The traditional Hawaiian breakfast is a hearty and delicious meal that reflects the island culture and locally-sourced ingredients. While what is considered “traditional” has evolved over time, there are some iconic dishes and components that are staples of the classic Hawaiian breakfast plate.
What are the key elements of a traditional Hawaiian breakfast?
Some key elements of a traditional Hawaiian breakfast include:
- Eggs – Typically scrambled, fried, or in an omelet
- Meat – Choices like Portuguese sausage, ham, bacon, or Spam
- Rice – Steamed white rice or fried rice
- Taro – As poi or fried taro cakes
- Bread – Biscuits, cornbread, or rolls
- Fruit – Papaya, pineapple, mango, or banana
- Coffee – Locally grown and roasted Hawaiian coffee
When did the traditional Hawaiian breakfast originate?
The traditional plate concept traces back to the early 20th century as a mixed plate lunch that blended cuisines like Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Filipino with native Hawaiian ingredients. It evolved into a breakfast tradition by the 1980s and 1990s. The abundant breakfast provided energy for a day working on plantations or farms.
What are some iconic Hawaiian breakfast dishes?
Some iconic Hawaiian breakfast dishes include:
Portuguese sausage – A spicy sausage introduced by Portuguese immigrants in the late 1800s. It became a breakfast staple to complement eggs and rice.
Loco moco – White rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and brown gravy. Originated in Hilo in the 1940s.
Fried saimin – Wok-fried ramen noodles with vegetables, meat, and egg. A hybrid of Asian and Hawaiian flavors.
Spam musubi – Grilled Spam slice atop rice pressed into a block, wrapped with nori seaweed. Created in the 1960s.
Taro cakes – Grated, steamed taro root patties fried until crisp. Called poi in Hawaiian.
Macadamia nut pancakes – Pancakes featuring macadamia nuts from Hawaiian trees. Often served with coconut syrup.
What are some key Hawaiian breakfast side dishes?
Some classic side dishes often enjoyed with a Hawaiian breakfast include:
- Fruit salad – Diced fresh local fruits like pineapple, papaya, banana, mango, and starfruit.
- Haupia – A creamy coconut milk-based pudding made with coconut, often cut into squares.
- Lomi salmon – Diced salted salmon seasoned with tomatoes, Maui onions, and green onions.
- Fried rice – Leftover rice stir-fried with veggies, pork, shrimp, egg, and soy sauce.
What are some key Hawaiian breakfast beverages?
From hot drinks to juices, popular Hawaiian breakfast beverages include:
- Kona coffee – Locally grown and roasted coffee from the Kona district of Hawaii’s Big Island.
- Guava juice – Sweet, tart juice from the guava fruit grown in Hawaii.
- Passionfruit juice – Tart, aromatic juice from passionfruit grown in Hawaii.
- Mamaki tea – Herbal tea from the dried leaves of Hawaiian mamaki plants.
- Milk – Fresh local cow’s milk is a staple, often enjoyed with rice or biscuits.
How has the Hawaiian breakfast evolved over time?
While it has its classic dishes, the Hawaiian breakfast has evolved in some ways:
- More influence from Hawaii’s diverse cultures – Filipino, Korean, Vietnamese, and Latin dishes are now common breakfast fare.
- Health-conscious options – Yogurt bowls with granola and fruit are popular lighter choices.
- Vegetarian choices – Tofu scrambles, veggie sausage, and fried rice cater to vegetarians.
- Bakery pastries – Hawaii has embraced mainland favorites like donuts, cinnamon rolls, and bagels.
- Acai bowls – Blends of acai berries, bananas, and nuts offer a refreshing and healthy choice.
While new flavors have been introduced, the core concept of a hearty, filling breakfast featuring local ingredients endures.
Where can you enjoy an authentic Hawaiian breakfast today?
Great places to savor a traditional plate across Hawaii’s islands include:
Oahu:
- Koko Head Cafe in Honolulu
- Highway Inn in Waipahu
- Scratch Kitchen & Meatery in Honolulu
- Mitch’s Fish Market in Honolulu
Maui:
- Geste Shrimp Truck in Kahului
- 808 Grindz Café in Lahaina
- Makawao Steak House
Kauai:
- Tip Top Café in Lihue
- The Garden Island Grill in Lihue
- Eggberts Restaurant Kauai in Kapaa
Big Island:
- Hawaiian Style Café in Waimea
- Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill in Kailua-Kona
- Ken’s House of Pancakes in Hilo
From mom-and-pop diners to upscale brunch restaurants, Hawaii offers myriad spots to experience a taste of island history and cuisine through a fulfilling traditional breakfast.
Conclusion
The traditional Hawaiian breakfast offers a unique window into the islands’ culture, history, and local ingredients. It brings together cuisines from Hawaii’s diverse immigrant populations and native flavors into a hearty, satisfying meal to start the day. While new influences continue to update the Hawaiian breakfast, at its core it provides a filling plate of rice, eggs, meat, and fresh tropical fruit to fuel island life. Experiencing favorites like Portuguese sausage, Spam musubi, or ahi omelets at a local Hawaiian cafe is a delicious way to get a taste of the islands for visitors and kama’aina alike.