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 Hawaii
There are many, many types of noodles in Hawaii.
Saimin noodles are the iconic Hawaii noodles. These wavy wheat and egg noodles are something we all grew up eating here. With saimin noodles, we make dishes like Saimin, Fried Saimin, and Dry Mein.
But it doesn't start and end with just saimin noodles. We also love glass noodles which we use to make Chicken Long Rice. You know how people on the recommend chicken noodle soup when you're under the weather? Try Chicken Long Rice instead ^_^ We use yet another type of glass noodles called dangmyeon (thicker, chewier) to make Japchae, a Korean noodle dish that is a key component of Korean Plate Lunch.
We use somen noodles for Somen Salad. It has the word "salad," but it's really a chilled noodle dish. Soba shows up all the time in Hawaii. So does chow funn (Hawaii has the best chow funn). We have chow funn noodle soup, chow funn in saucy stir fries and dry stir fries. Nothing beats fresh chow funn, sold by the pound! Take home and cook dinner.
We always keep a pantry full of rice noodles (also called rice vermicelli and rice sticks) for simple noodles soups and the famous Flipino dish, Pancit Bihon.
Don't even get us started on the chow mein train. A few other dreamy Hawaii noodles include e-mein/e-fu and crispy cake noodles (heavenly!)
Love carbs? You'll love Hawaii.
Here are a few favorites that you can easily make at home:
Somen Salad
Somen salad is a chilled noodle dish with toppings (like kamaboko (fish cake), cucumbers, carrots, and egg), and a flavorful sauce poured over the noodles. Cool and refreshing. An ideal summer dish.
Chicken Long Rice
Chicken Long Rice is a classic Hawaiian dish made from vermicelli noodles, chicken thighs, fresh ginger, and green onions. It’s comforting and clean, a go-to side dish or simple entree.
Saimin, Hawaii's Noodle Soup
Saimin is Hawaii’s favorite noodle soup dish. It features a light dashi-based soup broth, saimin noodles, and toppings like kamaboko (fish cake), char siu, and green onions.
Fried Saimin
Fried saimin is a simple noodle stirfry. It's like saimin, but without the soup! It’s easy to make. All you need are saimin noodles and toppings like Spam, kamaboko (fish cake), carrots, eggs, and green onions.
Dry Mein
Dry Mein is a local dish of saimin noodles tossed with a savory sauce made from soy sauce and oyster sauce. It’s similar to Chinese lo mein, but Hawaii-style. Can substitute ramen noodles if you can't find saimin noodles.
Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
Japchae is a Korean dish that is very popular in Hawaii (and a key component of Korean Plate Lunch). It’s made from glass noodles (dangmyeon) and many different vegetables. Some places add meat but we love to make this vegetarian japchae recipe at home.
Pancit Bihon
Pancit Bihon is a popular Filipino noodle dish. Made out of rice noodles, shrimp and/or chicken, and lots of vegetables. A classic potluck party favorite. Simple and easy to prepare.
Chicken Hekka
Chicken Hekka is a local Hawaii dish of simmered chicken thighs, cellophane noodles and vegetables (carrots, onions, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots). Think of it as Hawaii's version of Japanese sukiyaki!
Mahalo for Reading!