There’s a definite Asian influence to what kids in Hawai’i eat. I’m limiting this list to snack foods although, argue-ably, fried chicken with ketchup might be a full-on meal item. Also, yes, our kids eat fruit and veggies! I’m just listing these snacks that are particular to Hawai’i.1. Li Hing Mui anything, especially sour candy or fruit. The wiki I’ve linked to states that mui is the dried plum but lots of “li hing-ed” products here say “li hing mui” and then the candy/food/etc.
2. Spam Musubi: ’nuff said but here’s more info if you need it. Spam musubi is a great post-soccer game snack!
3. Shave Ice
4. Mangoes off the tree: a kid showed me how to eat the mango so that it doesn’t make a mess. First you roll it on the ground a bit until it softens up. Then you bite a small hole at the top and suck all the juice and pulp out of it. ‘Ono!
5. Mochi cracker: in and out of popcorn.
6. Top Ramen: (called saimin) dry from the package with or without the soup base. Cooked or “raw”, this stuff is not at all healthy (especially the soup base!) so I try not to keep it in the house.
7. Fried chicken with ketchup.
8. Rice candy
9. Nori: my kids will eat this right out of the package.
These are just the ones that I know about. Can you think of other Hawai’i-specific treats that Local kids love? Here’s a simple recipe that delivers the nostalgic kid-friendly flavor of Hawai’i. Enjoy!
