The Hawaiian Islands have an incredibly unique culinary history that stretches back hundreds of years and shares influences from cultures around the world. While much of the cuisine centers around the ocean, there are plenty of dishes that illustrate Hawaii’s unique and storied past, from Filipino dishes to modern twists on Spanish classics. Here is a brief overview of the history of Hawaiian food.

How Hawaiian Cuisine Got Its Start

Hawaii was initially settled by the Polynesians who traveled across the ocean in small canoe-like boats. These settlers brought many of their native foods and animals with them and began cultivating these items on the island. As a sea-faring culture, fish featured heavily in their diets and became one of the staples of Hawaiian cuisine, followed closely by poi, a paste made from taro root. Though fish and vegetables were a large part of the traditional diet, meat was also commonly consumed. The moist soil of the island made it easy to slow-cook pork, chicken, and even beef in deep pits, developing the techniques you see used at many Hawaiian luaus.

Hawaiian Food Today

The beauty of the islands brought many other cultures to its shores allowing their cuisine to greatly influence Hawaiian food as you know it. Influences from China, Japan, Tahiti, and the Bahamas all have their place in local food culture, with many restaurants combining traditional Asian dishes with local Hawaiian-sourced ingredients. Today, you’re just as likely to find delicious Filipino dishes on a menu as you are Chicken Katsu, sushi, or even a hamburger. The food culture in Hawaii is as diverse as its residents and combines multiple cuisines into a completely unique culinary experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

At Plantation Grindz in Kahului, HI, their staff believes in celebrating this delicious cuisine, highlighting the tastes of the island through fresh, home-made Filipino dishes. Try something new and let their staff delight your taste buds with a delicious plate lunch guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Stop in today or call (808) 873-3663 to place an order to-go.