Hawaiian culture is rich with ancient traditions, and many of them have influenced today’s modern society. The methods in which traditional Hawaiian food was prepared is a prime example. Da Hawaiian Poke Co. in Honolulu, HI is a local restaurant bringing patrons a taste of authentic Hawaiian cuisine. Their menu consists of island favorites such as ahi poke and loco moco, and their dishes are a delicious example of old world authenticity.

Here are three ways traditional Hawaiian food was prepared:

• Broiling: Hot coals called “ko’ ala” or hot ashes called “pulehu” were used to broil food for a small number of people. The food was spread out on a flat layer of coals and occasionally turned. Certain foods, like unripe bananas and breadfruit, were broiled and protected by their skins. But other foods, such as fish, were wrapped in ti leaves, also called “laulau.” The leaf package prevented the food from burning.
• Boiling: Boiling was also a common cooking method used to prepare everything from taro leaves to fowl. But because their wooden or gourd bowls easily caught fire, ancient Hawaiians did not boil their food over an open flame. Instead, they heated smooth stones and dropped them into the water. When cooking fowl, the stones were often placed both in the water and in the bird’s body.
• Roasting: For cooking a large amount of traditional Hawaiian food, every family needed an imu, or earthen oven. An imu was a shallow pit dug in the ground filled with kindling, large pieces of wood, and fist-sized stones. The roasting process involved lighting a fire within the pit to heat the stones. When the fire was spent, the then-heated stones were covered with a layer of grass or leaves. Next, the food was arranged over the stones and covered with ti leaves. Cooking sweet potatoes this way took about two hours, and preparing a whole pig often took a full day.

While cooking methods have changed, Da Hawaiian Poke Co. still upholds the ancient Hawaiian standards when it comes to preparing traditional Hawaiian food. Every bite is a taste of the past, and they’re proud to honor ancient Hawaiian traditions. Check out the menu of local Hawaiian food by visiting the website or call (808) 425-4954.