This is the first entry of a little section I am going to call “Only In Hawaii”. Here in the islands, we live in such a unique place made up of so many different cultures that it is only fitting when people refer to Hawaii as a “melting pot”. So with these particular posts, I want to bring to light some things that I believe to be, uniquely Hawaii and are all the more reason for me to love living here.
With this first post, I want to talk about Hawaii’s love, or rather borderline OBSESSION with desserts. For residents of Hawaii, food is an important part of our culture. We have potlucks and barbeques and gatherings whenever possible, and holidays are a huge deal for lots of families as well. And at the center of all of these things? FOOD!! And a potluck or birthday party or even a night out with friends wouldn’t be complete without a great dessert. The following are of few of my favorites and show why I classify Hawaii as a “food lover’s paradise”.
1. Samurai Ice Cream
No, your eyes are not deceiving you. That is what we call ice cream. At Samurai Inc locations, you can get this delicious treat any time of day in either soft serve or frozen ice cake form for as little as $1.50. They have over a dozen flavors to choose from, my favorite is the strawberry/vanilla combination (pictured). On a hot, muggy afternoon or even late at night, this treat really hits the spot.
2. Poi Malasadas
This my friends, is how you can achieve the feeling of heaven in one simple bite. Hawaii is known for a fried dougnut like creation called the malasada, most famously made at Leonard’s Bakery in the Kalihi section of Honolulu. But the poi malasada, takes things up a notch. With a crispy, glazed outside and soft, flavorful center the poi malasada is something that all who come to Hawaii should experience. Don’t be weary because of the “poi” part of the name. While true poi lacks any real flavor, this malasada is oozing with flavor. I particulary love the ones made by Kamehameha Bakery in Honolulu. Get them when they’re still warm and I tell you, there is nothing sweeter in life.
3. Liliha Bakery Cocoa Puffs
In Hawaii, cocoa puffs is not just a cereal you have for breakfast. Here, it is a puff pastry filled with chocolate pudding and most commonly topped with a sweet chantilly frosting. To some, this dessert can be seen as too rich but if you get it from Liliha Bakery it is just the right amount of sweetness and richness that you’ll have to stop yourself from inhaling it. The dessert can also be made with no topping, a chocolate topping or a green tea flavored topping but my favorite is still the chantilly topped cocoa puff. Regardless of how full I may be from a meal, if someone brings cocoa puffs for dessert….nine times out of ten, I end up eating one.
4. Ted’s Bakery Pies
Now you may be thinking to yourself, “Pies? You can find pies anywhere!” But can you find a chocolate haupia cream pie anywhere? Most likely, no. That’s where Ted’s Bakery located on the North Shore of Oahu comes in to play. From this small shop comes some of the best tasting pies I’ve ever had. In particular, the chocolate haupia cream pie is a favorite on mine. A layer of chocolate cream is topped by a layer of haupia (a coconut milk-based dessert with density similar to custard) then a final layer of whipped cream. It’s great eaten with a scoop of ice cream or by itself and will be a sure fire hit with guests when you’re invited to a party but don’t know what to bring. It is pie done Hawaiian style.
Now of course there are a litany of other dessert treats that Hawaii has to offer, but the ones I mentioned are my top faves and ones that I would chose first over anything else. To me, they are a great representation of Hawaii and our love for all things sweet, rich, sugary and chocolatey.
Until inspiration hits again…
~Megan
Island Beauty in the Sea 