Samoa

Vegan Friendliness: ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3/5)
Vegetarian Friendliness: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
Best For: Fresh fruit, coconut-based dishes, root vegetables
Challenging Because: Fish and meat dominate traditional meals

🥗 What to Eat

• Oka i’a without fish (ask carefully)
• Palusami (coconut cream baked in taro leaves — ask no meat)
• Taro, cassava, sweet potatoes, and breadfruit
• Fresh tropical fruits: papaya, mango, banana, pineapple

🚫 Watch Out For

• Raw or cooked fish in most traditional dishes
• Pork or chicken added to coconut dishes
• Sauce made with fish stock

🗣️ Survival Phrases (Samoan)

• I am vegetarian: O aʻu o se tagataʻai meaʻai
  (oh ah-oo oh seh tah-gah-tah ah-ee meh-ah-ee)
• I am vegan: O aʻu o se tagataʻai meaʻai leai se mea manu
  (oh ah-oo oh seh tah-gah-tah ah-ee leh-AI seh meh-ah MAH-noo)
• No meat: Leai se mea manu
  (leh-AI seh meh-ah MAH-noo)
• No fish: Leai se iʻa
  (leh-AI seh ee-ah)

🧭 Veggie Trip Tip

Markets and small cafes are best for vegetarian/vegan eating. Always confirm coconut-based dishes don’t contain meat or fish.