Hawaiian Food Terminology

Question

Our first visit to Hawaii is 2.5 weeks away and I'm having trouble understanding the food that I keep hearing mentioned.

Can someone provide some basics on the fruit, pastries, spam and anything else uniquely Hawaiian that we sould try? I know what poke, Mac nuts, pineapple, coconut, and shave ice are. :)

Answer

Welcome to Hawaii! You're in for a real treat as you explore the unique and delicious foods of the islands. Hawaiian cuisine is a melting pot of influences, with native ingredients and cooking techniques blending with those brought by settlers from all over the world. Here are some basics on Hawaiian food terminology to help you navigate the local food scene during your trip:

Fruits and Vegetables:

Lychee: A tropical fruit with a sweet and floral taste, lychee has a juicy, translucent white flesh covered by a red, bumpy skin. It's often eaten fresh, in salads, or as part of desserts.
Rambutan: Similar to lychee, this fruit has a spiky red or yellow exterior with a sweet, slightly tart flavor inside. It’s another exotic fruit you’ll often find in Hawaii.
Ulu (Breadfruit): A starchy fruit that is often cooked and used in savory dishes. It can be roasted, fried, or mashed and is sometimes compared to potatoes in texture and flavor.
Jackfruit: A large fruit that can be eaten both ripe and unripe. When unripe, its fibrous texture is used in savory dishes as a meat substitute (think jackfruit tacos or pulled "pork"). When ripe, it has a sweet, tropical flavor.
Passion Fruit (Lilikoi): This tangy, aromatic fruit is used in drinks, desserts, and sauces. Its bright yellow pulp has a tropical, sweet-tart flavor that pairs well with many dishes.

Hawaiian Pastries and Desserts:

Malasadas: A Portuguese-inspired donut that is deep-fried and dusted with sugar. These delicious, soft pastries are often filled with custard, chocolate, or tropical fruit flavors.
Poi: A traditional Hawaiian dish made from taro root. Taro is pounded into a paste and mixed with water to create a thick, starchy consistency. Poi is often served as a side dish with savory meals.
Haupia: A creamy coconut pudding typically served in squares or as a filling for pies. It’s a popular dessert at luaus and other Hawaiian gatherings.
Shave Ice: You mentioned this one, but it’s worth emphasizing—shave ice in Hawaii is different from snow cones. It’s finely shaved ice topped with sweet, fruity syrups, often served with toppings like condensed milk, azuki beans, or mochi.

Spam and Other Uniquely Hawaiian Foods:

Spam Musubi: This is a unique Hawaiian snack that combines Spam with rice and nori (seaweed). The Spam is grilled and served on top of a block of rice, wrapped with a strip of nori, similar to sushi. It’s a popular snack or lunch option in Hawaii.
Loco Moco: A comforting local dish made of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that you’ll find in many diners and restaurants across Hawaii.
Plate Lunch: A staple of Hawaiian cuisine, plate lunch typically consists of two scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and a protein (often pork, chicken, or beef). You’ll find many variations of plate lunch at food trucks and casual restaurants.
Laulau: This traditional Hawaiian dish involves fish or pork wrapped in taro leaves, then steamed. It’s often served as part of a larger meal with rice and poi.
Kalua Pig: Kalua pig is a whole pig slow-cooked in an imu (underground oven) until it’s tender and smoky. It’s a key component of many Hawaiian feasts and luaus.

Other Popular Hawaiian Snacks and Drinks:

Macadamia Nuts: These buttery, rich nuts are grown in Hawaii and are often found in a variety of forms—roasted, salted, chocolate-covered, or as part of desserts like macadamia nut cookies.
Hawaiian Coffee (Kona Coffee): Kona coffee is grown on the slopes of the volcanoes on the Big Island, and it's world-renowned for its smooth, rich flavor. You’ll find it served in many local cafes, often as iced coffee or in lattes.
Shoyu Chicken: This dish is made by simmering chicken in a soy sauce-based marinade with garlic, ginger, and other spices. It’s a savory, flavorful dish often served with rice.
Acai Bowl: While not originally from Hawaii, the acai bowl has become very popular on the islands. It’s a smoothie bowl made from acai berries topped with granola, fruit, coconut, and other toppings. A refreshing and healthy breakfast or snack.

In Summary:

Hawaiian food is diverse, flavorful, and steeped in tradition. From the savory delights of spam musubi and kalua pig to the sweet indulgence of malasadas and haupia, there’s plenty to try! Make sure to also sample the local fruits, pastries, and coffee to get a full taste of Hawaii’s culinary scene. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to explore the local food trucks and markets for the best authentic eats!

Hawaiian Food Terminology

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