Hawaii’s unique island cuisine was created when local foods fused with the flavors brought by immigrants. At the breakfast table, the most common meat option isn’t bacon, and most dishes are served with rice. If you’re traveling to the Aloha State, here’s what you should order at a breakfast restaurant.

4 Meats You’ll Find at Breakfast Restaurants in Hawaii

1. Spam

Many of the foods enjoyed in Hawaii are canned because they were historically easy to ship from the mainland. Spam is canned, cooked pork, and it derives its name from spiced ham. This breakfast meat is reminiscent of ham but features a saltier flavor. It’s usually sliced and seared on a skillet before serving with rice and scrambled eggs.

2. Longanisa

This Spanish sausage was brought to the islands by Filipino immigrants who came to work on the plantation fields. The meat tastes similar to chorizo, and it’s usually made with pork. Longanisa can be served whole or sliced or chopped up and thrown into a wok to make fried rice.

3. Portuguese Sausage

Called linguiça in its country of origin, Portuguese sausage is a popular meat that can be found in local breakfast restaurants. It can be spicy or sweet, and it’s either grilled whole, like a hot dog, or sliced and cooked in a pan.

4. Corned Beef Hash

Like Spam, this meat option is popular because it uses canned corned beef. It also contains potatoes and onions, which offer a salty flavor. It can be fried in disks, browned and scooped onto your plate, or formed into patties similar to hamburgers. Corned beef hash is usually eaten with rice and ketchup, and many people enjoy eating it in a loco moco.

If you’re looking for a breakfast restaurant where you can try these island favorites, visit Plantation Grindz in Kahului, HI. This local eatery specializes in Filipino, Portuguese, and Hawaiian food and features rotating weekly specials. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offer take-out orders as well as catering services. View their menu online, or call (808) 873-3663 to place a whole lechon order. Connect with the team on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates.