Umu - Traditional Earth Oven

The ancient art of Samoan earth oven cooking, where food becomes a celebration of community, culture, and connection to the land.

The Art of Umu Cooking

A time-honored process that transforms simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces.

Preparing the Earth Oven
2-3 hours

Digging the pit and arranging volcanic stones for optimal heat distribution.

Passed down through generations, each family has their preferred stone arrangement.

Umu Process Gallery

Gathering Firewood
1-2 hours

Collecting sustainable hardwood that burns hot and long.

Community activity where children learn about different wood types.

Umu Process Gallery

Heating the Stones
3-4 hours

Building and maintaining the fire until stones reach perfect cooking temperature.

The fire keeper is a respected role, requiring skill and patience.

Umu Process Gallery

Preparing the Food
2-3 hours

Seasoning and wrapping foods in banana leaves for earthy flavors.

Each family has unique seasoning blends and wrapping techniques.

Umu Process Gallery

Cooking in the Umu
2-3 hours

Layering foods and covering with leaves and earth for slow cooking.

The order of layering affects cooking times and flavor infusion.

Umu Process Gallery

Unveiling the Feast
30 minutes

Carefully uncovering the umu to reveal perfectly cooked foods.

A moment of celebration and anticipation for the community.

Umu Process Gallery

Traditional Umu Foods

Signature dishes that showcase the unique flavors and cultural significance of Samoan cuisine.

Palusami
2-3 hours

Taro leaves cooked in coconut cream, often with corned beef or fish.

Celebration dish, represents abundance and hospitality

Traditional Foods Gallery

Luau
2-3 hours

Young taro leaves with coconut cream and meat, wrapped in banana leaves.

Special occasion food, symbol of family gatherings

Traditional Foods Gallery

Faiai Eleni
3-4 hours

Baked breadfruit with coconut cream and spices.

Traditional staple food, represents resourcefulness

Traditional Foods Gallery

Oka
30 minutes prep

Raw fish marinated in coconut cream, lemon juice, and vegetables.

Everyday delicacy, showcases fresh ocean bounty

Traditional Foods Gallery

Cultural Traditions & Occasions

The special times when umu cooking brings communities together in celebration and support.

Sunday Umu

Weekly tradition where families gather after church to share umu-cooked meals.

Strengthens family bonds and community relationshipsEvery Sunday

Special Celebrations

Umu cooking for weddings, birthdays, and cultural ceremonies.

Marks important life events and community milestonesDuring celebrations

Funeral Gatherings

Community prepares umu to feed mourners during funeral services.

Shows support and care for grieving familiesDuring funerals

Cultural Festivals

Large-scale umu preparation for village and national festivals.

Preserves cultural identity and showcases Samoan hospitalityDuring festivals

Keepers of Traditional Knowledge

The dedicated masters who preserve and share the art of traditional umu cooking.

Knowledge Keeper Photo

Mata'i Tuala

Master Umu Keeper

50+ years
Specialty:

Traditional fire management and stone arrangement

Story:

Learned from his grandfather, can judge stone temperature by sight and sound.

Knowledge Keeper Photo

Sofia Lealagi

Cultural Food Expert

40+ years
Specialty:

Traditional recipes and food preparation techniques

Story:

Keeper of family recipes passed down through 7 generations.

Knowledge Keeper Photo

Tama Maota

Community Teacher

30+ years
Specialty:

Teaching youth umu traditions and cultural protocols

Story:

Dedicated to ensuring every child in Alega learns umu cooking.

Preservation & Education Programs

Our initiatives to preserve umu traditions and pass them to future generations.

Youth Umu Workshops

Monthly workshops teaching children traditional umu cooking techniques.

Active
Progress85%
Impact: 200+ youth trained annually

Recipe Documentation

Recording traditional recipes and cooking methods from elder knowledge keepers.

Ongoing
Progress70%
Impact: 150+ traditional recipes documented

Cultural Exchange Program

Sharing umu traditions with visitors while protecting cultural knowledge.

Established
Progress90%
Impact: 1000+ visitors educated yearly

Sustainable Practices

Promoting sustainable firewood collection and earth oven maintenance.

Growing
Progress75%
Impact: 50 families using sustainable methods

Preserve Our Culinary Heritage

Join us in preserving the ancient art of umu cooking. Your support helps maintain traditional techniques, support knowledge keepers, and ensure future generations can experience this vital cultural practice.