American Samoa for Vegans & Vegetarians + 10 Best Restaurants

Finding plant-based meals in American Samoa might seem challenging at first glance, but we've discovered some fantastic options during our visits to Tutuila. Whether you're a committed vegan or simply looking to eat more vegetables, you'll be pleasantly surprised by what's on offer.

Top 7 Restaurants in Pago Pago and Tutuila for Vegans and Vegetarians

We've personally tried these spots and can vouch for their plant-based offerings. From our experience, most restaurants here are happy to accommodate dietary preferences if you ask nicely.

1. Alora's Restaurant

Alora's Restaurant (Route 014, Tafuna) might focus on classic American comfort food, but they've got some solid vegetarian options that caught our attention. We love their vegan burger – it comes with a plant-based patty, mushrooms and what they call "crispy bacon" (definitely ask if it's plant-based or request it without to be safe).

The veggie burrito is another winner, packed with sautéed vegetables and béchamel sauce, served alongside crispy fries. For breakfast lovers, the veggie omelette can easily be made vegan – just ask them to hold the cheese and eggs (they're usually happy to load it up with extra vegetables instead).

Don't overlook their sides either. The fries, onion rings, baked potato and fruit bowl are all plant-friendly and perfect for rounding out your meal.

2. Cafe Felila

Cafe Felila (Route 001, Malaeimi) serves up some impressive vegan dishes that we can't get enough of. Their bean bowl and shiitake bowl are both hearty and flavourful, whilst the power bowl gives you that healthy boost you're looking for.

We're particularly drawn to their pesto burger and the creative tempura sushi taco made with tofu – it's not your typical island fare, but it works beautifully.

Admittedly, the tofu banmi was a miss for us, but the comforting breakfast bowls with your choice of plant-based milk were definitely a hit, if not a little on the pricey side.

3. Manaia Restaurant

You can always rely on Asian cuisine for some vegetarian options, and Manaia Restaurant (Route 014, Tafuna) is a vegetarian's dream. They offer various tofu and vegetable dishes that go well beyond basic salads.

Their soups are particularly comforting, and you can pair them with rice or noodle plates for a satisfying meal. From what we've experienced, they really understand how to make vegetables the star of the show.

4. TJD Pho Vietnamese Restaurant

TJD Pho Vietnamese Restaurant (Route 001, Malaeimi) impressed us with their substantial vegetarian menu – these aren't afterthought options but proper dishes that vegetarians will genuinely enjoy. Their tofu dishes include delicious preparations like stir-fried tofu with vegetables and aromatic seasonings.

We're big fans of their pho with fried tofu (same price as the meat versions), and their fresh summer rolls come in vegetarian varieties for an ultra-affordable price. The comprehensive vegetable section features stir-fried mixed vegetables, napa cabbage, eggplant and mushroom dishes – something we've learned shows a restaurant that truly gets vegetarian cuisine.

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5. Ruby Red Cafe

Ruby Red Cafe (Route 014, Tafuna) caters brilliantly to health-conscious diners, and their veggie wrap, power bowl and chia parfait are all excellent choices.

The smoothie selection is where they really shine – try the "Green Goddess" or "Samoan Greens" smoothies. For budget-conscious travellers, the oatmeal at makes for an affordable and filling breakfast option.

6. Vila's Snack Bar

Vila's Snack Bar (Route 016, Tafuna) turned out to be surprisingly vegan-friendly when we took a closer look at their menu. They offer "Veggie" versions throughout, substituting meat with black bean patties – a detail that shows they've put real thought into plant-based options.

Their veggie enchiladas and super burritos are really well priced, whilst the burrito bowls and fajita taco salads with black bean patties are also worth considering.

The "Breakfast Fajita Burrito" comes with eggs, black beans, sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms and cheese, but they can easily make it vegan by removing the eggs and cheese.

7. She Bakes Too

A cute bakery and takeaway breakfast and lunch joint, She Bakes Too (Route 001, Faleniu), told us that "vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available upon request" – music to our ears!

Their "Pasta Salad" with whole wheat pasta with bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, apples, cranberries (and you can ask for no cheese) is a real pick me up when you're on the way back from your west coast adventure. They also do health-focused smoothies, yoghurt and acai bowls to round off the menu.

For more about these restaurants, as well as non-vegetarian friends, check out the 10 Best Restaurants in Pago Pago & Tutuila.

Self-Catering as a Vegan or Vegetarian in Pago Pago

Finding vegan ingredients in Pago Pago requires a bit more planning, but the essential items are available through the island's grocery stores and markets. KS Mart stands out as one of the better-stocked options, offering not just groceries but fresh produce, bakery items and housewares needed for self-catering. The store combines convenience with variety, housing everything from basic ingredients to kitchen equipment under one roof.

However, specialty vegan items like plant-based milks, nuts and processed vegan snacks are very limited in Tutuila. Plant-based milks can be found at Cost U Less, but it's best to bring other vegan snacks from home.

For fresh local fruit and vegetables, the Fagatogo Market and roadside stalls in Pava'ia'i offer local produce, providing an opportunity to source fresh ingredients at more reasonable prices than imported alternatives.

The reality of vegan self-catering in American Samoa is that it requires more advance planning and budget consideration than in more connected locations. Basic staples are available, but specialty vegan products are scarce. Fresh local produce represents your best value, while pantry staples like rice and pasta are abundant in most supermarkets and village convenience stores.

For more about shopping in Tutuila, check out A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in American Samoa LINK#TT011.

We're not going to pretend otherwise; the Manu'a Islands LINK#D012 don't make it easy for vegans and vegetarians. These remote islands of Ofu, Olosega, and Ta'ū are even more traditional than the main island of Tutuila when it comes to dining options, with absolutely no restaurants and a heavy focus on fresh fish, coconut crab and other traditional Samoan fare.

Some accommodations can prepare meals upon request, with fresh fish, fried chicken and burger patties being the usual focus. There is one significant exception in the islands: Va'oto Lodge can offer vegetarian and vegan meals or stock their pantry accordingly. This accommodation can arrange specialised food with proper planning and advance notice. The cost of meals varies based on preferences and group size, but they're equipped to handle plant-based dietary requirements with sufficient advance planning - typically having to import items from Pago or overseas. This makes Va'oto Lodge by far your best bet for reliable vegan and vegetarian meals during your stay in the Manu'a Islands.

For other accommodations in the Manu'a Islands, be prepared to have detailed conversations about your dietary requirements well before arrival, as most meal preparation centres around seafood and traditional Samoan dishes that typically include animal products.

Learn more about accommodations in our guide, Where to Stay in Ofu, Olosega & Ta'ū (Manu'a Islands): 10 Best Accommodations.

Self-Catering as a Vegan or Vegetarian in the Manu'a Islands

Self-catering becomes almost essential for vegan and vegetarian visitors to the Manu'a Islands, though your options are quite basic. The small convenience stores offer fundamental staples but at significantly higher prices than mainland options due to freight costs. Shops operate from 7 am to 9/10 pm most days (usually a case of calling out if someone's there) and stocks basics like pasta, Pringles, ramen noodles and various canned goods.

These village stores will cover your basic needs, but don't expect specialty vegan items like plant-based milk alternatives or meat substitutes. Fresh produce is not typically available to purchase, but you could ask your hosts if they have a tree in their back garden, which is how fruit is usually sourced in these islands.

For more about what to expect food-wise in the Manu'as, check out The Food Guide to the Manu'a Islands: Places to Eat & Food Tours LINK#D009.