This post may contain affiliate links. Read about our privacy policy. What is Pork Hash or Shumai? Pork hash is Hawaii’s adopted version of the Chinese shumai. Dumplings filled with ground pork and various seasonings. The most noticeable difference is that the dumpling isn’t closed but has an open top. It’s shaped like cute little pouches with the top looking like an opened lotus flower. Where can you find Pork Hash? Pork hash can practically be found in a lot of local places, especially Chinese restaurants. It’s so common out in Hawaii, that you can even find it at big chains like 7-El ..read more

This post may contain affiliate links. Read about our privacy policy. What is Crispy Gau Gee? Let me tell you that Gau Gee is one of the ol’ gee recipes recognized in Hawaii. Crunchy is my favorite food texture, and this recipe hits that spot!  Crispy Gau Gee is filled with ground pork and various veggies, chestnuts, and magical sauces. Wrapped in the simple form of a rectangle using a classic wonton wrapper and deep-fried to golden perfection.  Where do you find Crispy Gau Gee? Whoever brought that big pan of Crispy Gau Gee was always favored in my eyes! Either that aunty or ..read more

This post may contain affiliate links. Read about our privacy policy. A Crunchy Local Holiday Treat: Furikake Chex Mix The Furikake Chex Mix is another classic Hawaii treat usually given out during the Holidays. It was most certainly inspired by Muddy Buddies, but Hawaii always needs to give it the local twist. I looked forward to receiving a Furikake Chex Mix goody bag during the holidays. It has a light taste on the sugar and a hint of umami from the furikake seasoning. All of it is balanced out by the savory salt of the pretzels and shoyu. Plus, I just love crunchy snacks! What To Pu ..read more

This post may contain affiliate links. Read about our privacy policy. Fried Saimin: My Go-To Potluck Dish Fried Saimin is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for a quick meal. It’s made with the classic saimin noodles, vegetables, and meat. Almost everyone who has grown up in Hawaii can testify indulging in Fried Saimin at potlucks, home meals, or at the mom-and-pop shops. I’ve had Fried Saimin many times at the grad party, baptism celebration, and family gathering. Every household had a different take on it, but they all had the same umami flavors unique to Fried Saimin. What is ..read more

This post may contain affiliate links. Read about our privacy policy. The Luau Must-Have: Kalua Pork Kalua pork is pretty much the main dish served at any luau. I even served it for my baby’s first luau! It was definitely a hit at the party. But what is Kalua Pork? It’s a Hawaiian cuisine that was traditionally prepared in an imu (underground oven). But you know…not everyone has the time and um ground space to cook a whole pig in an imu. So for a typical home cook, you can easily make it in a crock pot, instant pot, or the oven. Pick your choice, you’ll still have that same smoky, salty ..read more

This post may contain affiliate links. Read about our privacy policy. “Mochi Meets Doughnut: Poi Fusion Delight” Have you ever heard of poi mochi doughnuts? These delightful treats are a fusion of two amazing desserts – Hawaiian poi and Japanese mochi – that come together to create a unique and irresistible snack. Inspired by the legendary Liliha Bakery in Honolulu, these doughnuts are not your average doughnuts! They are soft, and airy, and have a slight hint of purple. Did you know that these were initially inspired by the popular treat in Japan referred to as “Pon De Ring?” Yes, they ..read more

This post may contain affiliate links. Read about our privacy policy. The famous malasada of Hawaii Ohhh yes! Malasadas are one of the most popular foods in Hawaii to date. I grew up in the town of Makawao so of course I had a chance to try out Komoda’s malasadas. I can testify that it is one of the best malasadas I’ve had growing up in Maui. There are of course many local places to try out malasadas. Here are a few places I recommend trying out if you’d like to try out these delicious fried donuts covered in the classic sugar coating: KOMODA’S BAKERY HOME MAID BAKERY NAPOLEAN BAKERY (Z ..read more

This post may contain affiliate links. Read about our privacy policy. A Taste of Home: Sweet Portuguese Bread Recipe Gosh! I remember growing up and going over to my friend’s home and smelling freshly baked Portuguese Sweet Bread. It had me drooling wanting to taste that sweet and fluffy bread. It sure is a favorite of mine whenever I came back to home to Hawaii for a visit! But, let me tell you that this recipe came from my stepmom which came from a Portuguese Aunty from Aiea. Whew! Gotta always show the connections huh?  This recipe is incredibly easy to make, so you don’t have to ..read more

This post may contain affiliate links. Read about our privacy policy. Jai is a vegan dish full of nutritious and filling ingredients What is Jai? I first heard of Jai through my aunt. She would recount how my Grandma would always make Jai for Chinese New Years. She would go downtown Chinatown to buy all of the ingredients. My aunty also mentioned that my dad loved eating this dish, which I followed up and asked him. My dad said he looooved eating Jai, especially the ginkgo nuts and bean curd sticks. He said, “he loved the rubbery texture” of the bean curd sticks. Eating Jai for Chinese ..read more

This post may contain affiliate links. Read about our privacy policy. Stir fried noodles and veggies coated in an onolicious sauce What is Gon Lo Mein? Gon Lo Mein is another dish that was brought to Hawaii from the Chinese immigrants. It became a popular dish throughout the years as many mom and pop shops sold it to the locals. Many have come to know the famous “Manapua Man” and yes he also sold Gon Lo Mein as well! Ask any aunty or uncle and they will recount those fond memories of getting a bag of this for just $1. What is the sauce on Gon Lo Mein? The sauce for this Gon Lo Mein is q ..read more