Loco moco

Loco moco is a traditional dish originating from Hawaii. It is a part of the local cuisine known as Hawaiian cuisine. The dish is a part of the plate lunch tradition in Hawaii and is popular in both fast food and fine dining settings.

History

The dish was reportedly created in the late 1940s at the Lincoln Grill restaurants in Hilo, Hawaii, by a group of teenagers who wanted something different from a sandwich, cheaper than a steak, and that could be eaten with a fork, not requiring a knife. The term "loco moco" is derived from the Hawaiian word "loco", which means "crazy", and "moco", which is a play on the English word "moco", meaning "mucus". This name was chosen to describe the dish's gravy-like appearance.

Ingredients and Preparation

Loco moco consists of white rice, topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy. Variations may include chili, bacon, ham, Spam, kalua pork, Portuguese sausage, teriyaki beef, teriyaki chicken, mahi-mahi, shrimp, oysters, and other meats. Loco moco is also the name of a Hawaiian-based restaurant chain that serves Hawaiian rice bowl dishes.

Cultural Significance

Loco moco has become a staple of Hawaiian cuisine and is often served at lunch and dinner. It is a comfort food and is popularly served at local fast food chains, diners, and at high-end restaurants, where it may be dressed up with gourmet ingredients. The dish is also a common offering at Hawaiian plate lunch places.

Loco Moco in Popular Culture

Loco moco has been featured in various travel and food-related television shows as a symbol of Hawaiian culinary tradition. It is also a popular dish at the annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival.

See Also

• Hawaiian cuisine
• Plate lunch
• Hawaii Food & Wine Festival