Hawaii has a unique blend of cultures, so local holiday dishes are a little different than mainland meals. Potluck and dinner tables frequently feature different foods from around the world, and Filipino food is always a hit with party goers and family members. Traditional dishes are often cooked in large portions, so there’ll be plenty to enjoy and they’ll leave guests coming back for more.

3 Filipino Foods That Are Perfect for the Holidays

1. Pandesal

This sweet bread is a staple among traditional Filipino families. It’s made from yeast dough and rolled into a thick log before it’s cut into individual pieces to rise. The bread gets dipped into breadcrumbs and left to rise for a second time until they’re ready to bake. The subtle crunch of outer coating combined with the pillow-soft inside provides an ideal addition to any holiday meal. Enjoy pandesal hot and plain, with butter, or with a bit of meat.

2. Lumpia

These small appetizers are a popular finger food and can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients. Many holiday gatherings will have lumpia Shanghai, which is a spring roll filled with ground pork, carrots, onions, and other fresh vegetables. A single batch can produce about 50 individual pieces, so there should be more than enough to go around. Lumpia is often served on a large plate or tray and is usually accompanied by a vinegar sauce.

3. Lechon

Filipinos have mastered the art of roasting a pig. Once the animal is butchered, it’s stuffed with garlic, salt, lemongrass, and leeks. The skin is thoroughly rubbed with coconut water, soy sauce, or milk and the entire pig is slow-roasted on a spit over a fire for approximately five hours. While this is a very time-consuming process, the end result is a crisp outer layer of skin that complements the tender pieces of meat found underneath. Lechon make impressive, edible table displays and are perfect for feeding a large group.

If you’re in the market for quality Filipino food, stop by Plantation Grindz. Recognized for its vast selection of Filipino dishes, this local restaurant prides itself in using only the finest ingredients and strives to create a new list of specials on a weekly basis. They’re open seven days a week and are the go-to restaurant on Maui for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Call (808) 873-3663 or visit their website for more information on the food they serve. Follow them on Facebook or Twitter to stay up-to-date with their specials.