Hawaiian food is more than just poke, acai bowls, and pineapple. Because of its unique location, the Hawaiian Islands offer a wide variety of food options. These twelve dishes are sure to please, no matter if you are planning a vacation to the islands or just want to host a luau at home.
1. Spam Musubi
Let's just say spam sushi sounds amazing. The original preserved canned meat was created during World War II to be portable and easy to eat straight out of the can. Although the meat is popular all over the country, the best way to enjoy it in your country is on top of sticky rice and wrapped with nori.
2. Shave Ice
It's not a typo. The actual name is shave, and not shaved. In the midst of hot weather, this sweet treat made with shavedice and flavored syrup has become a Hawaiian favorite. This is the closest thing to snow in the islands.
Read More: Hawaiian Food in Reno
3. Kalua Pork
Hawaiian culture is a vital part of food. Kalua pork is one the most popular dishes. Pork butt can be cooked for hours in underground ovens known as “imu”, until it is tender enough to fall apart. This smoky pork is likely to be served at a luau.
4. Plate Lunch
Cheap? Check. Filling? Check. Flavorful? Check. Check. Check. You won't regret it. Two scoops of white rice, macaroni and your choice meat (teriyaki beef or fried chicken) are usually included.
5. Loco Moco
All your favourite comfort food favorites, all rolled into one. Warm brown gravy, grilled hamburger patties and a freshly fried egg are all part of this delicious combination. Oh, and it's served on a bed of white rice. Can you say comfort?
6. Haupia Pie
Coconut cream pie multiplied by 10. To give it a Hawaiian flavor, this treat is made using coconut milk. It can be topped with pineapple, macadamia nuts or cocoa powder.
7. Manapua
These can be easily compared with char siu buns. But any Hawaiian foodie would quickly dismiss them if they are called that. Doughy buns can be filled with sweet pork or baked.
8. Saimin
These noodles, like manapua look very much like ramen. Saimin is made with clear Japanese broth and Chinese egg noodles.
9. Huli Huli Chicken
This is the perfect recipe for teriyaki chicken. The chicken is marinated in soy sauce, brown sugar and ketchup and then grilled on huge fires such as the one shown above. This flavorful meat is best enjoyed on a plate lunch.
10. Garlic Shrimp
You may have seen Hawaii Five-0 and know that the North Shore shrimp trucks are a bit of a landmark. Tourists and locals alike visit the food trucks to get fresh shrimp cooked in butter and oil. There is a lot of garlic. You can make a classic Hawaiian dish by serving it on a paper plate with two spoons of white rice.
11. Malasadas
These doughnuts have no holes are the best. Malasadas are similar to doughier beignets in that they can be eaten plain or filled with local jams. Because every malasada flavor is unique, it is important to make the right decision.
12. Lau Lau
Lau lau is the last word! Lau lau is something you cannot whip up on a Tuesday night after work. The pork is wrapped in taro leaves, and then cooked for hours in an underground hot-rock oven. The result is tender, smoky pork that is irresistible. You'll have to plan your next trip to Hawaii.
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