Hawai‘i is a playground for young and old, known for its beautiful weather, beaches, and lots of delicious (ono) food. Keiki (children) thrive in the sunshine and fill their ʻōpū (tummies) with special kaukau (food).

At the top of the local comfort food list is saimin, a fusion dish unique to Hawai‘i. These Japanese-Chinese noodles—ramen or soba—swim in a hot, flavorful broth made with dashi (Japanese bonito fish stock), often topped with green onions, fish cake, and char siu (pork). Want to get fancy? Add egg, chicken, or shrimp.

“Food is the most primitive form of comfort,” said writer Sheila Graham.

Most everyone in Hawai‘i loves saimin. It’s affordable, soothing, and offered everywhere from McDonald’s to Zippy’s. After a movie or sports game, a warm bowl of saimin (with barbecue sticks on the side) hits the spot—ono-licious!

As Mark Twain once put it, “To err is human, to digest, divine.”