If you’re planning to have your next vacation in Hawaii but you’re wondering if they’ll have foods you like, then you’ve come to the right place. Hawaii is home to some of the world’s most diverse cuisines and foods. From gourmet meals to street-style foods and snacks, desserts, and drinks, there are so many Hawaiian foods to try, and you’ll probably not miss your home. I’ve put together my favorite Hawaii foods to try just to make your visit a lot more interesting.
There are so many restaurants, hotels, cafés, and even street trucks that offer great meals across the archipelago. It is important to state that most native Hawaiian foods have Polynesian origins, going back to those years when the Polynesian people migrated to the Islands with their seeds, fruits, loved native recipes, and French-influenced foods. Apart from Polynesian migrants, other ethnicities like the Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Europeans trooped in with their influences, and what we have today is an array of Hawaiian delicacies that attract thousands from around the world.
Beyond knowing what the best Hawaiian foods are, it is also important to know where to get them. That is why you’d need to check actual reviews to know the best places to get those foods. Let’s get right into it.
- Poke. Pronounced poh-kay, it is chopped fresh fish- usually tuna- that is marinated, rubbed with salt, and served with nuts, seaweed, and several other condiments. People who eat poke bowls may find it similar, and visitors are bound to find several variations in different restaurants and settings. This dish has become a part of Hawaiian lifestyle and is a mouth-watering and exciting choice for both locals and visitors.
- Kalua Pig. If you’ve ever heard that Hawaiians love pork, you didn’t hear wrong. Hawaiians love their pork and they’re served in different ways. Kalua pork, for instance, is smoked and shredded. In the 1800s, it was a dish meant for royals, such as the tribe chiefs but has now become a popular staple among the people. It is one of Hawaii’s oldest dishes and is sometimes served with cabbage.
- Saimin. When you add egg noodles and wheat to a dashi soup base (a soup made from sea kelp, dried fish, and shitake mushroom), what you get is Saimin. You can have this with meat and topped with fresh vegetables. From resorts to fast food outlets, and cafés, this favorite Hawaii food is definitely worth the try the next time you visit any of the Islands of Hawaii.
- Loco Moco. This is more of a fast-food delicacy. It is white rice topped with a deliciously prepared hamburger patty, smothered in very tasty gravy, and layered with a fried egg. But it’s not plain though, Hawaiian chefs would usually break the egg and mix it with several choice ingredients to bring great flavors out and give you that tasty dish you deserve.
- Haupia. There’s no way we can talk about our favorite Hawaii foods to try without mentioning this superb dessert. This is a gel-like creamy dessert made from sweet coastal coconut milk. You can have yours placed on banana or native Tea leaves or it may be served on its own. Traditionally, chefs used heated coconut milk, ground pia, and root starch (or cornstarch in modern times).
- Shave Ice. If you’ve seen a basic snow cone before, you should have a pretty good idea what Shave Ice is. The only difference is that Shave ice consists of a single ice block that is shaved into size and shape, rather than crushed ice in the case of a snow cone. This ice is flavored with different kinds of fruits, including Guava and pineapple. Sometimes, it is served with ice cream, with adzuki bean paste for added flavor.
These are my top 6 favorite foods to try in Hawaii, but there are a whole lot more, including Fruit of the gods, lau lau, Luau stew, croissada, manapua, and so many more. Look up reviews online for the best restaurants and cafés on the Hawaiian Island you’re visiting to get the best version of these amazing foods. It’s also important to ask about ingredients and allergies whenever you visit a new restaurant so you can avoid any mishap.