Samoa
Samoa's coffee scene is a delightful blend of its own burgeoning local coffee production and the strong influence of New Zealand and Australian cafe culture, especially in the capital city of Apia. You'll find everything from unique local brews to familiar espresso-based drinks, often with tropical twists.
Here are the different ways you can expect to order coffee in Samoa and what's in them:
Locally Grown & Roasted Samoan Coffee (The Authentic Taste):
Samoa has a growing coffee industry, with dedicated roasters who pride themselves on roasting premium beans right on the island. Local beans are typically Arabica and offer unique flavor profiles.
"Samoan Coffee" / "Local Blend": This refers to coffee made from beans grown and processed within Samoa. Some places might have their own signature blends.
What's in it: Freshly roasted Samoan Arabica coffee beans.
Preparation: This can be served as a drip coffee, pour-over, or in cafes that source local beans, as espresso. It allows you to taste the unique characteristics of Samoan terroir.
How to order: Ask for "Samoan coffee" or inquire about their "local blend."
Koko Samoa Coffee: This is a fantastic fusion that combines Samoa's famous local cacao (koko Samoa) with coffee.
What's in it: Brewed coffee (often strong) with rich, unsweetened or lightly sweetened koko Samoa(a dense block of roasted and ground cacao beans, often grated and dissolved in hot water or milk). It's a dark, rich, and distinctly Samoan chocolate-coffee experience.
How to order: You might find this explicitly on menus, or you could ask if they can add koko Samoa to your coffee.
Standard Espresso-Based Coffees (Common in Apia Cafes & Resorts):
Thanks to tourism and ties with New Zealand and Australia, modern cafes in Apia offer a familiar range of espresso drinks.
Espresso / Short Black: A concentrated shot of coffee.
Doppio: A double shot of espresso.
Long Black: Hot water first, then a double shot of espresso poured over it. This preserves the crema.
Flat White: A very popular choice, directly influenced by NZ/Australian coffee culture. Espresso with velvety, steamed milk and very little foam.
Latte / Café Latte: Espresso with a larger amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of foamed milk on top. Often served in a glass.
Cappuccino: Espresso with steamed milk and a thicker layer of foamed milk on top, usually dusted with chocolate powder.
Macchiato (Short or Long):
Short Macchiato: Espresso "marked" with a tiny dollop of steamed milk or foam.
Long Macchiato: Double espresso with a dollop of foam and a small amount of milk.
Mocha / Mochaccino: Espresso combined with chocolate syrup (or cocoa powder, possibly koko Samoa!) and steamed milk, often topped with whipped cream.
Piccolo Latte (or Piccolo): A smaller, more concentrated version of a latte, usually a single ristretto shot with warm, silky milk, served in a small cup.
Iced & Blended Coffee Drinks:
Iced and blended coffee drinks are very popular options.
Iced Coffee: This can vary. Some places might offer a simple black coffee over ice. More commonly, it can be a sweeter drink with coffee, milk, vanilla ice cream, and often whipped cream and syrup (similar to the Australian style).
Iced Latte/Cappuccino/Mocha: The chilled versions of their hot counterparts, made with espresso, cold milk, and ice.
Frappe / Blended Coffee: These are widely available, made by blending coffee, ice, milk, and various flavorings, often topped with whipped cream. Some cafes might incorporate local fruit flavors.
Samoa Latte (Inspired by Girl Scout Cookie): While not necessarily a traditional Samoan drink, this popular themed latte is inspired by the "Samoas" cookie (coconut, chocolate, caramel).
What's in it: Espresso (or strong coffee), coconut milk, caramel syrup, chocolate syrup, often topped with whipped cream, toasted coconut, and chocolate/caramel drizzle.
Other & Simpler Options:
Drip Coffee / Brewed Coffee: Standard brewed coffee, often available at breakfast buffets in hotels or in smaller, less specialized eateries.
Instant Coffee: Still a common and convenient option in homes, smaller shops, and guesthouses throughout Samoa.
Coffee with Coconut Milk/Cream: Given the abundance of coconuts, many cafes will offer coconut milk as a dairy alternative for any coffee drink. This is a common and delicious local addition.
Alternative Lattes: You might find chai lattes or matcha lattes in some modern cafes.
Key things to remember when ordering coffee in Samoa:
"Talofa!" (Hello!): A friendly greeting goes a long way.
Apia is the Hub: Most of the specialized espresso and blended drinks will be found in cafes and resorts within Apia.
Specify Your Preference: If you want a particular type of coffee (e.g., "flat white" vs. just "coffee"), be specific. If you just ask for "coffee" in a less specialized place, you might get instant coffee or a simple brewed coffee.
Embrace Local Flavors: Don't miss the chance to try locally grown Samoan coffee or coffee incorporating koko Samoa or coconut milk for an authentic island experience.
*The content in this document was generated using artificial intelligence, drawing from various online sources, and subsequently refined for accuracy and conciseness in 2025. Users are advised to consult multiple sources to corroborate information and should not rely solely on this document for comprehensive research.