What do you get when you mix equal parts of American breakfast, Asian lunch, and Hawaiian ingenuity? The answer, at least in the Aloha State, is loco moco. According to Da Hawaiian Poke Co. in Honolulu, HI, which is one of the most popular spots on the island for this local Hawaiian food, this dish originated in 1949 at Hilo’s Lincoln Grill as a way to satisfy a group of hungry teenagers. While this dish has seen some variations in the over half century since it was first conceived, it is still one of the most popular types of Hawaiian cuisine you’ll find anywhere.

3 Ways to Enjoy a Local Hawaiian Food Favorite

1) The Classic

The classic loco moco preparation is what started it all. Loco moco traditionally consists of a beef patty, over-easy egg, and white rice, all topped with a rich gravy. Equally sweet and savory, this hearty dish is a great breakfast option or an ideal meal at the tail end of a late night out on the town.

2) A Step Up 

If you want to kick the classic variation of loco moco up a notch, try swapping out some of the ingredients to suit your tastes. Some variations include adding caramelized onions and browned mushrooms to the dish, swapping out the white rice for fried rice, and substituting the standard hamburger patty for either Spam or Portuguese sausage.

3) The Next Level

Everyone knows local ingredients are a game-changer in the restaurant world, which is why the chefs at Da Hawaiian Poke Co. came up with a new interpretation of this classic Hawaiian dish. Their signature Da Hawaiian Poke Co's Ahi Loco Moco utilizes locally caught Ahi instead of the burger patty, and the over-easy egg is replaced with a Peterson's Upland Farm Wahiawa sous-vide egg to give the dish a new delicate texture. Added to this is steamed rice, Hamakua mushroom gravy, and a scoop of grandma's potato salad with lump blue crab.

Whether you want the classic interpretation of this local Hawaiian food favorite or you want to try one of the island’s best variations, one thing is for sure: loco moco is always a good option. For more information on all their traditional Hawaiian food specials, call Da Hawaiian Poke Co. at (808) 425-4954, or visit them online for more information on their full menu.