The Top Cheap Eats in Pago Pago & American Samoa

Do you know what US$10 gets you in American Samoa? Quite a lot, actually! From hearty local comfort food to fresh sashimi and sweet treats, the island's budget dining scene offers incredible value for money. Whether you're craving a filling breakfast, a quick lunch or an indulgent dessert, these affordable eateries prove that eating well doesn't have to break the bank.

Note that prices, of course, are subject to change.

Fast Food and Comfort Eats

For hearty comfort food that won't stretch your wallet, Tropical Chicken (Tafuna) delivers with their popular two-piece meal (US$9) and fish & chips (US$9). Their US$6 kids meal is particularly good value, including chicken, fries, biscuits and juice—perfect for families on a budget.

Pizza lovers will find Tropical Pizza (Tafuna) ideal for solo dining, with personal pan pizzas ranging from US$6-$8. The US$10 PPP meal (personal pizza plus drink) remains their most popular budget combo, whilst affordable sides like breadsticks (US$5) and soup meals (US$9) round out the menu.

The ultimate budget destination has to be Turtle Shark Cafe (Tafuna), where egg sandwiches cost just US$2.50 and saimin noodles a mere US$1.50. Basic coffee starts at US$1, and their chili and rice combo (US$3.75) provides a filling meal for minimal cost.

Cafes and Light Bites

Health-conscious diners gravitate towards Rainbow Cafe (Tafuna), a grab-and-go spot specialising in US$7 sandwiches and wraps. Add chips for just US$1 more, or try their smoothies (US$7.50-$8) and ginger shots (US$3) for a nutritious boost.

Simple but satisfying describes She Bakes Too (Pava'ia'i), where this cosy takeaway offers tuna or turkey sandwiches for US$5.50 and small soups starting at US$3.95. Coffee drinks begin at just US$3, making it a great budget breakfast spot.

Early morning budget diners flock to Ruby Red Cafe (Tafuna), known for healthy options like egg salad sandwiches (US$6), oatmeal (US$5) and breakfast wraps (US$8). Their US$3 coffee and simple breakfast items keep the morning crowd happy.

For hearty homemade breakfast options, Vila's Snack Bar (Tafuna) serves up Tia's chili with rice and cornbread (US$7.25) and island noodles with fish and spam (US$7.75). Their breakfast sandwiches (US$5.50) and fresh quiche (US$5.95-6.25) are popular morning choices.

International Flavours

Korean-influenced Manuia Restaurant (Tafuna) offers excellent value with 10-piece fresh tuna sashimi for just US$9 and simple vegetable dishes like roasted eggplant (US$9). Their US$3 purple rice bowls make perfect budget sides.

Authentic Vietnamese flavours await at Vietnamese TJD Restaurant (Pava'ia'i), featuring simple vegetable dishes like roasted eggplant (US$9) and garlic stir-fried cabbage (US$10). Their mushroom soup (US$10) and basic vegetable preparations offer genuine tastes at budget prices.

Sweet Treats and Desserts

A sweet tooth's budget paradise, ChEAT Day (Nu'uuli) offers individual biscuits and brownies for just US$1.50-$2.50 each, plus affordable ice cream scoops starting at US$1.50. Their mixed sodas (US$2.75) and treats make for cheap, indulgent snacks.

Beyond ice cream, Samu's Ice Cream (Fagatogo) serves basic breakfast items like egg sandwiches (US$2) and silver dollar pancakes (US$6). Their chili bowls (US$6) and simple omelettes (US$8) provide hearty budget meals throughout the day.

For something uniquely Asian, See U (Nu'uuli) specialises in egg waffle ice cream for around US$8, offering a distinctive dessert experience. They focus primarily on sweet treats and beverages for budget-conscious dessert lovers.

Roadside BBQs

Look out for roadside barebcues, such as PJK Fish Market (Utulei) and the Aua BBQ (Aua). These local joints typically sell meat and rice dishes, as well as hot dogs and oka for around US$10 each.

Increasing your budget to US$11-$20 (still very cheap) opens you up to a few more dining options across the island. You'll find everything from authentic Korean-Hawaiian fusion to hearty American comfort food, with most restaurants offering generous portions that easily justify the modest price increase.

Note that prices, of course, are subject to change.

Pizza & Italian

Manu's Pizza (Nu'uuli) serves up satisfying Italian-American meals with medium combo pizzas (US$18) and traditional calzones (US$13.50). Their pricing reflects generous portion sizes perfect for sharing between two people.

Resort & Beachfront Dining

Sadie's by the Sea - Goat Island Café (Utulei) offers island favourites like baja fish tacos (US$15) and saimin bowls (US$16-18), alongside American breakfast classics. Their smoothies (US$15-16) and weekend specials like chicken curry (US$18) provide upscale dining at moderate prices.

Similar to Sadie's, DDW Beach Café (Utulei) delivers diverse breakfast and lunch options with most dishes falling perfectly in the US$12-18 range. Their specialities include island-style dishes like loco moco (US$15-18), various eggs benedict options (US$15-17) and fresh seafood preparations, plus they make their own cakes and desserts for a complete dining experience.

Located in Tradewinds Hotel, Kafe Plus (Tafuna) concentrates primarily on premium beverages rather than substantial meals. Their speciality drinks like frappuccinos (US$5-6.50) and smoothies provide high-quality coffee shop experiences but don't offer full meals within this price category.

Asian Fusion & Korean

Good Vibes (Tafuna) is known for their sizzling plates (US$15-$20), offering diverse options from chicken wings (US$11) to grilled swordfish (US$19). Their Asian-fusion dishes like beef kaldereta (US$20) and extensive pasta selection (US$15-$17) provide quality dining with generous portions.

This Korean-Hawaiian fusion restaurant Oasis (Tafuna) excels in comfort food with their chicken katsu (US$13) and pork katsu (US$14) being standout dishes served with rice and salads. Their extensive Korean menu features traditional favourites like bibimbap (US$16), beef bulgogi (US$18) and various saimin noodle soups (US$11-$13) that offer authentic flavours at reasonable prices.

Chinese Cuisine

Manaia Restaurant (Tafuna) offers an impressive selection of traditional dishes, including cold appetisers like cold potato and mushroom (US$13 each) and various stir-fried options. Their extensive menu features classic Chinese-American dishes like sweet and sour chicken (US$13), beef with broccoli (US$13) and kung pao chicken (US$15), plus various fried rice and noodle combinations (US$11-$14).

American Comfort Food

Alora's Restaurant (Tafuna) specialises in hearty meals with their signature burgers ranging from US$15-$19, including unique options like their vegan burger and Philly steak burger. Their breakfast menu is particularly strong with classics like big breakfast (US$18), various omelettes (US$14-$18) and speciality items like chicken waffle (US$17) that provide substantial portions.

The takeout-only Fish Market (Fagatogo) bridges both budget and mid-range dining with their baja fish taco at exactly US$10, while most of their seafood specialties like nacho poke (US$16), fish 'n' chips (US$17), and their signature Krunchy Sumo Roll (US$18) fall squarely in the $10-$20 category, making it accessible for various budgets seeking fresh, locally-focused seafood dishes.