In tropical Hawaii, you can savor a wide variety of colorful and healthy food. Besides traditional Hawaiian cuisine, there are also a blend of food from other countries such as Japan, China, Portugal, Korea, the Philippines, Europe and the United States. This makes Hawaiian food unique in taste and culture.
For traditional Hawaiian food, look no further than sweet potatoes, taro, bananas, seaweed, fish, seafood, as well as macadamia nuts. These nutritious delights are the staple foods for Hawaiians. While most of these foods are eaten raw, some of them are still eaten the traditional way from an underground oven called an ‘imu’.
Hawaiians celebrate special occasions with lu’au, or feasts, which encompass the kalua pig, laulau (meat or fish wrapped in leaves and baked), lomi lomi salmon, chicken long rice (chicken noodles), haupia (coconut custard pudding), and poi (taro paste).
Hawaiian food today comprises of food from diverse ethnic groups. The blend of cultures have resulted in local dishes such as white sticky rice, macaroni salad, tofu, sashimi, sushi, Portuguese sausage, bean soup, sweet bread, and even hamburgers.
Getting something to quench your thirst in hot Hawaii is easy. Besides the ubiquitous Polynesian cocktails such as Mai Tai, Blue Hawaii, Chi-Chi and Banana Daiquiri, you may choose to have refreshing fruit juices instead. The freshly-squeezed pineapple, papaya, lychee, mango or coconut juice is sure to beat the heat. However, if you are opting for a perk-me-up, try the renowned Kona coffee, which is rich and aromatic.
While in Waikiki, do not miss the Waikiki Wailana Coffee House, which is a great place to get your meal fix around the clock. It is opened 24 hours and is ideal for budget travelers as meals rarely exceed $6. Pancakes and cocktails are must-tries.
Traditional Hawaiian food can be found at the Greater Honolulu in Ono Hawaiian Foods restaurant in Honolulu. The restaurant is clean, basic and inexpensive. There are many more Honolulu restaurants to try and you can find them on Honolulu online restaurant directories.
In Oahu, visit Ted’s Bakery for delicious cream pies and coffee. Treat yourself to value-for-money omelettes, pancakes and fried rice at Lana’i City Canoes. If you’re looking for tropical fruits to munch on, visit Hana Waianu Fruit Stand in Maui. On Hawaii Island, be sure to dine at Big Island Grill which serves hamburgers, rice with gravy, chicken katsu and beef teriyaki. Organic foods such as tofu, hummus, tempeh, as well as other smoothies and coffee can be purchased at Kapa’a Papaya’s Natural Foods in Kauai.
Hawaii is indeed a place where you can find food that suit your palate and satisfy your cravings regardless of where you are from.
