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The Hawaiian Luau: Food

This libguide is about the Hawiian Luau, which includes many aspects of what makes a Luau a celebration for all. This is directed towards my classmates to educate them on the Luau, because we will all be attending one on our trip to Hawaii.

Poi

Credits to shakatime.com

Pounded taro plant root, a starch meant to be eaten with everything and is the cornerstone of ancient meals. 

https://mauiluau.com/common-luau-dishes/

Squid Luau

Squid luau uses fresh luau leaves that are cooked with octopus or squid, coconut milk, and sea salt from Hawaii. Today, variations also include a tablespoon of sugar and garlic. 

https://mauiluau.com/common-luau-dishes/

Kālua Pig

Credits to tripster.com

Kālua is a customary Hawaiian cooking technique that makes use of an imu, a subterranean oven. Moreover, the term "kālua" (which means "to cook in an underground oven" in Hawaiian) can also refer to food prepared in this way, as kālua turkey or pig, which are frequently served at luau feasts.

https://mauiluau.com/common-luau-dishes/

LauLau

Credits to mauiluau.com

This dish is made using taro leaves and the "luau leaves. These greens are traditionally used to wrap pork and fish for laulau, but they can also be used to wrap chicken. The filled leaves are salted and cooked after they are tied. The leaves are inedible, so the meal must be cut in order to eat. 

https://mauiluau.com/common-luau-dishes/

Haupia

Made with coconut milk and sugar, this gently sweet custard has the consistency of pudding, Jello, and a nutty flavor of Hawaii's favorite fruits. While pia, a Polynesian arrowroot, is traditionally used to prepare it, contemporary variations substitute cornstarch. 

https://mauiluau.com/common-luau-dishes/

Poke

Credits to nohfoods.com

This is a popular dish as luaus, poke is made with freshly diced raw fish, usually tuna, marinated in a flavorful mixture of sesame oil, green onions, and soy sauce. This meal, which honors Hawaii's abundance of seawater, captures the spirit of Island cuisine. 

https://mauiluau.com/common-luau-dishes/