If you've ever visited Hawaii, you know that the food you get on this island is unlike food you'll find anywhere else in the world. Sure, you can still pick up Burger King or find a steak house, but eating traditional Hawaiian food is one of the most interesting things you can do while visiting the island state. By learning a little about the food traditions in Hawaii before you sit down for a meal, you'll be sure that you can pick out the dishes you think will taste best, while passing up any made with ingredients you don't like. Of course, the best policy, though, is to try at least one bite of everything. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Poi
Poi is found at almost every traditional Hawaii meal, yet few other places in the world have poi on the menu. This purple-colored paste is made from the taro root, a starchy staple on the islands. Poi is actually considered significant spiritually, as it represents Haloa, which are the spirits of the chief's ancestors and the native Hawaiian people. In fact, poi is considered so sacred that the native people believed that it was unacceptable to have an argument at a table where poi was being served.
Pig
Today, tourists see whole pigs being roasted around the island. Traditionally, though, pig was only eaten by royalty, while the general public ate forms of protein such as dog, fish and birds. Pigs are, however, a central part of one of the most popular meals in Hawaii--the luau. Luaus, or Hawaiian community feasts, are centered on an imu, which is a shallow pit lined with hot stones to cook food. The traditional way to cook a pig is whole and wrapped in layers of banana leaves and ginger leaves before being put into the pit and covered with earth. Today, however, many luaus for tourists feature a pig being roasted in the open. At one time, it was forbidden for men and women to eat at a luau together, but luckily, those rules changed in the early 1800s.
Poke
Poke, which is pronounced po-kay and is sometimes spelled poki, is a raw fish salad that is traditionally part of many Hawaiian meals. Usually, the poke is made from ahi tuna, and is traditionally dressed with seaweed, nuts, sesame oil and soy sauce. Every Hawaiian has her own recipe for poke, however, so you can try many different kinds during your trip to this state.
Haupia
One of the most popular desserts at luaus and other traditional Hawaiian meals is haupia. This dessert is made with coconut milk, which is heated and mixed with arrowroot until it thickens into a gelatinous consistency. Traditionally, haupia is served in blocks like Jello.
Laulau
Along with pig, packets of vegetables and other proteins called laulau were traditionally stuck in the pit to roast during luaus. Laulau, which can also be spelled lau-lau, can also refer to a Hawaii entree made with pork and wrapped in taro leaves and ti leaves to form a bundle. Some laulaus are made with chicken or butterfish, and although imus are the traditional cooking method, Hawaiians today also often use a steamer or pressure cooker to prepare them.
Tags: made with, being roasted, Hawaiian meals, however many, made from, most popular