There are some unique food items here in Hawaii.  One of my favorites is the Loco Moco.  As far as I know, it is unique to Hawaii, but I’m sure there are variations of it all around the world.  This is a cheap meal that really fills me up.  If you’re on a diet you might want to pass on this dish as it a calorie monster.  Learn more from Hawaii Reviews.

What the heck is a Loco Moco?

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The Loco Moco with mac salad and greens.

The Loco Moco starts off with a bed of rice then a hamburger patty is put on top.  Next a fried egg is put on top the hamburger.  Finally brown gravy tops off the dish.  In many places you can replace the hamburger with other meats such as teriyaki beef, Portuguese sausage, Spam, teriyaki chicken, fish or shrimp.

This dish looks like breakfast but it is eaten more during lunch here in Hawaii.  I like mines with the egg scrambled and a little shoyu (soy sauce) on top.

Where can I eat a Loco Moco?

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Loco Moco with Brown Rice and Mushroom Gravy

Well, if you’re in Hawaii you can get one at a popular local chain of restaurants called L&L.  There are 2 L&L Hawaiian BBQ restaurants in New York City as well as many in the West Coast for all you mainland residents.  If anybody knows of other restaurants that serve it let me know.

You could also try making one yourself, it is easy just remember rice, meat, egg & gravy.  You might also want to add “sleep” because it might put you into a coma trying to digest this bad boy.

Well, it is around lunch time as I write this and I’m getting hungry to so I’m going to grab a Loco Moco for lunch.  Here is another Hawaii tidbit, the Hawaiian word for delicious is “ono”.  When used in a sentence you could say “That Loco Moco I ate in Hawaii was ono”.

Q&A

1.  How much does a Loco Moco cost?

It varies but in general a Loco Moco is an everyday food.  I would say on average it is $5-$10.  Although you could find places that sell it for close to $3 or up to $20 for the fancy stuff.  If your looking for an elegant version of the Loco Moco check out The Pineapple room at the Ala Moana Shopping Center.  It will cost you about $15.

2.  Who invented the Loco Moco?

Apparently it was invented in Hilo, Hawaii according to Wikipedia.  It says it was invented at May’s Fountain or Lincoln Grill.

3.  Where do you recommend getting a Loco Moco?

Everyone has their own opinion.  Currently my favorite is at Your Kitchen on the Island of Oahu.  It is a hole in the wall place and they also sell some awesome shave ice.  Don’t forget to try their pork bowl, just writing about it makes me drool.  I think I might just head over there for dinner.  Please check them out, highly recommended.

Reference:

Wikipedia Loco Moco Entry

Hawaii Restaurants