Hawaii: The Food
I promise, this will be the last Hawaii post for awhile. ;P
Before we travel anywhere, we like to look up lists of local food to try. So here is a list of some of the local foods I tried in Hawaii:
1. Poke
This is a dish made of raw fish that is cut into cubes and seasoned in various ways. If you love sashimi, you'll probably love this. For me, it was a little much. But I can see why people like it.
Where we tried it: Polynesian Cultural Center
2. Beef Lu'au
This is beef that has been cooked with taro leaves. Reminded me a lot of the grape leaves in Mediterranean cooking. If you like those, you may like this too.
Where we tried it: Waiahole Poi Factory
3. Haupia
This was the tastiest thing I ate all week. I regret not getting more. Haupia is a custard/pudding/jello-like coconut flavored dessert. The one we tried was super creamy. At first I was a little afraid of it, but it turned out to be soon goooood!
Where we tried it: Waiahole Poi Factory
4. Lomi Salmon
Lomi salmon is cured raw salmon mixed with tomatoes and onions. Very similar to pico de gallo with salmon. I don't actually like tomatoes, so I wasn't a fan, but Ali loved it!
Where we tried it: Waiahole Poi Factory
5. Shave Ice
Shave ice is a great treat for a hot day! Literally shaved ice with different sugary flavors on top. Basically a snow cone. But you can also get them with all sorts of toppings, like condensed milk, mochi, or fruit. There are stands and stores everywhere that sell shaved ice. Each one usually has a unique topping or flavor. We loved it!
Where we tried it: Matsumoto's Shave Ice
6. Dole Whip
If you stop by the Dole Pineapple Plantation, make sure to try a dole whip. It was like pineapple sorbet. Super good! They also make it into floats with pineapple juice.
Where we tried it: Dole Plantation
7. Spam Musubi
Basically spam sushi. Rice and spam. Its a super big thing there. We weren't blown away, but it seems like some good comfort food.
Where we tried it: Ninja Sushi
8. Loco Moco
Ali ordered this one, not me. It scared us both when they brought it out. Rice topped with his choice of meat (he got one with shrimp, chicken, and beef), an egg, and gravy. Comfort food to the max!
Where we tried it: Big Island Grill
There were a lot of other nice things that we ate in those two weeks, but these are some of the dishes Hawaii is known for. Also, while you're there, eat as much fresh fruit as possible! Its sooooo gooood! Papayas and guava are our new favorite things now.
