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When people outside of Hawaii hear the term “plate lunches,” they probably don't think much of it. For island residents, however, the term represents a staple of their culinary culture that blends together a variety of outside influences. Plantation Grindz is a local restaurant in Kahului, HI, serving up the best Filipino, Portuguese, and Hawaiian food in the area. Plate lunches are one of their many specialties, and there's a reason locals and visitors alike keep coming back to Plantation Grindz for more.

So what makes something that sounds as simple as this so special to Hawaii? Part of the origin of the plate lunch can be traced back to the Japanese bento, which is a home-packed or single-portion takeout meal typically held in a small box. One of the signature aspects of the Japanese bento is the concept of a loved one spending their time and energy on its careful preparation, and there are many different ways they can be arranged.

plate lunchPlate lunches take a portion of the bento style and apply it to a plate. These dishes typically consist of white rice, macaroni salad, and an entrée. Popular Hawaiian entrées include kalua pork and lau lau, which is meat wrapped in a taro leaf. There are also many pan-Asian options that can be swapped in for the entrée spot. If you add more than one entrée, however, your plate lunch just became a mixed plate, as seen in the above image.

Simple and delicious are the best ways to describe the traditional Hawaiian plate lunch, and it's something you need to try for yourself. For the best local food on Maui, look no further than Plantation Grindz. Give them a call at (808) 873-3663 or find them on Facebook for more information. Stop in today and see what a Hawaiian plate lunch is all about!

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