Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Wednesday's Helping: Background on Loco Moco

A favorite in the Pacific Islands
Expect to find different renditions of this dish on many restaurant menus throughout Hawaii. Folklore explains that loco moco was invented and first served up in the late 1940s at the Lincoln Grill in Hilo, Hawaii. A group of teenage boys requested a cheaper meal consisting of steamed rice topped with a grilled hamburger patty and gravy. The fried or poached egg was added later. The teenagers called it the loco moco since one among their group was nicknamed crazy, which they learned was “loco” in their high school Spanish class. Meanwhile, “moco” was chosen for its rhyming sound rather than its meaning that translates into mucus or snot. The loco moco gradually caught on in popularity throughout Hawaii. Several variations substitute the beef patty with grilled spam, teriyaki beef stir-fry, or fried mahi-mahi. The egg adds more heartiness and makes the meal more satisfying. This is Hawaiian comfort food. Hawaiians also like serving their loco moco with hot sauce or teriyaki sauce. Look for loco moco in Hawaii, Samoa, and Guam. Pacific-Islanders also love an egg on their burger sandwiches.

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