Young's Fish Market
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Best Laulau
in Honolulu
Laulau is a traditional Hawaiian dish consisting of pork, fish (usually salted butterfish), or chicken wrapped in layers of **Lu'au** (taro leaves) and then wrapped again in ti leaves for steaming. The leaves act as a pressure cooker, infusing the meat with an earthy, spinach-like flavor from the taro leaves, which become soft and edible. The defining characteristic is the **'Texture'**—the meat should be falling-apart tender and the taro leaves should have a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency with no bitterness. The trap is laulau that hasn't been steamed long enough, leaving the taro leaves slightly fibrous or "itchy" on the throat (due to calcium oxalate crystals). Expect to pay $12–20 per bundle.
Laulau · say “Laulau” ·
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Why locals care
Laulau is a traditional Hawaiian dish consisting of pork, fish (usually salted butterfish), or chicken wrapped in layers of **Lu'au** (taro leaves) and then wrapped again in ti leaves for steaming. The leaves act as a pressure cooker, infusing the meat with an earthy, spinach-like flavor from the taro leaves, which become soft and edible. The defining characteristic is the **'Texture'**—the meat should be falling-apart tender and the taro leaves should have a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency with no bitterness. The trap is laulau that hasn't been steamed long enough, leaving the taro leaves slightly fibrous or "itchy" on the throat (due to calcium oxalate crystals). Expect to pay $12–20 per bundle.
Ranked Laulau stops in Honolulu
Helena's Hawaiian Food
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Go: 10:30 (Line forms before they open; cash only).
Price: $$
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Yama's Fish Market
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Verdict: A second mention for their consistently high-quality traditional Hawaiian-style poke. — various locations
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Waiahole Poi Factory
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Nico's Pier 38
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Verdict: Located right next to the fish auction; the freshness here is literally unbeatable. — Kalihi
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Ethel’s Grill
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Fort Ruger Market
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Verdict: A neighborhood institution known for their "Secret Sauce" poke and great boiled peanuts. — Diamond Head
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Tanioka's Seafoods & Catering
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Queue:
Go: 09:30 (Line starts early for their famous fried chicken too).
Price: $$
Dietary:
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Fresh Catch
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Highway Inn
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Haili's Hawaiian Foods
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Liliha Bakery
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Verdict: Their dinner service includes a very solid, traditional kalua pig plate. — various locations
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Zippy's
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Verdict: A reliable, 24/7 source for a consistent and comforting kalua pig and cabbage meal. — various locations
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Tamura's Fine Wine & Liquors
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Don Quijote
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Verdict: A great place to find hot, ready-to-eat laulau from some of the island's best local producers. — various locations
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Marukai Wholesale Mart
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Verdict: Another excellent source for fresh, high-quality laulau in a convenient grocery setting. — various locations
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Ige's Lunchwagon & Catering
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Verdict: A local legend for their "Lunchwagon" style plates featuring some of the best laulau on the island. — Aiea
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Paniolo Poke
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Verdict: Known for their generous portions and high-quality "classic" Hawaiian seasonings. — various locations
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Times Supermarkets
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Verdict: Another great grocery store option for surprisingly good, daily-made kalua pig. — various locations
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