This simple stir fry of Chinese sausage (lap cheong) and green beans makes for a quick lunch or dinner. Season with garlic, chicken broth, oyster sauce, and soy sauce. So ono ...
Chinese Sausage and Green Beans
Local Recipes To Cook At Home
Hawaiian food and local food are not the same thing (but visitors often get the two mixed up). We covered Hawaiian food recipes in this post. And today we'll cover local food ...
Hawaiian Recipes To Cook At Home
The first thing I did when starting Onolicious was to create this page to answer: What Is Hawaii Food? People often get Hawaiian food and local food mixed up. It's something ...
Kimchi Dumplings
Made from kimchi and ground pork, these dumplings are easy to assemble and very delicious. Boil and then dip in a homemade dipping sauce. Oh man, we love dumplings! I make a ...
Chicken Hekka
Chicken Hekka is a local Hawaii dish of simmered chicken, vegetables, and noodles. Think of it as Hawaii's version of Japanese sukiyaki! Chicken Hekka Oh Chicken Hekka! ...
Stuffed Tofu
Cubes of tofu stuffed with a light and savory pork filling. This dish is steamed and served with a soy sauce-based sauce. Onolicious! Stuffed Tofu You might have had ...
Local-Style Chicken Tofu
Chicken Tofu is a popular local dish that we often make at home for a lunch or dinner. Easy to make and so satisfying. Eat with rice ^_^ Chicken Tofu The name of this dish ...
Simmered Daikon
Slice and simmer daikon radish in a broth of dashi, soy sauce, and mirin for a soothing side dish. Enjoy it warm or chilled. Simmered Daikon Have you had simmered daikon ...
All About Okazuya In Hawaii
Okazuyas are old school delicatessens offering local Japanese dishes. They are a key part of Hawaii food culture. Point and choose, your meal is packed to-go. What Is An ...
Hawaii's Local-Style Custard Pie
Hawaii's local-style custard pie is creamy and silky. The secret? Evaporated milk! It's simple to make, just prepare the filling a day ahead. Local-Style Custard Pie Have ...
Pancit Bihon
Pancit Bihon is a popular Filipino noodle dish. Made of rice noodles, shrimp (or chicken), and vegetables, it is delicious! Quick and easy 20 minute meal. What Is Pancit ...
Soy Sauce (Shoyu) Eggs
Soy Sauce (Shoyu) Eggs are easy to make and good to keep on hand. Eat these eggs with rice for breakfast, or as a ramen or saimin topping for lunch. Soy Sauce (Shoyu) ...
Teriyaki Meatballs
These tender teriyaki meatballs are made of beef and pork. We bake and then simmer the meatballs in homemade teriyaki sauce. Simple and onolicious. Teriyaki Meatballs Ready ...
Hawaii-Style Teriyaki Sauce
Hawaii-Style Teriyaki Sauce is easy to make. You only need 3 ingredients: soy sauce, sugar, and ginger. Use this sauce as a marinade or glaze. What Is Teriyaki Sauce? The ...
Pork Hash
Pork Hash is Hawaii's version of classic Chinese shumai. Fill dumpling skins with pork and shrimp, then steam. Comforting and onolicious! What Is Pork Hash? Oh man if you ...
The Canoe Plants of Hawaii
Canoe Plants are the 24 original plants the Polynesian voyagers brought to Hawaii centuries ago. They're an important (and delicious) part of modern Hawaii life. What Are ...
Yang Chow Fried Rice
This is our go-to fried rice dish. No need to order takeout ^_^ We add shrimp, lap cheong, eggs, and season with fish sauce. Easy to make and super onolicious. Yang Chow Fried ...
Rice Cooker Recipe: Chinese Sausage Over Rice
30-minute, one pot (rice cooker) meal. You only need 2 ingredients: rice and Chinese sausage (lap cheong). Let's get cooking ^_^ Lap Cheong (Chinese Sausage) Over Rice This ...
Xi’an Taste (Oahu)
Xian Taste is takeout spot in Honolulu famous for Rou Jia Mo (aka Chinese burgers with beef, pork, or lamb) and traditional Chinese street food snacks. Xi’an Taste Welcome ...
Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery (Oahu)
Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery is a Honolulu bakery famous for fried-to-order malasadas, pumpkin crunch, and housemade ice cream. It's all onolicious here! Pipeline Bakeshop ...
‘Ōlena by Chef Ron Simon (Oahu)
Olena's is a Honolulu gem. This takeout spot offers local dishes made with care and excellent ingredients. From fresh ahi poke bowls to pork belly baos and halo halo, it's all ...
Waioli Kitchen & Bake Shop (Oahu)
Waioli Kitchen & Bake Shop is a beautiful breakfast/lunch restaurant in Honolulu's lush Manoa Valley. Breezy and relaxing, it's a spot that locals love and few visitors know ...
Spam Musubi, A Hawaii Snack!
Spam Musubi is a famous Hawaii snack made from Spam, rice, and nori. It's portable, affordable, and tasty! It's the most popular way to eat Spam in Hawaii. What's Hawaii's ...
Feast (Oahu)
Feast in Manoa Valley takes the classic Hawaii plate lunch and makes it a notch fancier. From hamburger steak to keto mac salad and pumpkin crunch, we love it all. Welcome to ...
Hawaiian Sweet Potato
Hawaiian sweet potato (also known as Okinawan sweet potato) is a staple ingredient in Hawaii. Famous for its vibrant purple color and numerous health benefits, this sweet potato is ...
Diamond Head Market & Grill (Oahu)
The popular spot offers a takeout grill window (for plate lunch!) and a bakery/market with prepared foods and delicious local desserts and pastries. Diamond Head Market & ...
Pioneer Saloon (Oahu)
Pioneer Saloon serves local plate lunch with a Japanese twist. There's something on the menu for everyone (chicken katsu! loco moco!) at this fun and affordable spot in ...
Braised Duck Gizzards
Duck gizzards are slow cooked with ginger, garlic, soy sauce until they're tender and savory. Star anise and cloves makes it extra delicious. We eat this with rice ^_^ Braised ...
Andy's Sandwiches & Smoothies (Oahu)
Andy's is a popular sandwich shop located in Manoa Valley. From papaya smoothies, to a big menu of fresh and healthy sandwiches (on house-baked bread), everyone loves Andy's. ...
The Many Noodles of Hawaii
We love noodles in Hawaii! From Saimin to Somen and Chicken Long Rice, we embrace all types of noodle dishes. Here are the classics and how to make them! Noodles in ...
Misoyaki Butterfish
Misoyaki Butterfish is a classic Hawaii dish. Impressive, delicious, and easy to make. Just marinate butterfish (black cod) overnight in a miso marinade, then bake in the oven and ...
Dry Mein
Dry Mein is a Hawaii dish of noodles tossed with a savory sauce. It's similar to Chinese lo mein, but Hawaii-style. Here's where dry mein came from, where to eat it, and how to ...
What Is A Plate Lunch?
Plate Lunch consists of popular Hawaii dishes like chicken katsu, shoyu chicken, hamburger steak, along with scoops of rice and mac salad...all in one big plate. Here’s everything ...
What Is A Korean Plate Lunch?
Korean Plate Lunch is a type of Plate Lunch, one that features Korean dishes like kalbi, meat jun, japchae, and much more! Here’s everything you need to know about Korean Plate ...
What Is A Hawaiian Plate Lunch?
Hawaiian Plate Lunch is a type of Plate Lunch, one that features traditional Hawaiian dishes like lomi lomi salmon, pipikaula, poi, and much more! Here's everything you need to ...
Pipikaula
Pipikaula is a savory Hawaiian dish made of seasoned and semi-dried beef (pan-fry hot to serve). This is the story of pipikaula in Hawaii and where to eat it. Plus an easy recipe ...
8 Must-Try Hawaii Chocolate Brands
Hawaii is rich with chocolate. From boutique brands that grow and make chocolate, to brands famous for chocolate macadamia nuts, these are the chocolates that locals ...
Banana Tapioca (Che Chuoi)
Che Chuoi is a popular Vietnamese dessert made from bananas, tapioca pearls, and coconut milk. It's wonderful served hot and even better chilled. Easy to make and dairy-free ...
8 Fun Facts About Hawaii
Whether you're a first time visitor or a Hawaii local, these are some very interesting, unexpected, and fun facts about our favorite place in the world: Hawaii! Hawaii Fun ...
Spam, Eggs, and Rice
Spam, Eggs, and Rice is the trio that makes up the classic local Hawaii breakfast! Here's where to get it in Hawaii, and how to make it at home. Spam, Eggs, and Rice! Do you ...
Coffee Jelly
Coffee Jelly is a refreshing dessert that we love to eat in Hawaii. You can buy coffee jelly from many places, or just make it at home. Here's how ^_^ Do you know about coffee ...
Kauai's Goteborg Musubi
This fun musubi comes from the island of Kauai and only requires three ingredients: Goteborg sausage, rice, and furikake! Great for snacks and potluck parties. Kauai Goteborg ...
Fish and Poi, Song by Sean Na’auao 🎶
Fish and Poi is a famous song that chronicles our favorite Hawaiian and local foods! Here are the lyrics and details on all the good grinds (eats) in the song. Do you know ...
Where To Buy Hawaii Snacks Online
We love good snacks in Hawaii. From Hawaiian Hurricane Popcorn to Li Hing Mui Gummy bears, these are the best Hawaii snacks you can order online. Snacks In Hawaii Snacks ...
Agar Agar Recipes
Agar agar is a key ingredient in desserts. It is used to set many jelly sweets that we make at home. Here is everything to know about agar agar. What Is Agar Agar? Fyi, ...
Purple Sweet Potato Tapioca
Tapioca, purple sweet potatoes, and coconut milk come together in this vibrant dessert. Like a cross between pudding and sweet soup, this tapioca is wonderful both hot and cold. ...
Instant Pot Congee (with Century Egg and Pork)
Congee is a weekend breakfast staple at our home. This is a classic Cantonese-style congee made with pork and century egg. Make it in the Instant Pot for an easy and satisfying ...
Popiah (Chaozhou Fresh Spring Rolls)
Popiah aka Fresh Spring Rolls, is a Chaozhou dish made from rice paper wrappers, sautéed jicama, and toppings like lup cheong, eggs, peanuts, and dried shrimps! What Is ...
Sparkling Strawberry Agar Agar
Sparkling Strawberry Agar Agar is a refreshing summer dessert. It's light and clean, ideal for hot Hawaii days. Easy to prepare ahead of time and perfect for parties. Three ...
Shoyu and Vinegar Roast Chicken
This recipe combines the elements of two popular Hawaii dishes (Shoyu Chicken and Chicken Adobo), to make real saucy roast chicken, complete with crispy skin! Hot from the ...
Li Hing Pickled Mango
Pickled mangos are a popular snack in many cultures. Hawaii's version is called Li Hing Pickled Mango. Eaten as a snack or dessert, it's crunchy, tart and tangy. Pickled mangoes ...
Somen Salad
Somen salad is a chilled noodle dish with toppings (like fish cake, cucumbers, carrots, and many more options), and a flavorful sauce poured all over the noodles. Here's how to ...
Sushi Bake
Sushi Bake is a popular Hawaii dish. Imagine the elements of a California Roll (rice, imitation crab, and avocado), layered in a pan and baked till hot and golden! Scoop on a plate ...
Tuna Tofu Patties
Tuna Tofu Patties are a popular Hawaii home cooking dish. There are endless variations, but this is the classic, seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Tuna ...
Goya Champuru (Okinawan Bitter Melon Stir Fry)
Goya Champuru is an Okinawan dish we often eat in Hawaii. It's a healthy stir fry made with bitter melon (goya) pork belly, tofu, and eggs. So hearty and ono with a big bowl of ...
Fried Saimin
Fried saimin is the same as saimin, but without the soup! It's easy to make. All you need are the noodles and toppings like Spam, kamaboko (fish cake), carrots, eggs, and green ...
Pan Sushi
Pan Sushi is a popular Hawaii potluck dish. It also makes for an easy DIY sushi meal at home. The layering ingredients (like crab, avocado, and cucumber) are flexible, just make ...
Avocado Tofu
The combination of flavors in this dish is so good. It's just tofu and avocado topped with soy sauce and sesame oil. Sesame seeds and ichimi togarashi are optional, but makes it ...
Avocado Smoothie
Avocado smoothies are popular in Hawaii (where generous avocado trees abound!) Blend avocados with lime, milk, and sweetened condensed milk for a lush treat ^_^ Homemade avocado ...
Rafute (Okinawan Shoyu Pork)
Okinawan Shoyu Pork is the local Hawaii version of Okinawan dish called Rafute. It's basically braised pork belly. This dish is saucy, sweet and savory...and extra good with ...
Homemade Soy Milk
All you need are two ingredients to make fresh soy milk: soybeans and water. Just soak the soybeans overnight, blend, strain, and boil. Serve hot, so good! We've been making soy ...
Shoyu Hot Dogs
Shoyu Hot Dogs are a popular local treat, often found at potlucks and okazuyas! Hot dogs are simmered with ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar. They're saucy, sweet and salty, and ...
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Hawaii shrimp trucks are famous for garlic shrimp. It's easy to make and super garlicky. Squeeze lemon all over and serve with rice (which soaks up the garlic-butter sauce, so ...
Mochiko Chicken
Mochiko Chicken is a popular Hawaii dish of chicken marinated in a mochiko flour batter and deep fried! It's crunchy, sweet, and salty. Perfect with rice and mac salad. Mochiko ...
One Pot Lamb Stew
One pot and four ingredients is all you need to make lamb stew. Lots of flavor for little effort. Super hearty and comforting, and (like all local recipes), best served with a big ...
Chicken Adobo
There are many versions of chicken adobo in Hawaii (you can even get adobo fried rice and adobo saimin). This is the version we love to make at home. It's fragrant and saucy, and ...
Miso Salmon
You hungry yet? Marinate salmon fillets in a mix of miso and local pantry staples like soy sauce and sugar. Then broil or bake, and eat. Don't forget the rice. Miso salmon, ...
Li Hing Gummy Bears
Li hing gummy bears are popular local snack in Hawaii. You can buy already made li hing gummy bears, or just make it yourself at home. So easy! Li hing powder + gummy bears, ...
Noodles! Ants Climbing A Tree
Ants Climbing A Tree (aka Ma Yi Shang Shu) is an easy lunch/dinner for one. Saute ginger, garlic, spicy bean paste, and pork. Add broth and soy sauce. Boil with noodles. Then eat! ...
Hot Sesame Oil Tofu
This is a chilled tofu dish topped with hot (almost sizzling!) sesame oil, soy sauce, green onions, and furikake. It's refreshing and easy to make. Our go-to lazy ...
Seared Duck Breast
Seared Duck Breast sounds all fancy but it is so easy to make. All you need are duck breasts (one per person) and salt. Cook the duck low and slow. Eat it with a bowl of hot ...
Furikake Salmon
Furikake Salmon is a "very Hawaii" dish that we often make at home. It's easy, looks fancy and can be served many ways. We eat it over rice, or as DIY sushi hand rolls. Furikake ...
Pan Fried Tofu (With Garlic Soy Sauce)
A simple recipe of pan fried tofu drizzled with a spicy-sweet sauce (made from garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and chili flakes). Easy and made with local pantry ...
Hawaiian Beef Stew
Hawaiian beef stew is called "local beef stew" in Hawaii. It's hearty and comforting, full of tender beef, carrots, and potatoes. Best served over a big bowl of rice! Local ...
Shoyu Chicken
Shoyu Chicken is a popular local dish found at many restaurants in Hawaii. It is easy to make at home with basic pantry ingredients like shoyu, sugar, and garlic...here's the step ...
Hawaiian Pizza
Hawaiian pizza is not Hawaiian...but it is tasty. It's topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham and bacon, plus pineapple. We also add onions. Here's the recipe and how/why this ...
Eggs 'n Things (Oahu)
Eggs 'n Things is a popular breakfast restaurant on Oahu. They have four locations. Here's which location is secretly the best, plus what to order! Fresh pineapple pancakes with ...
Shiro's Saimin Haven (Oahu)
Shiro's Saimin Haven is a saimin restaurant with over 60 types of saimin on the menu! They also offer great local food including fried saimin, teri cheeseburgers, and mochiko ...
Shige's Saimin Stand (Oahu)
Shige's Saimin Stand is a saimin restaurant on the west side of Oahu. Order the saimin (their noodles are made in-house daily), teri cheeseburger, and bbq sticks for the ideal ...
Kaimuki Restaurants (Oahu)
Located a 15 minute drive from Waikiki, Kaimuki is local Hawaii neighborhood filled with mom and pop eateries, sweet shops, and all around amazing food. Here are all the good spots ...
Donuts in Hawaii
We have many different types of donuts in Hawaii. Traditional American donuts are not as popular, but we love poi donuts, mochi donuts, malasadas, andagi, and much ...
Portuguese Bean Soup
Portuguese Bean Soup is a popular local Hawaii soup. The key ingredients are Portuguese sausage, smoked ham hocks, and macaroni. It's a hearty soup that can easily be a ...
Manoa Restaurants (Oahu)
Manoa is an Oahu neighborhood popular for Manoa Falls hike and proximity to University of Hawaii and Punahou School. Manoa also has great food, here's where to eat. Pastry ...
Musubi Cafe Iyasume (Oahu)
Musubi Cafe Iyasume makes 38 different types of musubi (many include Spam). With seven convenient locations across Honolulu, this is a popular musubi spot for locals and ...
Afternoon Tea at Moana Surfrider (Oahu)
Moana Surfrider is an ideal venue to experience a proper Hawaii afternoon tea. From the oceanfront Waikiki beach location, to the excellent service, and lilikoi curd and scones, ...
Punahou Carnival (Oahu)
Punahou Carnival is an annual weekend event that takes place at Punahou School in Honolulu. There are games and rides, and most importantly...amazing local food! From malasadas to ...
Lam's Kitchen (Oahu)
Lam's Kitchen is located in Honolulu's Chinatown and famous for making fresh cheung funn noodles, jook (rice porridge), and you tiao (fried crullers)! The menu is packed with local ...
15 Local Snacks At Longs Drugs Hawaii
Longs Drugs is pharmacy and drug store chain in Hawaii. It's technically owned by CVS, but all locals call it, "Longs." It's a beloved local brand for many reasons. These are the ...
9 Unique Snacks From 7-Eleven Hawaii
7-Eleven Hawaii is unlike any of the 7-Eleven locations on the mainland. The Hawaii locations are full of local treats and snacks ranging from spam musubi to manapua and even ...
Jujube Ginger Tea
Jujube Ginger Tea is made from ginger, jujubes, black sugar (or honey), and water. It serves as an energizing morning drink, an afternoon treat (especially if you feel under the ...
Luau Stew
Luau Stew is a traditional Hawaiian dish made by cooking fresh luau leaves (which come from the taro plant). Eat it with rice or poi! You can find luau stew plain/vegetarian, with ...
Char Hung Sut (Oahu)
Char Hung Sut in Honolulu's Chinatown is known for three things: manapua, pork hash, and half moon. It's a takeout shop, famous for boxes filled with nostalgic, dim sum-esque ...
Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm (Maui)
Ali'i Kula Lavender is a famous Maui lavender farm. It's located in Kula town in Upcountry Maui. They have tours, a fun gift shop, and housemade lavender tea and ...
Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
Japchae is a Korean noodle dish that is very popular in Hawaii. It's made from glass noodles (dangmyeon) and many different vegetable. Some places add meat but we love to make this ...
Sun Noodle (Oahu)
Sun Noodles is a world famous noodle factory that started in our hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii. Stop by their Kalihi factory to pick from a wide selection of fresh noodles. Take ...
Next Stop, Zippy's!
Zippy's is a casual restaurant and bakery chain (locations on Oahu, Maui, and Big Island) popular for local food like saimin, mac salad, and much more. They are extra famous for ...
12 Reasons Why I Love To Fly Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines is my go-to airline. They fly all the routes I frequent (such as Honolulu to San Francisco and NYC), and they do it with grace. There are many reasons to love ...
Banán Hawaii (Oahu)
Banán Hawaii is a popular soft-serve business on Oahu. They make dairy-free soft-serve (in many fun flavors like lilikoi, acai, and turmeric) from locally grown Hawaii ...
Furikake Chex Mix
Furikake Chex Mix is a sweet salty Hawaii snack made from cereals and chips, tossed with furikake and a sweet and savory butter-soy sauce syrup. Step-by-step photo recipe ...
Hawaiian Lau Lau
[This post was originally published July 30, 2019. It was updated November 17, 2019 to include a step-by-step photo recipe on how to make Lau Lau at home.] Lau lau is a Hawaiian ...