If you’re a fan of great food (and who isn’t!), then you will definitely want to try some traditional Polynesian and Hawaiian foods. This type of cuisine offers a variety of flavors that will dazzle your taste buds. Whether you are planning a luau, or taking a trip to Hawaii, here are a few of the things that you should know about traditional Polynesian foods.
It’s Influenced By Asian Cuisine
If you take a look at popular Polynesian dishes, like kalua pork or lomilomi salmon, you will notice that there are a lot of similarities between these dishes and Asian cuisines. It is true that a lot of these popular dishes have the same roots that beloved Asian dishes do. However, the cuisine in this part of the world has evolved in a different kind of way. While you will find plenty of similarities, you will also notice a number of key differences.
Many Meals Are Based Around Local Foods
In many cases, traditional dishes are based around foods that were easy to obtain in that area. In the past, food couldn’t be imported and exported easily. People had to make do with what they had. Due to this unique obstacle, a lot of Polynesian and Hawaiian dishes include seafood. Seafood is easy to catch in the waters that surround this island. It is also common to see dishes that make use of fresh fruit. In this region, fruits are vastly more plentiful than vegetables are.
Most Polynesian Dishes Aren’t That Spicy
Many tourists are apprehensive about sampling foreign cuisine. This is largely due to the fact that a lot of foreign dishes are heavy on spice; people don’t want to eat a meal that is too hot for them to handle. Thankfully, this isn’t a major issue when it comes to Polynesian or Hawaiian food. While there are definitely some spicy dishes that you can try, high levels of spice aren’t the standard. A lot of the dishes are actually fairly sweet. If spicy food isnt your forte, don’t fret! You can still attend a luau without any sort of concern.
Presentation Is Important
When you eat at a Polynesian restaurant, or attend a Hawaiian luau, the taste of the food isn’t the only treat you’re in for. You will also have the opportunity to marvel at some beautifully presented dishes. The way these dishes are presented is very important. In this culture, people believe that the way a dish looks is almost as important as the way a dish tastes. Because of this focus on presentation, a lot of traditional dishes take a very long time to prepare. Don’t let that steer you away, as these dishes are more than worth the wait.
If you aren’t familiar with traditional Polynesian and Hawaiian foods, you will want to learn as much about them as you can. From poi to chicken long rice, you are going to love sampling some of the dishes that are popular in these region. These kinds of foods can be extremely enjoyable. Go out on a limb and try something you’re unsure about, as many adventures often start with a chance encounter. Throw caution to the wind and dig into some of the best cuisine the Pacific has to offer!
