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Poi
The Polynesian staple food made by
mashing the corm of the taro or kalo plant – a task that is strictly a
male preserve. Hawaiians believed that the taro plant, or kalo, was the
original ancestor of the Hawaiian people. Hence, whenever a bowl of poi
was uncovered at the family dinner table, it was believed that the
spirit of Haloa, the ancestor of the Hawaiian people, was present.
Kalua Pork
Centerpiece of all luau, or feast. Kalua
is a traditional Hawaiian cooking method that utilizes an imu, or
underground oven.
Plate Lunch
Three essential elements of the plate
lunch are two scoops of rice, meat, and macaroni salad. Came about from
the many cultures living together. It is sold at just about every street
corner fast food restaurants.
Sushi, Sashimi, and Poke
The popular Japanese culinary are sashimi
(sliced raw fish) and sushi (raw fish, shellfish, or vegetables, served
on top of, or rolled with rice). Poke, the Hawaiian for diced or
chopped, is raw fish salad. These raw fish dishes are available at most
of the restaurants and also at local supermarkets.
Rice and Noodles
Majority of the meals in Hawaii are
enjoyed with rice and noodles. Not only in homes but most of the
restaurants are now serving rice and many are even serving noodles.
Kim Chee
Brought by Korean immigrants, the pickled
cabbage can be VERY HOT for some. Nevertheless, Kim Chee is very popular
with the locals.
Tropical Fruit
Living on a tropical island with many
fruits, mango, papaya, guava, lilikoi (passion fruit), bananas,
pineapple, and etc., being always available in supermarkets and
restaurants can spoil the fruit lovers.
Spam
Even though spam is made in Austin,
Minnesota, many would think that it is made in Hawaii with so many
people in Hawaii consuming it. With the ease of preparing and the long
lasting containers it comes in, it is not a surprise as to why the local
folks in Hawaii has made it so popular.
Shave Ice
Small chips of ice placed in a cone with
sweet flavored syrups poured on it. Cool and refreshing on a hot summer
day, the rainbow variety shave ice has become a virtual symbol of
Hawaii. The most popular shave ice is Matsumoto's convenience store
located at the old Haleiwa Road. |
Our Pick of
Local Restaurants
Ono Hawaiian Foods
Zippy's |
The Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and etc.
have all brought some of their food and mixed it in with the Hawaiian
food. Now, we have a variety of taste from all continents to say these
are our local dishes.
