Whenever you visit a foreign land, the first thing to try your hands on is the food the place has to offer. The islands of Hawaii are no different, especially when it comes to dinner cruises. From mouth-watering desserts and soups to amazing snacks, smoothies and salads, cruises have a lot to offer according to Live Your Aloha. These dishes have become so popular to both foreigners and locals alike, that many recipes have spawned from them for you to try at home.
If you’re planning a vacation to Hawaii in near future, a dinner cruise is a must, because you’ll be treated to island delicacies you won’t find anywhere else. But, whether you book a cruise or not, do your best to try as many Hawaiian foods as possible while you’re there. To help you out, here is a list of recommendations for food to make your trip even more fulfilling and exciting.
Food Dishes to Try in Hawaii
1. Hawaiian Shave Ice
If you visit Hawaii and miss Shave Ice, you have missed out on a lot! It is also known as the iconic dessert of Hawaii and it is made by shaving off a block of ice. Shaved Ice is essentially a Japanese dish, which became popular in Hawaii at the turn of the 20th century.
2. Poi
If you want to taste a traditional Hawaiian staple dish, try Poi. It is a dish with a pudding-like consistency with a unique and exotic flavor. If you can’t make it on a cruise to try it straight from the chef, it is recommended to buy fresh Poi while you’re in Hawaii so that you can have the full experience of this local delicacy.
3. Saimin
While a variation of the Chinese egg noodle soup, Saimin is truly a traditional dish you will only find in Hawaii. It is such a popular dish among the tourists that you will be able to find it at almost every stall and shop during your vacation.
4. Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
This unique and totally scrumptious grilled chicken is made with ginger, brown sugar and soy sauce. The result is a sweet and savory flavor that will continue to remind you of the stunning islands even after you return home.
5. Taro Co Farm Chips
These sweet potato chips are rare and totally worth a try. But to warn you ahead of time, these are really hard to get your hands on. If you really want to try this local Hawaiian delicacy, you will have to travel to the town of Hanapepe in Kauai. They are only sold at specific hours so you need to do some research before leaving for the town so that you can actually get them.
6. Luau Stew
If you want to know what Hawaiian comfort food tastes like, try Luau Stew and you will not be disappointed! It is made using taro leaves and seasoned with local sea salt. Simple, isn’t it? Sometimes the simpler it is, the better.
7. Coco Puffs
A Hawaiian vacation would seem incomplete if you don’t get to taste the local Honolulu bakery’s coco puffs. Highly recommended especially if you’re travelling with kids, these light and flaky puffs are simply divine!
Conclusion
The islands of Hawaii are famous for their diversity in almost everything from culture to food. However, some of the great foods to expect when visiting Hawaii are traditional local dishes that you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else. If you want the easiest route to trying a lot of these local delicacies in one shot, we recommend booking a dinner cruise. Either way though, try the above-mentioned delicacies on your next visit to the Islands to get a true taste of Hawaii!