immersive affair which starts with a “sunrise supply hunt” gathering ingredients from the local plantations and markets.

After a break with a dip in a freshwater pool, you’ll get stuck into your “sunset cooking class”, where the resort’s chefs will guide you through creating a Samoan dish for you to enjoy in a private overwater setting once your creation is complete.

Location: Sinalei Reef Resort – Signposted off Main South Coast Road between Mulivai and Si’umu villages on the south coast. Taumeasina Island Resort – Taumeasina Road, Apia.

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5. Browse Local Produce and Street Food Markets

One of the unmissable foodie experiences on Upolu is the markets in Apia. Fugalei Market is the largest market in Samoa where, between the stalls with large mounds of tropical fruit and vegetables, are vendors selling traditional Samoan meals, such as palusami and fai’ai elegi.

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.

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: Apia. See the link above for specific locations.

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6. Tour the Ifiele’ele Plantation

Samoans heavily rely on the tropical produce of its inland plantations, much like the Ifiele’ele Plantation. Either stay as a guest at the accommodation or book ahead if you’re a group with a minimum of four 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.

The plantation experience includes an informative tour of Samoa’s quintessential edible plants (and friendly goats), as well as a coconut demonstration and jam and dried fruit tastings.

Location: Satui Road, Fasito’outa, northwest coast of Upolu.

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7. 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, resorts and beach fales also host Sunday to’onais which, admittedly, will be more about eating than cooking for the visitor. Try dishes like palusami and food that has likely been cooked in an umu at accommodations like Taufua Beach Fales, Taumeasina Island Resort and Leuaina Beach 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: Taufua Beach Fales – Main South Coast Road, Lalomanu on the southeast coast. Taumeasina – Taumeasina Road, Apia. Leuaina – Main East Coast Road, Faleapuna on the northeast coast.

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8. Taste and Learn About Samoan Chocolate

Discover the sweet side of Samoa at the Wilex Samoa Chocolate Factory. This innovative factory has developed tourism capabilities through engaging tours that support local cocoa farmers and showcase Samoa’s very own Koko Loa chocolate bars.

On this delectable journey, you’ll witness the complete chocolate-making process, from grading cocoa beans to the intricate molding techniques. Learn about the crucial temperature control and timing that prevent chocolate from becoming mushy.

The tour culminates in a tasting session featuring their 72% dark chocolate, 84% darker variety, dairy-free options, milk chocolate, and possibly macadamia varieties. You’ll also gain insights into sustainability efforts and Wilex’s role in reviving Samoa’s cocoa industry.

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

To elevate your evening meal, perhaps to celebrate a special occasion or “just ’cause”, treat yourself and your partner, family or friends to one of Upolu’s private dining experiences.

Indulge in a three-course dinner with bubbles either on your room’s balcony or by the beach at Taumeasina Island Resort, choose a private decorated setting at Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa or have a candlelit dinner with personal waiting service on the deck of your luxury villa at Seabreeze Resort.

See more ideas like this in the 10 Adults-Only Activities on Upolu.

Location: Taumeasina – Taumeasina Road, off Main East Coast Road, Apia. Sinalei Reef – Signposted off Main South Coast Road between Mulivai and Si’umu. Seabreeze – Signposted along Main South Coast Road, Aufaga.

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10. 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 (booked through Discovery Rentals) are your go-to charters in Apia, while resorts around Upolu and Savai’i, like Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa, have their own fishing operations.

Location: All over Upolu! Check out the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Samoa for recommendations and their locations.

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11. Treat the Tastebuds at One of Upolu’s Cafes or Restaurants

Finally, an obvious foodie experience but one still worth mentioning is dining at Upolu’s cafes and restaurants! Admittedly, the island isn’t exactly teeming with eateries outside of Apia, so you’re best to stick to the capital if you want to enjoy an array of dining experiences.

Some of its best establishments are the cafes, with highlights being Nourish Cafe and RiVaiv Cafe, while dine-in restaurants like Paddles Restaurant and Bistro Tatau rarely fail to impress.

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

Location: All over Upolu (but mostly in Apia)! See the links above for recommendations and their locations.

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