What is Loco Moco in Hawaii and where to eat it?

Table Of Contents


Introduction to Hawaiian Cuisine

Hawaiian cuisine is a rich and diverse tapestry of flavors that is reflective of the state's multicultural history. It embraces Polynesian roots, Asian influences, American tastes, and more recently, a resurgence of interest in local and sustainable foods. Classic Hawaiian foods like poke, poi, laulau, and kalua pig have long been staples, but the cuisine is continually evolving with contemporary dishes and flavors, one of the more popular being Loco Moco.

Origin and Evolution of Loco Moco

The Loco Moco dish, a unique creation with a distinct name, has its roots in the town of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, dating back to around 1949. The dish is believed to have been created at the Lincoln Grill restaurants at the request of teenagers who wanted something different from a sandwich, cheap, and yet, could be eaten with ease. They came up with a dish that was placed on a bed of rice, a common staple, topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and brown gravy. Named after one of the teenagers whose nickname was 'Crazy', in Spanish it translates to 'Loco', and combined with an abbreviation of the last name of another member of the group, 'Moco' was added. Thus, the Loco Moco was born, a dish that would grow in popularity not just in Hawaii, but internationally too.

Breaking Down the Dish: Components of Loco Moco

Loco Moco may seem simple at a glance, but its flavors and textures are incredibly satisfying. The base of the dish is white rice, which provides a neutral background to the other components. The hamburger patty is typically made from ground beef, grilled, and is full of savory umami flavors. Next comes the fried egg, usually cooked until the whites are firm but the yolk remains runny. The crowning glory of the dish is the brown gravy, often made with beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, simmered until thick and then generously poured over the top. Each component holds its own but comes together to form a dish that is comfort food at its finest.

Cultural Significance: Loco Moco in Hawaiian Society

In Hawaii, Loco Moco is more than just a dish. It's a representation of the state's diverse culture and history. It carries a certain democratic spirit, being widely available from fast-food outlets to fine dining restaurants, served as a hearty breakfast, a filling lunch, or a comforting dinner. For many locals, it is reminiscent of the plantation era when the concept of a "plate lunch" -- a combination of Asian and Western elements -- was popular among workers for its affordability and sustenance. This humble dish, therefore, represents a piece of Hawaiian history that's as local and traditional as it can get.

Recipe Spotlight: The Basic Preparation of Loco Moco

Cooking Loco Moco involves several steps but each one is straightforward. First, the rice is cooked -- typically, a short-grain variety like sushi rice is used, which has a slight stickiness that holds up well under the other ingredients. The beef patties are made with ground beef, typically seasoned simply with salt and pepper, then grilled or fried. The eggs are usually cooked sunny-side up, but over-easy is also common. The gravy is a simple mixture of broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, thickened with a slurry of cornstarch and water. Assembling the dish is just a matter of layering -- rice on the bottom, followed by the beef patty, then the egg, and finally, a generous drizzle of gravy on top.

The Health Factor: Nutritional Aspects of Loco Moco

Although Loco Moco is not typically classified as a health food -- it's a hearty dish with sizable portions of rice, meat, and gravy -- it does provide nutritional value. It's high in protein due to the beef and egg, and the rice adds carbohydrates for quick energy. If made with lean beef, it can be a decent source of iron and other vitamins and minerals. Some restaurants and home cooks make a healthier version using brown rice, lean meat or poultry, and a lighter sauce, proving that there's room for variation and adaptation in this classic dish.

Lolo Moco Hawaii


The Island of Oahu: Best Loco Moco in Honolulu

The bustling city of Honolulu, Oahu, offers numerous places to savor a plate of Loco Moco. Rainbow Drive-In, a landmark since 1961, serves plate lunches reminiscent of the old days, with their Loco Moco being one of the favorites. Their version includes a juicy beef patty over rice, topped with a fried egg, and smothered in their house-made gravy. Alternatively, try Liliha Bakery, another local favorite, where they've put a gourmet spin on the dish with their loco moco made with wagyu beef patty, a poached egg, and served with a flavorful mushroom gravy.

Savory Sojourns: Top Loco Moco Spots in Maui and Kauai

In Maui, Aloha Mixed Plate in Lahaina, an oceanfront restaurant, serves affordable local fare. They offer a tasty Loco Moco plate that stays true to the traditional recipe. On the beautiful island of Kauai, Mark's Place in Puhi is a take-out restaurant known for its plate lunches. Their Loco Moco is praised for its homemade hamburger patty, a generous amount of gravy, and served with a side of macaroni salad, another Hawaiian staple.

Big Island Delights: Unmissable Loco Moco in Hawaii Island

The Big Island, home to Loco Moco, also houses fantastic places to try this local delicacy. Café 100 in Hilo, not far from where Loco Moco was invented, offers over thirty different varieties, including ones with spam, fish, or Portuguese sausage instead of beef. Over on the west side of the island in Kona, Island Ono Loa Grill is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike for its flavorful rendition of the classic Loco Moco.

Global Spread: Loco Moco Beyond the Hawaiian Shores

Loco Moco is not just a local phenomenon but has made its way into the hearts and menus of many around the globe. In Japan, a country that loves both rice and Hawaii, Loco Moco can be found in many Hawaiian-themed restaurants. Mainland United States also has a fair share of restaurants that serve Loco Moco, especially in areas with a large Hawaiian or Asian population. Its comfort food appeal, simple ingredients, and satisfying flavors make it a popular choice.

Local to Gourmet: Loco Moco in Modern Hawaiian Cuisine

From its humble beginnings in a small grill in Hilo, Loco Moco has found its place in contemporary Hawaiian cuisine. It's not uncommon to find it in upscale Hawaiian restaurants, offering a more gourmet version of the dish. Alan Wong's in Honolulu, for instance, has a "Loco Moco" that features a hamburger steak stuffed with shiitake mushrooms, onions, and cheese, served on a bed of rice with a sunny-side-up quail egg and a rich hamakua mushroom gravy. It's a far cry from the original but still pays homage to the classic elements.

Hawaii Loco Moco plate


Variations on a Theme: The Many Forms of Loco Moco

While the traditional Loco Moco remains popular, many enjoy the myriad of variations available. For instance, some places offer a "Loco Moco Bowl" which deconstructs the dish into a rice bowl format. Others replace the hamburger patty with different proteins like kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, or mahi-mahi. Some even transform it into breakfast fare by using breakfast sausage and serving it with hash browns. These unique twists not only demonstrate the flexibility of the dish but also keep it relevant and exciting.

Expert Opinions: What Culinary Critics Say About Loco Moco

Loco Moco, despite its humble origins, has garnered the attention of culinary critics worldwide. From Anthony Bourdain praising its comfort food appeal on his show 'Parts Unknown' to local food writers like Nadine Kam referring to it as a "beloved local dish," Loco Moco continues to receive positive reviews. Its ability to traverse the dining spectrum, being equally at home in a fast-food joint as in a fine dining establishment, showcases its universal appeal and adaptability.

DIY Loco Moco: Advanced Home Recipes and Cooking Tips

Making Loco Moco at home can be a fun and rewarding culinary adventure. It starts with quality ingredients - use good-quality ground beef for the patty and make sure your rice is well-cooked. The gravy can be homemade or store-bought, but if you're making it yourself, be sure to simmer it until it's thick and flavorful. When frying the egg, aim for a runny yolk that will meld with the gravy. Lastly, don't forget to season at every step to enhance each ingredient's flavor.

Conclusion: Embracing the Loco Moco Experience

Loco Moco is indeed a staple of Hawaiian cuisine - a dish that embodies the islands' multicultural history, the residents' love for hearty food, and the spirit of aloha that is quintessential to the Hawaiian experience. Whether it's enjoyed in a roadside eatery in Hilo, a beachfront restaurant in Maui, or from the comforts of your own kitchen, every bite of this fulfilling dish is a taste of Hawaii's diverse culinary landscape. The story of Loco Moco is still being written with every plate served and enjoyed - a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural significance.