image by Angela R on Yelp

Hawaii has had a rich history of meals on wheels dating back to the 70’s with the introduction of the “Manapua Man”
You remember the Manapua Man, right?
Well… maybe not.
These days the once unavoidable Manapua Man is only in small scattered neighborhoods, but although the numbers have dwindled, its business as usual for this microcosm of food and wares. Much like with the “Ice Cream Man”, they roam from neighborhood to neighborhood delivering their goods, with a speaker atop the truck notifying you of their arrival with a song. (Those of you from the manapua man generation probably know the song all too well)
The Manapua Man, at least where I grew up, carried fried noodles, hotdogs & burgers, a few assorted dumpling items, and of course the namesake. The manapua.

The Manapua was at one time, the epitome of street food in Hawaii. Hot fresh food, readlily available, and delivered straight to your street by the friendly neighborhood Manapua Man.  A  Manapua (or “Cha Ciu Bao” as its traditionally known) is a chinese style steamed [or baked, as pictured to the left] bun filled with a Cantonese barbecue pork, and has been a staple of Hawaii food truck industry for decades, and continues to this day.
Vendors like Miso & Ale and SL2 Delectables still make their own modern version of the traditional manapua which you can find at select Street Grindz events.

The tradition of food on wheels is not only still strong, but these days its stronger than it has ever been. Except now, its more than just fried noodles and steamed buns being peddled from trucks, vans and carts. But a wide range of delicious and innovative food. Everything from common favorites like smoked brisket and Hawaii’s famous garlic shrimp plates, to more innovative local creations like the Malasada Burger from Local Stop and the waffle cakes and brand new rice cakes from Whatcha Fillin.

You can check out the current state of the Hawaii Food Truck scene at any of the Street Grindz events, like our monthly food truck rally “Eat The Street”. Its been going for almost 3 years now, with no signs of slowing. Over 40 food truck and street food vendors, and tons of delicious food to be had on the last Friday of every month in Honolulu.

From the Manapua Man to huge food truck rallies, the Hawaii mobile food scene is alive and thriving.
Support small business and local food. Stop by your local food truck today. And we will see YOU at Eat The Street.