Ulu Goes Italian
One of chef Dave Caldiero’s most popular twists on a traditional recipe is his Italian dumplings, called agnolotti, made with ulu filling. His filling is creamy and delicious and goes perfectly with his homemade pasta. Read more
Browse food and drink recipes for every occasion featuring Hawaii chefs and home cooks, and popular recipes from The New York Times.
One of chef Dave Caldiero’s most popular twists on a traditional recipe is his Italian dumplings, called agnolotti, made with ulu filling. His filling is creamy and delicious and goes perfectly with his homemade pasta. Read more
Barley water, believed to be nourishing and healing by many cultures, is a refreshing beverage, especially when the weather is hot. It has been consumed in Asia and Europe throughout the centuries. Think of it as a light, hazy tea without the caffeine. In this version, the barley simmers for 20 minutes, infused with ginger. Read more
Tucked along Queen Street in Kakaako, Thyda's Tacos has built a loyal following thanks to its lineup of Mexican street food. The business started with a simple goal: to bring a little taste of comfort to the islands. Since then, the food truck has become a popular stop for diners looking to satisfy their taco Read more
Make a statement with this bright and bold dish that packs in a lot of good-for-you ingredients with a light sauce that's tart and spicy. Choose the biggest white beans you can find. They may be called large lima beans, butter beans, gigante (in Greek) or corona (in Italian). Cannellini, or white kidney beans, are Read more
Even when it is hot outside, I crave soup. This recipe is simple because you start with chicken broth and just add a good green, such as watercress, and whatever protein you have on hand—kamaboko (fishcake), leftover chicken chunks, and canned mushrooms. Watercress is a flavorful vegetable, so take advantage of its distinct taste. Instead Read more
Summer is the season for fresh corn—delicious and fun to eat right off the cob.But consider picking up a couple of extra cobs to mix into a spicy tomato curry. Fried tofu pieces provide the protein; a mix of spices, plus a good amount of ginger and garlic provide the punch.Using coconut cream instead of Read more
The markets are filled with different types of salmon and all seem fatty and therefore tasty. Here is the simplest way to prepare this protein with just a store-bought teriyaki sauce, such as Bachan's, thanks to reader Taren Taguchi. The sauce I used was a hot and spicy variety, but any brand or flavor will Read more
Thoughtful, delicious and welcoming — that’s the Kula experience. The North Shore shave ice spot features handcrafted syrups that are made from and locally sourced organic fruit.Delys Okuyama and her husband, Jeff, opened the North Shore location in 2020 with help from friends who’d established the original Kula Shave Ice in Hilo.“All of our syrups Read more
The torta I had in Nevada is the reason I didn’t get back on the wagon after the vacay food splurge was over.We Googled tacos near us, and made a quick decision to stop at an unassuming roadside food truck. It had no signs or any color at all, and the industrial metal benches in Read more
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Last week at the Hawaii Hotel and Restaurant Show, I got to talk story with some local business owners. These are some brands I'll be adding to my cupboard soon. PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE ($31.99 FOR FOUR SMALL BAGS) Coconoats Coming from Maui, Coconoats creates dairy-free energy bites that contain no harmful oils. Its products come Read more
One of my favorite dishes to order at a Korean restaurant is the vegetable and seafood pancake. Thanks to a pancake flour mix you can buy at an Asian market, it is simple to make at home. Read more
June 11 marks National Elote Day. The popular Mexican street food usually consists of grilled corn topped with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chile powder and lime. Here are some spots you can try traditional elote or a fun flavored twist. Aloha Elote Aloha Elote serves flavored elote at farmers markets across Oahu. For a crunch in Read more
Lentil salad anyone? This version calls for the French variety as this legume retains its shape when cooked and has more texture than other lentils. Protein and fiber are good selling points, too. It is important not to overcook them, so be sure to reduce the heat after the boiling point and also to check Read more
In chef Sheldon Simeon's newest cookbook, Ohana Style: Food from Hawaii, for Your Family, he shares one of his favorite recipes he makes at home for his family. It's from his father and it is an unusual combination, but uses familiar ingredients. Papa Rei's Tuna Patties uses a whole bag of sour cream and onion Read more
Owners Andrew and Kelly Ulu launched Honolulu Bistro’s food truck in 2025, inspired by their love of family, food and community. Before taking their concept on the road, the couple operated brick-and-mortar locations at Ohana Hale Marketplace and Ala Moana Center. “Our favorite thing about our local family-owned small business is how it brings our Read more
Cauliflower seems to be everywhere, thanks to its versatility. With its low carb content, high fiber and rich nutrients, it is increasingly popular, used as pizza crust, rice and even mashed to replace potatoes. This dish borrows classic aromatic spices of Indian cuisine and is quite simple to prepare. Colorful Curried Cauliflower Ingredients 2 tablespoons Read more
Taro, also known as kalo, is a staple food crop in Hawaii and one of the most nutritious root vegetables grown in the Pacific. Not only is it gluten-free, it’s also rich in fiber, nutrient-dense and a complex carbohydrate. One food truck that is showcasing kalo in unique ways is Taro Hut in Kahuku, which Read more
When we hear Afternoon Tea, hot Earl Grey tea served with cucumber tea sandwiches, scones and custard tarts come to mind. This British tradition can be savored at home with just a few ingredients. Read more
Masala has a number of meanings. The general definition is spice, but it can also be a mixture of ground spices in powder or paste form. The spices build depth of flavor in this dish, bolstered by heaps of fresh garlic, ginger and turmeric. Count on the protein punch of garbanzo beans and the bright Read more
My stomach is as unpredictable as the weather these days. I think that there’s something to the idea of eating intuitively in relation to the seasons, but my appetite is confused (except about ice cream, it’s never about ice cream). About a year ago, I came across an account dedicated to making pastina. You’d think Read more
Looking for a simple mid-week one-pan meal with lots of flavor? This recipe is for you. You’ll probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator for this rice dish hearty enough to be an entree. The diced tomatoes and squeeze of lime add brightness. The avocado imparts a satisfying richness. Red Rice Read more