What is it?
One of my all-time favorite Hawaiian foods, the Loco Moco is a concoction of ground beef, a fried egg, gravy and sticky rice. Let me tell you, if you have not tried it out be sure to mark it down on your bucket list. It’s even easy enough to make on your own!
Being the melting pot that Hawaii is, the LocoMoco is living proof that when Western cuisine meshes with Asian, good things happen. Really good things. Before I begin to salivate and sound like I’m worshipping this dish, let’s go back in time to the 40’s where a neighborhood shop in Hilo called the Lincoln Grill, created this monster. Nancy Inou-ye, one of the owners of the Lincoln Grill, decided to whip up a dish that was affordable to the locals and to the neighborhood. A sainam bowl with a combination of burger bits, gravy and rice became the product. How was it named the Loco Moco? Well, Richard called the neighborhood kids crazy for requesting this dish, a witty line gave way to a witty name, and the Loco Moco was born. Initially a proclaimed mess, the Loco Moco has grown to become Hawaii’s humble, warming, comfort food that still rings resonance in Hawaiian cuisine today. Oh, and the fried egg came years later according to Richard.
Where can I indulge on this delicacy?
If you are in Hawaii or plan to visit Hawaii, you are bound to stumble across the Loco Moco everywhere you go. About 90% of where you dine at, will have the Loco Moco. Okay, those aren’t accurate statistics but you get my gist. Restaurants, hole-in-the-walls, food stands, you name it. And while I can sit here and recommend every place that I have tried the Loco Moco at, I’m only going to highlight a few. The list that I have created is my own personal opinion of the food.
The Rainbow Drive-In
3308 Kanaina Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815
An authentic experience to say the least, be sure to stop by, ask “owzit?” and enjoy your Loco Moco. The lines may not be as friendly on a busy day, but this is a true Hawaiian experience. Under 10 bucks, it’s a steal!
Big City Diner
3569 Waialae Ave
Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96816-2701
Known by the locals for their breakfast, this restaurant is unique for their Loco Moco partly because of their variety of the LocoMoco. (Try the kim-chee version for a flavor kick in the face.) Their Macadamia pancakes with coconut sauce is also highly recommended!
Da Kitchen
425 Koloa St Ste 104
Kahului, HI 96732
Right next to Kahului airport, try out their Notorious BIG, which contains everything a traditional Loco Moco has but with added spam, peruvian sausage and mushrooms. This place is known for their large portions so if you have an appetite and are near Maui, be sure to stop by. Also, the fried spam musubi is sinfully delicious.
Cafe 100
969 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
Claiming to be the founder of the Loco Moco (along with every other restaurant) I highly recommend visiting this restaurant. Located in Hilo, this is a perfect place to visit to learn the basics of the Loco Moco (no pun intended). It’s simplicity masks its’ rich flavor that is sure to make a believer out of you. Be sure to try out their Lau Lau as well.
Joe’s on the Green
2545 Kiahuna Plantation Drive, at Kiahuna Golf Club,
Poipu, HI 96756
Located on a golf course, you can’t beat the fact that you can play some rounds and enjoy a nice meal afterwards. To be fair, I’ve only tried the Loco Moco here, nothing else. But I have to say it makes the ranking of top 5 Loco Moco dishes I’ve had. Again, this is my personal opinion, but their gravy is outstanding. The consistency matches the bold flavor. Just make sure you digest before you start teeing off with your friends!
I hope one day you all manage to visit at least one of these restaurants and have the same great experience that I had when I got the chance to dine at these places. Be sure to leave me some feedback because I know for sure that I’m missing some hidden gems that I have not listed or haven’t even been to! I’m a food enthusiast at heart, and nothing satisfies me more than a great meal and a glass of cabernet. It brings us together, and gives us a chance to taste the heart of the culture.