Hawaiian Saimin
History and Recipe

© copyright 2004 by Linda Stradley - United States Copyright TX 5-900-517- All rights reserved. This web site may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission and appropriate credit given. If you use any of the history information contained below for research in writing a magazine or newspaper article, school work or college research, and/or television show production, you must give a reference to the author, Linda Stradley, and to the web site What's Cooking America.

The favorite local fast food of the Hawaiian islands (also considered the national dish of Hawaii) is Saimin, an inexpensive noodle and broth soup. It is considered the supreme comfort food of the Islands, eaten at any time of day. You can find this soup at snack bars, coffee shops, and even on the McDonald's menu (in Hawaii only).

A few ambitious home cooks will make this noodle soup from scratch, but most people just rip open the ready-mix instant packages that can be found in all stores and is manufactured in Honolulu. Saimin is basically the same thing as ramen, a Japanese noodle soup. In Hawaii, you will get the real thing, fresh, thin white noodles in a clear broth with green onions, kamaboko (fish cakes), and sometimes ham or char siu (pork). Some people add chicken, eggs, shrimp, and whatever else is desired. The saimin is eaten very hot with chopsticks or spoons, and the broth is then drunk from the bowl. Do not be afraid to slup, as there is simply no quiet way to eat Saimin.

Japanese immigrants consider Saimin to be Chinese, and the Chinese consider it to be Japanese. Because Hawaii is made up of an incredible mix of cultures - Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Thai, and many others - it could have originated from anywhere, then cpmbined into this very tasty and popular soup Each new wave of immigrant workers adapted their native cuisine to fit the Islands' available ingredients.

Hawaii Saimin Recipe

4 quarts water
1 tablespoon salt
1 (8-ounce) package dried Japanese soba noodles*
4 cups chicken broth or stock
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Toppings (see suggestions below)

* Soba noodles can be found in the Asian food section of most grocery stores or in Japanese food specialty stores.

In a large pot over medium-high heat, add 4 quarts of water and salt; bring to a boil. Add soba noodles and boil 4 to 6 minutes until al dente. Remove from heat, drain, and rinse under warm, running water.

In a large pot over medium-high heat, add chicken broth and ginger; bring just to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Add soy sauce and your favorite toppings; simmer for 5 minutes longer or until toppings are cooked. Remove from heat.

Place cooked soba noodles in a large soup bowl; spoon broth mixture (with toppings) over the top and serve.

Makes 3 to 4 servings.
 

Topping Suggestions (Pick and choose your favorite):
Sliced Spam
Baked ham slices
Roast Pork slices
Sliced carrots
Shredded green cabbage,
Chopped bok choy
Sliced mushrooms
Green peas
Scrambled or fried egg
sliced green onions or scallions
Cooked small shrimp, peeled and deveined