Previously:
When you embark on a journey, immersing yourself in local cuisine is essential. Embracing the unique way of life in the places your visit will elevate your experience, fostering a deeper connection with the community and culture. Here in Hawaii, the distinction between Hawaiian food and local food offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's rich heritage.
Local cuisine in here is shaped by immigrants who arrived on the Hawaiian shores later on, diverse array of dishes they brought with them, blending the flavours from various ethnic groups to create a truly unique and beloved local food scene that embodies the aloha spirit.
While Hawaiian cuisine is more like a traditional cuisine that native Hawaiians consume. Hawaiian food is a vibrant reflection of the native Hawaiians', showcasing the indigenous people's traditional cuisine prior to Western contact.
In this post, I'm going to show you the traditional Hawaiian cuisine from one of the famous restaurants, called Helena's Hawaiian Food in Honolulu.
The place was packed when we arrived there nearly midday. I noticed that Hawaiian people are so chill and relax but service here was attended promptly. We ordered the complete set menu that comes with kalua pig, lomi salmon, pipikaula short ribs and luau squid with a choice of rice or poi. I just wanted to try everything when travelling so a set menu is perfect. The set menu that we had cost around USD 43. We first ordered only 2 sets for the eight of us. But then the lady said that set menu was meant for only 1 person. Oh wow!!! I thought that was so expensive. We then added a few other things from ala carte.
When food came, actually the portion was not that small. It could easily be for two persons. For first timer, traditional Hawaiian food could taste interesting. I'll go through every dish. Start with my favourite, of course, easy to guess, it is the short ribs. They are flavoursome and the meat was tender without losing their chewiness. This is what ribs texture should be. Not only they are delicious, but I would say that the short ribs here are the best one that we had from this island. Eat them with some fresh onions, salt and a dash of chilli pepper water.
My next favourite dish is the lomi salmon. Lomi salmon is basically diced fresh salmon, mixed with some tomatoes, onions and shallot. It was refreshing and made a perfect side dish. Next on the set menu is kalua pig. This dish is like a pulled pork dish and the meat was just falling apart. A little bit salty and smoky.
Lets move onto the green dish in the middle which is luau squid. This is made from luau (taro) leaves and squid and could be some coconut milk in it too. I won't say I don't like it but I can't say I like it either. Maybe if I have this a few more times, I will change my mind. Finally, poi. It is an interesting dish. Most of Hawaiian eat poi instead of rice. This starchy poi is made from cooked taro root that has been mashed and pounded until smooth. It has a mild sweetness and a pronounced sourness. For me, this is the least dish from all but I still have to try this otherwise my trip in Hawaii won't be completed.
At the end of dining, the waitress gave us a complimentary haupia or coconut pudding. Very delicious and a great way to end the meal.
 |
| Menu D with small poi USD 43.30 |
 |
| Pipikaula short ribs |
 |
| Kalua pig |
 |
| Lomi salmon |
 |
| Luau squid |
 |
| Poi |
 |
| Beef stew |
This beef stew was pretty good too. Beef was soft in tomato base broth with some big chunk of potatoes and carrots.
 |
| Complimentary haupia |
Something very interesting in USA is their tipping system. While tipping is technically voluntary, it is kinda expected in here. If you come in a large group, a group of 6 or more, most of restaurants will automatically be added on your bill which is called large group charge. Or another way of saying this is forced tips (but you don't need to tip again though, that is kinda you paid tips already, a fixed tips). Apparently, waitresses or waiters need to carry more dishes to the table. Weird excuse!!!
1240 N School St, Honolulu
Ph: +1 808 845 8044
Stay tuned for the next blog still in Hawaii:
No comments:
Post a Comment