Hawaii is a mecca for fresh seafood, meat and produce
As one of the most popular vacation spots in North America, Hawaii provides a wide range of culinary delicacies. This is in part due to the lush natural landscape and availability of fresh produce and seafood on the islands. Many favorite Hawaiian foods are influenced by other cultures, such as Asian and Latin. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Poi
Made from taro root, this traditional Hawaiian dish is influenced by Polynesia and is reminiscent of a potato. Poi has the texture of yogurt but is very starchy and becomes purple when cooked. It is often mashed up with water and spices or herbs, then baked or steamed. Poi is considered an important part of Hawaiian culture and has been a staple for centuries because early Hawaiians believed that the taro plant was the original ancestor. Poi is eaten as a side dish to meats or as a snack.
Kalua Pork
This pork is traditionally cooked in an underground oven such as a large lava rock pit with an open flame. This method of cooking is called "kalua." This favorite dish is always served at luaus, so it quickly became popular among tourists. The pork has a distinctive smoky and salty flavor with a texture similar to luscious pulled pork.
Lomi Lomi Salmon
Most people know the words lomi lomi from deep-tissue massages, but the phrase actually was made popular by the salmon, since it is massaged with salt and other seasonings before cooking. The dish is most commonly served with onions and tomatoes, and is favored as a side dish, served cold. Lomi lomi salmon is influenced by Polynesian cuisine.
Loco-Moco
Loco-moco is a favorite Hawaiian dish that is perfect for breakfast and preferred by surfers on the islands. This is because it is high-protein and high-carb, consisting of a stack of white steamed rice, a beef patty, brown gravy and a friend egg.
Poke
Hawaiian ahi poke (pronounced "pokey"), is made from raw yellowfin tuna that is marinated in soy sauce, seaweed, sesame oil, wasabi and kukui nut, topped with cucumber slices and ginger. Influenced by Asian cuisine, this dish is comparable to sashimi and can be smoked or salt-cured if desired. Since there are more than 100 different varieties of poke in Hawaii, almost every dish is different throughout the islands.
Lau-Lau
Lau-lau is an authentic Hawaiian entree, and a favorite of those who love pork. This dish consists of a pork shoulder (or a pork loin) stuffed with chicken, vegetables or a rich fish like butterfish. Then the pork is wrapped in taro leaves and tied up to create a sort of "package"to seal in moisture and flavor. The lau-lau is pressure cooked or steamed in a fire pit underground before being unwrapped and eaten. This is a dish for luaus as well, which makes it a favorite of tourists as well as locals.
Tags: favorite Hawaiian, Hawaiian dish, side dish, This dish