The food in Hawai’i is very unique. Many of the foods we enjoy in Hawai'i are derived from other countries and places such as Japan, Portugal, and China, but Hawaiians have their own traditional foods as well. Foods have evolved and been combined to make unusual dishes that are very good. Hawa'ii has a talent of making things different, giving any visitor a unique food experience that is unlike anything he or she has tasted before.
Chicken Long RiceA dish consisting of rice noodles, chicken, green onions and ginger mixed together in a chicken broth.
HaupiaCoconut milk dessert that has the consistency of jello. When put on a crust, it is a pie. Sometimes layered with Hawaiian sweet potato to create a different kind of pie.
Shave IceIce shavings resembling snow topped with colorful syrups in different flavors, served in a paper cone or plastic bowls. A favorite with the keiki.
Lau LauChicken, pork, or fish wrapped in taro leaves and wrapped again in ti leaves, placed in an underground oven called an imu, and buried for a few hours. In modern days, it is often steamed in a pot. A very common luau food.
Lomi SalmonA salad made of raw salmon, tomatoes, and onions diced into small pieces and mixed together
PoiTaro ground until is has a pasty consistency. Usually milk and sugar are added.
Plate LunchA plate consisting of two scoops of white rice, one scoop of macaroni salad, and one or two main entrées such as chicken katsu, lau lau, kalua pig and cabbage, or battered mahi. A favorite among Hawai'i locals for any meal of the day.
Kalua PigPork cooked in an underground imu. Often served mixed with cabbage (as shown left). Another traditional luau food.
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SaiminA noodle and broth dish derived from and very similar to Japanese ramen. Usually served with green onions, fish cake, and spam or another meat.
Poke (poh-kay)Raw fish, derived from Japanese sashimi, cut into cubes, and marinated with shoyu (soy sauce) and other seasonings, depending on the variety.
Loco MocoA dish with rice, a hamburger patty, eggs over easy on top, and gravy. A local favorite.
Li HingSalty dried plum powder used on various snacks such as gummy worms, apples, and dried mango. Creates a salty, sour, and sweet taste.
Spam MusubiGrilled spam on top of rice both wrapped in nori (dried seaweed).
ManapuaPork filled bun that is either steamed or baked, derived from Chinese Char Siu Bao. The inside can also be other types of meat. There are even pizza manapuas with tomato sauce, pepperoni, and cheese inside.
Malasada A ball of deep fried yeast dough that is covered in sugar and sometimes cinnamon. Originally of Portuguese origin.
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