From macadamia nuts to pineapple, many foods are associated with Hawaiian culture. However, out of all this island cuisine, none are quite as unique as Spam®—a canned meat product crafted from pork, potato starch, salt, sodium nitrate, sugar, and water. While this recipe is simple, it has become a tried-and-true local favorite for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Nearly 7 million cans of this meat are consumed in Hawaii each year, making the state the world’s second-largest consumer of Spam®. If you’ve yet to try this product, here are a few interesting points to know about this one-of-a-kind culinary dish.

How Did Spam® Become Associated With Hawaii?

Spam® made its way into Hawaii during World War II. Due to the high amounts of military activity in the area, citizens were placed under severe rations and fishing limitations that made it challenging to access nutritious food. Fortunately, Hormel® saved the day by shipping its product to the islands.

Without many other ingredients to work with, Hawaiians quickly experimented with the canned pork to create a variety of flavorful breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes. By the time the war was over, locals had already grown used to the food, making it the popular choice that it is today.  

What Do People Enjoy About Spam?

Apart from its fascinating connection to state history, Spam® is respected for its resilience. Due to its ingredient composition and packaging, it is non-perishable. Cooking it isn’t necessary either, as it can be safely consumed right out of the can.

The food is also incredibly versatile. While cooking may not be required, it can be prepared in many ways to produce mouth-watering dishes.  

How Is Spam® Served?

Among the many different ways to consume Spam®, musubi is one of the most popular preparations in Hawaii. Resembling a sushi roll, musubi features a slice of the meat atop a bed of rice and wrapped in dry seaweed. Thanks to its portability, this simple dish is a top choice for those in need of a convenient finger-food lunch.

Spam® might also be cooked, chopped up, and mixed in with other dishes—such as fried rice or vegetable stir fry. Others might enjoy the meat alongside more traditional fare—including eggs and toast.

Serving traditional Hawaiian and Filipino food, Plantation Grindz is a popular spot to enjoy Spam® breakfast plates. Open daily at 6:00 a.m., this Oahu restaurant is known for its freshly-prepared and filling platters that come complete with fried rice, eggs, and various choices of meat—including Spam and longanisa. In addition to quick and easy meals, this establishment also offers convenient and affordable catering services. Visit this Kahului, HI restaurant online to check out their menu or call (808) 873-3663 to place an order.