Big, fluffy, and stuffed with everything from sweet-savory char siu to kalua pork and Okinawan sweet potato, the manapua is Hawaii’s answer to Chinese baos.
Baked manapua offerings at Royal Kitchen (Oahu)
Meet the manapua!…
All Hawaiian Islands
Andagi
Golden, deep-fried orbs, a batter rich with milk and sugar…this is Andagi, an Okinawan doughnut that is Hawaii staple at local markets, bento shops, and bon dances around town.
Meet the andagi!…
Osmanthus and Goji Agar Agar
Osmanthus flowers and goji berries come together in this light and clean agar agar dessert. Served chilled with a spoonful of osmanthus syrup.
Each cube is dotted with sweet goji and fragrant osmathus flowers….
Strawberry-Haupia Agar Agar
Fresh strawberries and homemade Manju, Hawaii-Style!
Manju is a Japanese pastry traditionally filled with sweet azuki beans. Hawaii has a specific style of manju, baked and flaky, with fillings like sweet potato, coconut, and even apples.
Sweet potato manju from Home Maid Bakery (Maui)
Meet Hawaii-style manju!…
Aburaage
Aburaage! These puffy pouches of deep-fried tofu are so good braised in a dashi-sugar-shoyu-sake mixture. Serve prepared aburaage as a side dish, stuffed with seasoned rice, or in bowls of hot udon.
I love all things tofu, and aburaage may be at the top of that list….
Almond Tofu
Almond Tofu is a light, refreshing dessert that is popular in Hawaii (and at many Chinese restaurants :). It’s easy to make, really onolicious, and goes well with fresh or canned fruits.
Soft, cool, and jiggly. Meet Almond Tofu!…
Tofu Poke
Tofu poke! It’s like traditional Hawaiian poke, but made with tofu for an easy vegetarian meal. Step by step photo recipe below 🙂
Sometimes I love tofu poke even more than “regular” ahi poke….
Chicken Long Rice
Chicken Long Rice is a Hawaiian noodle 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.
Cozy and comfy, this soupy noodle dish is a Hawaiian treat….
Plantation Iced Tea
Plantation Iced Tea is a popular drink in Hawaii, and found on menus of restaurants and cafes. It’s made from black tea, pineapple juice, and simple syrup. Refreshing on a warm day!
All you need is three ingredients….
Ti Leaf Versus Luau Leaf
Preparing a Lomi Lomi Salmon
[This post was originally published July 22, 2019. It was updated September 26, 2019 to include a step-by-step photo recipe on how to make Lomi Lomi salmon at home.]
Lomi Lomi Salmon is a Hawaiian side dish (made from salted salmon, tomatoes, onions, and green onions). It’s a must-have for any Hawaiian meal or luau. Here’s everything you need to know about Lomi Lomi Salmon, plus a step-by-step photo recipe!
Lomi Lomi Salmon at home. Step-by-step recipe below ^_^
No real Hawaiian lunch/dinner is complete without lomi lomi salmon….