Must Try Foods in Honolulu

Question

I am visiting Honolulu soon and looking forward to trying rice plates, going to authentic Hawaiian grocery stores (ie, not Safeway or Target), etc. What are some must try foods in Honolulu?

I’m thinking got to try a rice plate a couple of times and definitely want to try a fancy/unusual pancakes (like macadamia coconut pancakes or ube pancakes, etc.), but not sure what else I should try. Not too into pork, so not looking for ribs or kahlua pork.

Answer

Honolulu has an incredible food scene that blends traditional Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific Island flavors, and there’s plenty to try beyond the typical tourist fare. Since you’re interested in trying rice plates, pancakes, and avoiding pork, here’s a list of must-try foods in Honolulu that will give you a taste of the island’s diverse and delicious cuisine.

### 1) Rice Plates (Plate Lunches)

A classic Hawaiian dish, the "plate lunch" typically includes a meat (usually grilled or fried), rice, and macaroni salad. Since you're not into pork, here are some variations you can try:

Chicken Katsu Plate: This is a crispy, breaded chicken cutlet served with a side of rice and macaroni salad. It’s a Hawaiian favorite and deliciously comforting.
Teriyaki Chicken Plate: A popular rice plate option, it features grilled chicken glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, usually accompanied by steamed rice and a side of veggies or salad.
Fish Plate: You can often find grilled or fried fish plates, including local options like ono or mahi-mahi, served with rice and a side of salad. It’s a lighter, but equally satisfying choice.
Beef Stew Plate: This hearty dish features tender beef stew served over rice and is a comforting meal you can find at many local diners and eateries.

Many spots in Honolulu serve plate lunches, with food trucks, local diners, and hole-in-the-wall spots offering the best versions. Look out for local favorites like Rainbow Drive-In and Ono Seafood.

### 2) Unusual Pancakes

If you're looking for something unique and delicious for breakfast, Honolulu has some fantastic options for unusual pancakes beyond the standard stack. Here are some flavors to try:

Macadamia Nut Pancakes: These pancakes are often served with a rich, buttery macadamia nut syrup, making them a local favorite. They’re indulgent and the perfect way to start your day in paradise.
Ube Pancakes: Made with the purple yam called ube, these pancakes have a slight sweetness and a beautiful purple color. They’re often served with a coconut syrup that perfectly complements the ube’s natural flavor.
Coconut Pancakes: Another variation is coconut pancakes, often served with coconut syrup or shredded coconut. These give you that tropical island flavor you can’t get anywhere else.

Some great places to try these pancakes include Sweet E's Café and Island Vintage Coffee, both known for their amazing breakfast menus and Hawaiian-inspired pancake dishes.

### 3) Shave Ice

No trip to Hawaii is complete without trying shave ice, a local treat that’s much different from a regular snow cone. The ice is finely shaved and often topped with tropical syrups, condensed milk, and sometimes even ice cream. Some great flavors to try include:

Li hing mui (salty plum) syrup: This uniquely Hawaiian flavor is sweet, sour, and salty all at once, and it pairs wonderfully with fruit-based syrups.
Pineapple, mango, and coconut: These tropical flavors are perfect for capturing the essence of Hawaii in a sweet treat.

For the best shave ice, check out Waiola Shave Ice or Matsumoto Shave Ice in the North Shore area, both of which are famous for their delicious, refreshing shave ice.

### 4) Loco Moco

This is a classic comfort food in Hawaii that’s definitely worth trying. Loco Moco features rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy. While it often includes pork, you can ask for it with just beef or even a fish patty instead.

If you're interested in a twist, some places serve it with Spam or kalbi beef, but the traditional version is a great introduction to local food.

### 5) Poi and Fish

Another must-try Hawaiian dish is poi, a traditional taro root paste that has a smooth, slightly sour taste. It’s usually served alongside other dishes, like fish or meats. Pair it with grilled fish or poke for an authentic experience.

For fresh poke, head to Poke Stop or Ono Seafood for some of the best poke bowls on the island, filled with fresh tuna and local fish.

### 6) Hawaiian Bakery Goods

If you want to try something sweet and unique to Hawaii, check out the local bakeries for pastries like malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts), haupia pies (coconut cream pies), or poi mochi (sweet fried rice cakes). These treats can often be found at bakeries like Leonard’s Bakery or Backyard Café.

### 7) Local Drinks

Hibiscus Iced Tea: A popular drink made from hibiscus flowers that are both tart and refreshing. You can find it at many local cafes and eateries.
Fresh Coconut Water: Drinking fresh coconut water straight from a coconut is a refreshing way to stay hydrated while soaking up the sun.
Mai Tai: If you're into cocktails, try the Mai Tai, which originated in Hawaii. Many bars in Waikiki serve this tropical cocktail made with rum, lime juice, and orgeat syrup.

### Conclusion:

There’s so much to try in Honolulu, and beyond the rice plates and pancakes, you’ll find a world of delicious food to explore! From shave ice and loco moco to fresh poke and malasadas, Honolulu offers a diverse range of flavors that are all uniquely Hawaiian. Since you’re not into pork, you can still enjoy many of the island’s traditional dishes—just look for alternatives like chicken, fish, or beef. Enjoy your culinary adventure in Honolulu!