The local food of Hawaii is unlike no other in the world. Since its beginnings, the cuisine of the Aloha State has incorporated foreign fare with regional favorites, thus creating a food culture made up of ingredients and recipes from other lands. It’s not uncommon to find a restaurant on Maui, like Plantation Grindz in Kahului, that serves up dishes that have their roots not only in Hawaii, but also in the Philippines, Portugal, Japan, China, and even the United States. To help you keep up with the local food lingo, take a look at some of the most common words used to describe Hawaiian grub.

‘Ono

This term is used to describe something delicious. Not to be confused with “ono,” the fish you probably know as a wahoo or mackerel, you can use this word anytime you’re eating local food prepared at a restaurant like Plantation Grindz or around a table with Hawaiians. If you’re hanging out with the younger generation, feel free to use the slang term “onolicious” to emphasize how amazing a plate is.

Grinds

Found in the title of Plantation Grindz, this word is also used to denote when local food is good. If you’re out with your friends and you all order loco mocos and everyone agrees they’re delicious, you may say to your friends, “This loco moco is grinds!” Or if you’re chowing down on a homemade plate lunch, somebody might say to you, “Their plate lunches are always grinds. Am I right?”

Pu Pu

You may have heard this local food term in the phrase “pu pu platter.” While the word originally meant “shellfish,” it’s used today around the world to categorize food that is eaten as an appetizer. In Hawaii, it’s not uncommon to find fish, chicken, relish, and beans all served on a dish together to be shared with friends.

Local food slang in Hawaii is easy to pick up on and put into practice, especially when you dine at a restaurant like Plantation Grindz. To find out for yourself, call (808) 873-3663 or visit them online today.