Plate lunches come in all shapes and sizes, but they usually feature meat, two scoops of rice, and macaroni salad all piled high on a plate or styrofoam container for takeout. You can find these popular dishes in many Hawaii restaurants, although how they ended up being so ubiquitous is much more historical than their simple contents might suggest. Discover more about one of the Aloha state’s most famous meals with the guide below.

What Is Plate Lunch?

Fast, affordable, and filling, plate lunch can feature everything from teri beef to garlic shrimp as the entree, paired with rice and macaroni salad. Hungry patrons will find them at sit-down and drive-in restaurants and food trucks across the islands.

Plate Lunch Origins

In the 1800s, immigrants from across Asia flocked to the islands to work on the plantations. The Japanese, in particular, brought their lunches to work in bento boxes, combining rice with leftover meats from previous meals. Common proteins were canned meat or teriyaki. This love for meat and rice eventually became the modern plate lunch in the 1920s.

Plate Lunch Evolution

By the 1950s, plate lunches were served in most restaurants, and throughout the years, they’ve evolved along with people’s palates. Many eateries now serve gourmet versions of plate lunches for upscale diners. Proteins range from delectable lemon chicken to mouthwatering rib eye steak and sides include tossed salad and baked potatoes.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional or modern plate lunch on Oahu, you’ll find it at Ted’s Bakery in Haleiwa, HI. This locally owned and operated bakery and restaurant also serves up breakfast foods, original pies and cakes, and burgers and sandwiches. Check out their menus online, and stop by for a meal today at their Sunset Beach location. You can also call (808) 638-8207 to order takeout.