Those of you who regularly follow our blog are no strangers to our Taste of Hawaii series where we feature some of the unique foods you’ll find here in paradise. Part of what makes a Hawaii vacation so special is the variety of exciting new tastes to explore. Here on our Hawaii blog, we’ve featured Poke, Shave Ice, Malasadas and Poi among Hawaii’s other delicious onos (treats), and today we introduce you to the magic that we call Mochi!
Mochi is essentially a sweet and chewy rice cake, yet that description doesn’t come close to doing it justice.
Brought to Hawaii by Japanese plantation workers in the 1800’s, mochi has a long history dating back to the late 700’s. Ancient samurai’s would take mochi with them when they journeyed for battle as it was easy to prepare and traveled well. Throughout history, it was consumed to bring good fortune, happiness, health, long life and general well-being. Mochi is still made in ceremony today, and is a time honored tradition in Japan’s New Year’s celebrations as family and friends take turns pounding the mochi to bring prosperity and peace in to the New Year.
The making of mochi is considered an art form and after tasting it, you’ll understand why. Rice is soaked overnight, steamed and then placed in to a large stone or wooden bowl where it is pounded until it is a smooth and soft consistency. This is blended with condensed or coconut milk and sugar, rolled in to balls or patties which are then served up in an endlessly delicious number of ways . It can be toasted, baked, eaten as a candy or dessert filled with fruit, ice cream and other sweets or served in its more glutinous form with soups and bubble tea.
Here in Hawaii, you’ll find a variety of mochi. From Kushi dango (mochi balls in sweet soy sauce), to Ishigo Daifuku (mochi filled with red bean paste), to peanut butter or salted caramel mochi, to our favorite, Butter mochi (mochi, butter, sugar, and coconut combined then baked in to a sweet cake). There is a long list of mochi varieties and we’re certain that none of them will disappoint.
If you’re staying in one of our luxury vacation rental properties in Hawaii, and would like to try mochi during your stay, here is a list of some of the top-rated mochi makers:
If you have questions regarding which of the above is closest to your Hawaii vacation rental property, our concierge is always on-hand and happy to help.
We wish you an Aloha filled day, and we hope to see you here in Hawaii soon!
We had a wonderful time at Sail Away and I recommended Hawaii Hideaway to dozens of people. You were a delight to work with and I will definitely use you again the next time we rent a home in the islands.
Roseville, CA
Like a Dream
Bliss doesn’t even describe our experience. It was almost like a dream. We are ready to do this again with Hawaii Hideaways – you guys are the best. Everything was perfect!!!
Amarillo, TX
Outstanding Experience From Beginning to End
It was in an outstanding experience from beginning to end, I would work with Hawaii hideaways again in the future unquestionably. Sunny Madeiros was terrific with her recommendations of everything from leisure activities to restaurants and even equipment rentals.
Coral Gables, FL
Perfect Combination of Elegance and Comfort
First time to Maui (and Hawaii). This is a spectacular setting and the home is a perfect combination of elegance and comfort. I could stay on the lanai all day long and be happy. Of course there’s a ton of fun activities, but it was great to have Gull Cottage as our base to come back to!
Arlington Heights, IL
You’re Going to Want to Stay
Our family spent a splendid week in Kauai in early 2017, basing ourselves out of the Touching Green house. It’s in a great location, has everything you need, and is just lovely. The pictures don’t do it justice. You’re going to want to stay!
New Rochelle, NY
A Treasured Memory For Life
We had a wonderful time in Kauai! We remained in awe at the unimaginable beauty, both of the rental home, as well as Kauai itself. It will be a treasured memory for life. I hope we can come back and make more memories.