Local Kine Grindz (Food)
Ube is a sweet purple yam that comes from the Philippines and many other parts of the Asian region. It has a hint of coconut and vanilla-like taste making it the perfect flavor for a vibrant purple ice cream or shake. Follow this recipe for a copycat version to Maui’s local restaurant Cupie’s Ube Shake.
Learn how to make Chi Chi Dango, a light-sweet, soft, and chewy treat. This treat was brought to Hawaii from Japan and was adopted to the island’s culture. It’s usually eaten on Girl’s Day, which is celebrated on March 3rd.
Hurricane popcorn is one of those local snacks to bring back for family or friends who live elsewhere from the islands of Hawaii. This is a great recipe to use if you are craving that delicious savory popcorn unique to Hawaii.
Khalbi ribs is a local island favorite in Hawaii. This blessed dish was introduced by the Koreans and has since been adopted and loved by the locals. It is the perfect summer bbq dish to serve at family gatherings or beach get-togethers.
Lilikoi (passion fruit) bars are a very simple and easy dessert to make! The lilikoi’s sweet and tangy taste really brings out it’s flavors in this lovely treat. Along with the sweet custard is a crisp shortbread crust making these bars even more divine. Give this recipe a try and get ready to impress your ohana and friends.
Chinese Cake Noodles is an addictive dish with crispy noodles smothered in a thick savory sauce with fried local vegetables. It has been on the menus of many local Chinese restaurants and is always a must have when eating with the ohana.
Boiled peanuts have become an easy and ono treat that locals love to snack on. You’ll see these snacks served as pupus or at aunty’s house in a bowl ready to be eaten as you enjoy the company of family. Boiled peanuts are usually sold in Chinatown in clear plastic bags. If you are craving these local snacks, the recipe is very simple to make!
Banana Lumpia is another sweet treat that was brought to Hawaii from the Philippines. It is very simple to make this but it is probably one of my most favorite treats to eat. This treat is basically a banana rolled in brown sugar, dusted with cinnamon, and wrapped tightly in a spring roll to be fried until it is golden brown.
Vinha D’Alhos (vee-nah dosh) is a Portuguese dish that is commonly eaten during the holiday season. The Portuguese came to Hawaii during the plantation era. They brought many traditions including this onolicious dish, Vinha D’alhos. It is similar to an adobo dish but has more spices to add a seasonal flavor to it. It has a nice tangy and savory kick that makes it go well with Portuguese sweet bread or rice.
Learn how to make one of Hawaii’s most favorite dessert, Chantilly Cake. This chocolate cake is perfect to make for a special celebration like birthdays, weddings, etc. The frosting is based on evaporated milk and butter. To top off the cake, sprinkle on toasted macadamia nuts to give it that perfect touch!
