Poi, Poke and SPAM Musubi

Smell that? No, it's not the plumeria all around Hawaii. It's the mouthwatering smell of barbecued meat -- and Hawaiians love it.

A typical evening meal in a household in Hawaii would be chicken or beef marinated in what's called "shoyu/sugar", which is very similar to teriyaki sauce, except not as sweet. Many families keep a rice cooker on the warm setting on the kitchen counter all day filled with white rice, although "hapa" rice (a combination of white and brown rice) is becoming more popular.

One food that many who visit Hawaii are surprised to learn about is SPAM - that pre-formed can of pork shoulder and ham. SPAM is found everywhere in Hawaii, even for breakfast at McDonald's. Before you turn up your nose, try a fresh SPAM musubi - SPAM sushi that consists of a rectangle of rice, a slice of SPAM, and a ribbon of nori, or seaweed. Individually wrapped, SPAM musubi are perfect for picnics or trips to the beach. There's something about that fatty, piggy goodness combined with the mild flavor of rice and the salty ocean air that makes it irresistible.

Hawaiians eat a combination of foods from several different origins; sashimi and sushi from Japan, noodles and buns from China, kimchee from Korea, adobo and pansit from the Phillipines, and Hawaiian favorites like lomi lomi salmon, poi, and poke. Poke (marinated fish salad, usually raw) is a staple at any gathering or luau, The most common form is ahi poke, raw ahi tuna marinated in soy sauce (shoyu). The Tahitian version of poke is called poisson cru.

Hawaiians love to eat good food and they are extremely generous when it comes to sharing. Whether it's a picnic in the park, a barbecue at the beach, or a full luau, the most common phrase said to friends and visitors alike is "Come, make yourself a plate. Take some home, we have plenty."

Mahalo and do something nice for someone today....spread the Aloha Spirit!
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Mahalo for reading. Please share the Aloha Spirit and do something nice for someone today. We welcome your comments and feedback. This blog is brought to you by Kapo Trading Company -- with over 3000 fun, unique and authentic Hawaiian items, we deliver Hawaii to you!