Summer, sun, good mood and lightness, delicious food – we find all of that on Hawaii . Tropical beaches, warm sea and of course typical Hawaiian BBQ How could summer get any better? But even beyond the barbecue, the beautiful islands in the Pacific have plenty to offer food lovers. Come join us on a culinary tour through the most popular vacation destination not only for Americans and discover the sometimes surprising, but always delicious influences from a history spanning more than a thousand years.
Hawaii – a (not only) culinary hotspot
It is believed that the Hawaiian Islands were first settled around the year 800 by Polynesian seafarers. Over the centuries, the local culture merged with ever-new influences from the outside world. From Captain Cook, through the incorporation into the USA, to the arrival of Asian immigrants, Hawaiian culture has always been a melting pot of experimentation and fusion. This vibrant history is also reflected in the Hawaiian cuisine again, with its numerous influences from Japan and Polynesia to the US West Coast.
While many typical Hawaiian ingredients, such as the taro leaf which is almost ubiquitous on the islands, are still virtually impossible to find in our stores, with a few tips and tricks you too can enjoy authentic Hawaiian soul food from your own home kitchen:
Lūʻau – American BBQ with a Hawaiian twist
American BBQ It's a must in summer – that's true in Hawaii just as much as on the mainland. Beef, however, is less common here. No wonder, given the limited grazing land on the many small islands. Instead, Hawaiian BBQ traditionally features primarily... Pork and chicken on the plates, together with Fish and local fruits like mango or Pineapple .
Of course Hawaiian Lūʻau But that's just one of many delicious variations of classic American BBQ. If you want to learn more about how grilling enthusiasts, for example, in North Carolina , Memphis or Kansas City If you prefer your meat to arrive at the table with a lovely smoky flavor, then simply read our blog on the topic and let your mouth water:
➡️ Read the blog post “ AMERICAN BBQ – MORE THAN JUST GRILLING ”
Kālua puaʻa – suckling pig in Hawaiian
Hawaii is world-famous (besides flower garlands and traditional hula dances) especially for its local version of our suckling pig: Kālua puaʻa . Unlike in Europe, where suckling pig is traditionally smoked and roasted on a spit over an open fire, a much more spartan cooking style is used in Hawaii, similar to variations found elsewhere in the USA (e.g., in Texas). Instead of balancing it over an open fire, Hawaiians wrap their Suckling pig traditionally in fire-resistant plants (e.g. palm leaves ) and bury it together with glowing coals in a An earthen pit where it cooks slowly and gently for several hours with indirect heat and smoke, just as the Polynesians have done for thousands of years.
Huli-huli Chicken – Half a chicken, Hawaiian style
It's not just with us that... Rotisserie chickens , skewered in large numbers and roasting over an open flame, is not only a common but also a popular sight. In Hawaii, this type of grilled chicken is called... Huli-huli chicken . A relatively new addition to the Hawaiian barbecue menu, huli-huli chicken originated in the 1950s. But even without the long tradition of its Polynesian competitors, huli-huli chicken is a culinary treat of a special kind, after all, it has the recipe It even earned its inventor the honorary position of Vice Consul of Portugal.
The chicken is slowly getting over an open fire The chicken is grilled and regularly rotated to ensure even cooking and a smoky, crispy skin. Before serving, it is marinated in a tincture made from... pineapple juice , Ketchup , Soy sauce , Honey , brown sugar and Garlic marinated. If you want to experience the authentic taste for yourself, then we recommend you try the Hawaiian Grille Sauce from Stonewall Kitchen . Their recipe is based directly on the traditional Huli-huli marinade and transforms even German grilled chicken into authentic Hawaiian delicacies in no time.
➡️ Buy Hawaiian Grille Sauce from Stonewall Kitchen
Incidentally, the Huli-huli Chicken got its name because at large festivals, waiting barbecue fans traditionally shouted "Huli!" when they thought it was time for the grill master to turn the delicious chickens.
Poke & Some – Asian flair for hot summer days
If, with all the sun and warmth, you don't feel like standing at the grill, Hawaiian cuisine also has some very special treats in store for you.
Poke is a traditional fish salad , which has now gained international popularity and has achieved the status of a national dish in Hawaii itself unofficial national dish has risen in popularity. This versatile and customizable recipe is a typical example of Hawaiian cuisine. Fusion cuisine and combines Japanese, Polynesian, and American influences into a harmonious and unique taste experience. The version served in a bowl, commonly known as [insert name here], is particularly well-known and very easy to make at home. Poke Bowls .
The base forms a shell. Cooked rice . This can be topped with various ingredients according to taste. Traditionally, this includes seafood, especially raw seafood. tuna , Salmon , Fish eggs or Octopus (often referred to here by his Japanese name as Tako (referred to as) fruits and vegetables, such as pineapple , Avocados , Cucumbers , carrots or bean sprouts and other seasonings such as Sesame seeds or Nori sheets . The bowl is topped with a topping that is usually made from... soy a sauce based on a spice, preferably with a certain kick of heat Sriracha . To enjoy, simply mix all the ingredients well directly in the bowl and the delicious Hawaiian snack is ready – even when served lukewarm in summer weather.
➡️ Buy Sriracha Teriyaki Sauce from Stonewall Kitchen
Another food widely used in Hawaii for hot summer days is the originally from Japan Some noodles originating from Some noodles. These, also available here in Germany, Glass noodles They are traditionally eaten cold – that is, after cooking they are soaked in cold water (traditionally even in running water in specially made bamboo troughs) – and then simply placed in a bowl to eat. Soy or teriyaki sauce dipped in a base dip. refreshing snack Perfect for hot summer days, and quick and easy to make yourself.
➡️ Buy Sriracha Teriyaki Sauces from Stonewall Kitchen
Chi Chi & Co. – a refreshing summer with fruity cocktails
Of course, our culinary short trip to Hawaii wouldn't be complete without a refreshing cocktail It cannot be missing. The "traditional" national drink of the Hawaiians is probably undisputed. Chi Chi . The mix of pineapple juice , coconut milk and Vodka has long been the favorite drink of the islanders.
But with the variety of local fruits, other typical tropical cocktails are of course an integral part of the Hawaiian Islands' beaches. Want to bring a piece of that tropical feeling home? Then try our convenient Drink Mixer from Stonewall Kitchen . With the ready-made mixes and spirits of your choice, you can create delicious summer cocktails from Margarita and Sangria until Piña Colada Quickly and easily mixed at your own home bar.
These practical mixers and everything else they have for the perfect cocktail need (from ice cubes until Straws ) can be found in our webshop :
Good taste is always worth a trip.
Have you now got the urge for a (at least culinary) short break? Then we have a very special souvenir in store for your luggage:
With the Grilling & Barbecue Collection Gift Set by Stonewall Kitchen We have selected some of the most popular treats from our Top 10 tastiest grilling and BBQ sauces from Stonewall Kitchen compiled.
➡️ Buy the Grilling & Barbecue Collection gift set from Stonewall Kitchen
Included is the delicious Hawaiian Grilled Sauce For your own traditional Hawaiian BBQ. And if you'd like to explore further afield, the gift set also offers typical American variations. Honey BBQ and Baby back rib , which tastes at least as good as pork, chicken & co.
