Samoa's Finest

In a little nondescript part of Porirua you’ll find Samoa’s Finest, the kind of place that has just gone right ahead and made it easy for customers by naming itself after precisely what it provides. From Palusami (taro leaves and coconut cream wrapped and cooked in tinfoil) to Panikeke (deep-fried balls much like a doughnut) and Samoan pork or lamb buns, customers come from far and wide to get their hands on what is very much an authentic taste of the Islands.

Rumour is you need to be in quick if you’re hoping for a taste on Sundays—locals flock here before and after church and with only one sit-in table, it’s probably best to grab your chop suey, crisp chicken thighs or pineapple pies takeaway.

If you’ve called Samoa home at some point in your life then this place is undoubtedly going to stir up all kinds of nostalgia, with music blasting from an old school stereo, the chilled-out folks behind the counter taking it easy, and the real focus on big helpings of food that’s finger-lickin' tasty.