6 Honolulu Dishes Tourists Should Try
Honolulu, best known for its tropical climate, is also home to various cultures existing on an island and a gateway to Hawaii Cuisine. Therefore, tourists should also taste the flavors of Hawaii through Honolulu’s specialties. Before hopping on a boat ride or taking pictures of the paradise-like scenery, here are some dishes tourists should try.
1. Poke
Poke is the traditional food of Hawaii and the most popular. In addition to the typical tuna, salmon, and octopus, poke also comes with other ingredients like cubed tofu, chicken, and seaweed. Even though poke is called tuna poke, other components can also act as substitutes. The name poke came from the Hawaiian verb “paku,” which means “to slice, chop, or cut into bite-sized pieces.” Locals serve Poke with taro, seaweed, and sesame oil.
2. Acai Bowls
An acai bowl looks like a fruit bowl, but it is not. Instead, it is a bowl of acai fruit with some toppings. Acai bowls are trendy in Hawaii, especially the island of Oahu, where they have a lot of acai plantations. Acai bowls are acai, granola, fresh fruit, honey, and coconut.
3. Laulau
Laulau is one of Hawaii’s traditional dishes. It is a traditional Polynesian dish with pork and other ingredients wrapped in taro leaves. There are two types of laulau: laulau with chicken and laulau with pork. Laulau is traditionally covered with taro leaves and steamed in an “imu.” The taro leaves are a unique ingredient not easily obtained outside of Hawaii.
4. Poi
Poi is the traditional food of Hawaii, but it is not widely known. It is a mixture of cooked taro root, water, and filtered sea sand. Poi comes as a side dish with a main dish or dessert. Because of sea sand, tourists rarely try poi, who think it is poisonous. However, poi is safe as long as it is properly stored and prepared.
5. Kalua Pork
Kalua pork is a famous Hawaiian dish. It is a traditional dish that is still famous even though it is made with pork. Kalua pork consists of pork shoulder cooked in an underground oven called “imu.” The pork shoulder is marinated in salt, liquid smoke, and Hawaiian sea salt for many hours before being cooked. It is cooked over slow heat, which brings the pork shoulder to a tender and moist texture. The pork is usually served with sea salt, but it can also be done with other condiments like garlic, onions, or sweet potatoes.
6. Loco Moco
Loco Moco is a Hawaiian dish consisting of a hamburger patty and fried egg served with rice and brown gravy. This is one of the most famous dishes of Hawaii. It became popular from a small diner in the 1950s. Loco moco is a filling dish, especially the hamburger patty and fried egg, often cooked over easy.
Conclusion
Hawaii is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It is a beautiful haven with a unique culture, history and the gateway to Hawaii Cuisine. . Meanwhile, Honolulu is a realm of harmony and comfort between people and nature.
Therefore, tourists should not only see the beauty of Hawaii, but they should also try the food. Some of them are difficult to obtain in other parts of the world, but they are available in Hawaii. However, tourists should not only take pictures of the scenery of Hawaii, but they should also taste its flavors.
Food Fire + Knives offers an in-home chef experience to clients wanting to stay at home and enjoy an excellent dining experience. We are coming soon to Hawaii. In the meantime, check out our private chefs and experience world cuisine like never before. Book an appointment with us today and experience the best dining experience at the comfort of your home.
