While in Maui, there were a few expected Hawaiian delicacies eaten; juicy shrimp from a food truck, fresh pineapple straight from the farm and even sweet shaved ice. What was unforeseen was the popularity of Spam Musubi, both the Spam itself part, as well as, the Asian musubi twist.
Spam Musubi is like a Hawaiian sushi.
It is seaweed wrapped around rice and topped with a grilled slice of Spam (a canned pork patty).
Prior to my first ever Spam adventure, there was a premier shaved ice episode. Nothing wrong with eating dessert first. Ever.
The first night in Maui, dessert just had to be shaved ice. And this flavored ice delicacy wasn’t too difficult to find. There were little random shaved ice shops along most major roads. We chose the one with the longest line, Ululani’s in Lahaina. When you have no other viable recommendations, always choose the busiest place in town.
After a short ten minute wait, I selected one of Ululani’s ‘favorite combinations’, the Haleakala made with coconut, leche and topped with sweetened condensed milk.
These aren’t those wimpy kiddie snow cones from back in the day, they are made with shaved ice, not crushed. It makes a difference.
These compacted, pseudo snow cones were almost as big as my head. Really big. And the intense flavor was dispersed throughout the entire cone. Not just in the center.
On the way back to our hotel, the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua, we stopped by the nearby Honolua Store for a snack. In the hot case was something odd that I had never seen before, Spam Musubi. Huh? Even with all of the weird food I have nibbled on, somehow Spam escaped me. Knowing that this was a Hawaiian delicacy made me not think twice about buying one. Just one.
It looked liked sushi. Did it taste like chicken?
No. It actually tasted like a smoked, salty ham. But, not the juicy ham that your grandma makes on Thanksgiving, more like a pork hot dog patty.
Have you ever had Spam Musubi or Shaved Ice?
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I just spent 2 months in Hawaii and tried both! The Spam Musubi was like an Asian hot dog! I thought both were pretty tasty, but my loyalty is still to other meat products… and Ice Cream for dessert!
Agreed! Tasty, yet I’d take a rib eye and gelato instead :)
I have heard so much about this Hawaiian Spam food culture. Still not sure I get it but willing to give it a try!
It is definitely worth a try…maybe just once ;)
it looks like really great :) and delicious
Still looking for my next destination…all this talk about Hawaii – it is very tempting! Have to make a decision soon!
I can’t wait to hear where you decide on going!
Just got back from there, didn't try the spam musubi but I did try poi (no flavor at all) and ahi poke (flavor was good, didn't like the texture).
Completely agree about the taste (or lack thereof) of poi. I did have some really good ahi poke!
Fresh poi can be very bland. It's best with salty or strong tasting foods. I prefer poi at least a day old. The taste will change to slightly sour due to fermentation.
Next time I’ll have to ask for day old poi!
That was one of the things I wanted to do but didn't when we in Hawaii! Next time I want to have a few spam meals while we're there!
You definitely shouldn’t miss out on the Spam next time! Even if you only try one tiny, little piece. ;)
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Yummy! Try it if I have chance to come Maui. Thanks for sharing!