The Cuisine of Kauai
One huge part about what makes a tropical vacation exciting and an affair to remember is the food, from the traditional dishes of the island to international cuisine offered by the Garden Isle's four-star and five-star resorts. Trying a few local Hawaiian dishes is a must for those who want the total Kauai experience. Local and traditional Hawaiian food abound in the island, from dishes unique to the island to those that are infusions of Japanese, Thai, Filipino, and Western gourmet influences. With the number of affordable eating places in the island, there is nothing better than to explore these eating places themselves. Payment is no problem, as most places offer meals at relatively affordable prices, with most of them able to accept major credit cards.
Local cuisine of the Garden Isle
Kauai boasts an impressive selection of local cuisine and delicacies that locals have been eating as part of their everyday diet. These dishes are the results of the rich mix of cultures from the many ethnicities that make up the island's population. Today, the food in Kauai is infused with influences from Japan, China, the Philippines, Spain, Germany, and many other countries. Traditional dishes include tako poke, lomi salmon, haupia, and of course, poi. Other local dishes that are eaten almost every day include musubi, sushi, saimin, and teri-burgers. Sashimi with wasabi and soy sauce are also local favorites. There are a lot of mom-and-pop eateries that sell bento boxes or special lunches of traditional dishes, which makes these perfect companions for an afternoon of hiking or a picnic at the beach.
The island also has a local answer for those with a sweet tooth. Called the lilikoi pie, this delicacy is a lemon meringue pie unique to Kauai. A local favorite hangout where guests can get the best lilikoi is Hamura's Saimin Stand, which also serves the best saimin in the island. Although the stand looks as ordinary as most of the native food stands around, Hamura's saimin stand has been recognized by the James Beard foundation for its contribution to American culinary heritage and diversity.
Seafood delight
Seafood is in abundance in the island and is shown in the many seafood dishes enjoyed and served both in local eateries and in five-star hotels. Fish caught and eaten in the island include ahi or yellow fin tuna, mahimahi, and ono. Fish in the island are eaten fresh, just right after they are brought in from the shore and may be broiled, poached, fried, and served with tropical sauces. Sheraton Kauai Resort's Shells, Steak and Seafood is the perfect place to go for seafood meals, which serves meals oceanfront.
In recent years, the Hawaiian islands have been home to the emerging new cuisine called the Pacific Rim or Hawaiian island's cuisine, which is a unique blend of island, American, and Asian cuisines, with a taste that is distinct to the Hawaiian islands.
The best of Asian cuisine
Asian cuisine has gained a strong foothold in the island as a result of Kauai's close proximity to Asia. Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cuisine and restaurants dot the island. For those looking for a little bit of Chinese, all they need to do is pop in to any of the Chinese restaurants on the island which serve food in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Szechwan styles. The best sushi can be found in Kentaro, and those looking for a night of Thai food can head to Mema's, which is also a great place for delicious Chinese food. Mexican food is available at Verde's, which is known all throughout the island for their chili-inspired dishes. Monico's Taqueria is also another great place where one can eat great Mexican fare. For the best in affordable food with a gorgeous view of the beachfront, nothing can beat the Tahitian Lanai Bar and Grill at the Waipouli Resort.
Those looking for fine dining at its best, whether it is traditional English tea or brunch, can have all these in any of the hotels in the island, almost all of which serve Continental and American style dishes. Many food places accept major credit cards, and almost all do not have strict dress codes. Tourists in casual dinner elegance or seaside chic are all allowed in most eating places in the island. Even vegans will find that there are also a lot of eating establishments that cater to their lifestyle as well. Popular vegan restaurants include the Blossoming Lotus in the Dragon Building in Kapa, and Postcards Cafe, which offer a healthy, organic gourmet menu.
A taste of American flavor
Even traditional American dishes such as beefy burgers, French fries, and other Western fare are available in the North Shore Grindz which offers over-the-counter versions of the Hawaiian plate lunch, among them the tree egg omelette, sushi, pizza, and veggie burgers. The Lihue Barbeque Inn is another place to get some decent spare ribs. Opened 68 years ago, the Lihue Barbeque Inn is not a fancy place but is the best place to get a hot plate of chicken, shrimp, and spare ribs with a complimentary fruit plate, along with beverages and the house's special cream pie.
Various resorts and hotels also feature cocktail hours, sit down dinners, and even tasting parties by request, especially for those planning to hold weddings and other special occasions on the island.
Kauai local products
Kauai is a self-sustaining island where the locals grow the food that is used to create the sumptuous meals enjoyed by natives and guests to five-star resorts alike. Crops include guava, coffee, sugarcane, and coconut. Pineapple is also a common fruit crop that is used extensively in the island, as well as exported to the mainland or neighboring islands.
High-end cuisine on the island
Amidst the tropical lushness of the island, one will be surprised to find high-end restaurants that offer top dollar meals as part of a total fine dining package, all within a few steps from the powdery shores of Kauai's beaches. International cuisine is as easily accessible in the island as a local, home-cooked meal. One place guests should definitely try is the restaurant at the Hanalei Colony Resort which features traditional Mediterranean food. Called the Mediterranean Gourmet, the restaurant offers dishes replete with Italian, Greek, Spanish, and Middle Eastern flair. And with the perfect oceanfront setting, guests will enjoy an incredible dining experience that they will not likely forget. Courses are prepared by renowned chef and owner Imad Beydoun.
Favorite local hang-outs
For a total experience of what Kauai really is, nothing beats a meal at any of the affordable restaurants where locals love to hang-out. Aside from being way cheaper than the meals offered by top-dollar resorts, dining with the locals in their favorite eating spots is one way to bond with the Kauai natives, who are naturally friendly, warm, and hospitable. A typical example of a favorite local hangout is Red Hot Mama's, located at the far north corner of Kauai just before the Kuhio Highway fades into the cliffs. Red Hot Mama's is a real mom-and-pop dining establishment that is even made more local by standing right next to the neighborhood general store. Guests should not miss its Mexican burritos and tacos, perfect food to take along a hike to the Napali Coast or on a picnic on the Waimea fishpond. Those who love organic edibles will love Red Hot Mama's emphasis on serving organic food. So for those who crave for huge chunks of juicy beef in their tacos, this is the place to be.
Another local delight is the Tahiti Nui restaurant and bar, which is the creation of Tahiti native Louise Marston. Just one step away from being an authentic restaurant in Tahiti, the place features tatami mats on the walls and carved tiki stools. Big crowd pleasers are the seared ono and the smoked ribs.
The Polynesia Cafe is another favorite open-air hangout that is known for their burgers, salads, tofu dishes, and sandwiches. Special best-sellers include the ahi blackened and ahi pesto. Another stop not to be missed is the Kilauea fish market which enjoys a prime spot next to the Kilauea lighthouse. This cafe is distinctive for its history—it used to be an ancient plantation building that now comes alive every night with diners, both locals and tourists alike. Visitors have the option of dining inside or in open air. The ahi wrap is the diner's most popular dish.
For those looking to indulge their sweet tooth, a visit to the Kilauea bakery is a must. Aside from being the best place to get Hawaiian sourdough and Napali brown dough, visitors and locals can head to the Kilauea bakery for traditional Danish pastries infused with a tropical flair. They can choose among a veritable array of pastries filled with macadamia nut, coconut, and guava fillings.
For those who want a quick relief from the heat on their way to the Waimea canyon, they will get a surprisingly cool treat by stopping and slurping a cup of shave ice. This refreshing sweet treat comes in 60 different flavors, from coconut to pistachio.