During the mid 1800s to early 1900s, people from various countries such as Japan, China, the Philippines, Portugal, Korea, Okinawa, and Puerto Rico migrated to Hawaiʻi to work in the sugar plantations, which were the main industry on the islands at that time. This influx of different cultures, combined with the existing Hawaiian and Caucasian populations, gave rise to a diverse and fascinating history. As these cultures intertwined, they also shared and blended their unique cuisines and flavors. Nowadays, it is rare to come across someone who identifies solely as Portuguese, Hawaiian, or any other specific race.
In my home, as in every household in Hawaiʻi, cuisine has been significantly influenced and enjoyed by all the diverse cultures here. Aside from the rice and noodle dishes, each of these meals is exceptionally delicious and is typically served with a steaming hot plate of white rice. Most of these recipes have some form of sauce or gravy, and they usually have a lovely balance of sweet and salty flavors that complement the rice perfectly.
Even though these dishes do not require many ingredients, each has its own distinct flavor that will surprise everyone in no time. Your assortment of varied cultural cuisines will undoubtedly leave an impression on people.
Kalua Pig & Cabbage
Kalua Pork and Cabbage is a well-loved dish in Hawaii. It’s like a delicious mix of tender pork and flavorful cabbage. Yum!
You can refer to this dish as kalua pork cabbage, kalua pork with cabbage, kalua pork and cabbage, or kalua pig and cabbage (which is what locals call it). But remember, it’s not just the name that matters, it’s also incredibly tasty and simple to prepare.
Kalua Pork, or “Kalua Pig” as us locals call it, is a breeze to whip up. Slow-cooked with the perfect blend of seasonings, it transforms into a mouthwatering delight! Deliciously moist, flavorful, and infused with a hint of smokiness, this shredded pork dish is a must-have in Hawaii.
You have the flexibility to use various kitchen appliances to cook Kalua Pork, such as a slow cooker, oven, pressure cooker, or instant pot. However, we recommend using a slow cooker for the best results, as it ensures the meat is cooked gently and becomes incredibly tender and juicy. Cooking meat slowly at a low temperature always results in a mouthwatering dish.
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Shoyu Chicken
One of the Hawaii restaurant’s most well-liked meals is Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken. This tender chicken has a savory and sweet flavor profile. Once you give it a try, it will quickly become one of your favorites. This is a very straightforward meal that takes around half an hour to prepare. This recipe would be ideal for your dinner table right now!
You will never find a better recipe for chicken than this one, despite its unusualness. It has an amazing balance of flavors, both sweet and salty. The best part is that you don’t even need to visit Hawaiian eateries to try it because it’s really simple to make at home whenever you want to.
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Chicken Long Rice
I’ve seen chicken long rice served as a side dish at potlucks, luaus, and festivities. However, because it contains all the components of soup, noodles, and chicken, I also like it as a main dish.
There are two common methods for making chicken long rice. Some people tend to add more soup. Others, tend to however, making it a bit drier.
I personally like it in the middle, not too much soup but not do dry lol.
It is still wonderful and unquestionably classic food here in the Hawaiian Islands, regardless of how it is made.
Uncover how to prepare this side dish of Hawaiian-style chicken long rice, which is typically served at luaus. This is a tasty and easy recipe to prepare for dinner or a special event.
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Loco Moco
Sometimes referred to as Hawaiian hamburger and egg over rice, this dish is a traditional and wonderfully cozy cuisine from Hawaii. It has a dish full of fluffy rice with a half-inch thick patties, brown gravy, and egg on top.
The dish is credited to Richard Inouye and his wife Nancy in 1949 at the Lincoln Grill restaurants in Hilo, Hawaii, which was my hometown, in response to young adult participants of the Lincoln Wreckers Athletics club who were searching for a fast and cheap sandwich substitute.
A homemade loco moco is really simple to make and far less expensive than purchasing a flight to the islands. This recipe will undoubtedly fulfill the yearning for classic Hawaiian flavors if a vacation to Hawai’i is not in the plans for the foreseeable future.
Beef Stew
Beef stew served island style on a bed of rice is the ultimate comfort food for me. It perfectly captures the essence of what comfort food should be.
Hawaiian beef stew is equally as flavorful, satisfying, and comforting as the beef stew you’re already familiar with and adore. Unlike the traditional beef stew found everywhere else, Hawaiian beef stew boasts its own distinct umami and tanginess, thanks to the inclusion of two staple island ingredients – shoyu and Worcestershire sauce.
Portuguese Bean Soup
Portuguese Bean Soup is a top pick for me and my family. I prefer it nice and thick, almost like a stew served in a bowl.
I like to reserve some broth to cook the noodles in. This way, the pasta absorbs the delicious soup flavors without turning mushy when reheated.
Portuguese Bean Soup is a beloved traditional dish that showcases the flavors of Hawai’i. To prepare this hearty soup, start by simmering smoked ham hocks in water for a couple of hours.
Once tender, remove the meat and skin, and return them to the pot along with Portuguese sausage, red kidney beans, potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage, and macaroni noodles. Let all the ingredients mingle together, creating a delicious and satisfying soup that will warm your soul.
Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce combine to give the soup a bright crimson color. All you need to do is season it with salt and pepper. The addition of smoked ham hocks enhances the soup’s smokey flavor and adds a delightful depth.
This soup is incredibly simple to prepare and ideal for curling up with. Make a big pot of this over the weekend, and you’ll have a satisfying dinner for the whole week.
