I’ll Have the Number 9 Meal & Saimen, Please

Hawaii is both thoroughly American and, at the same time, is deeply rooted culturally in the Samoan traditions and life-style.

A wonderful example of this is the menu at McDonald’s.

This McDonald’s on the windward side of O’ahu and right outside the Polynesian Cultural Center, which is run by the Morman Church. Different but wonderful too.

I love the decor. It has the standard McDonald’s paraphernalia, including a life-sized Ronald.

But does your McDonald’s have a fountain?

Or Hawaiian relics on display?

Or saimen on the menu?

We stopped here just so I can order saimen. It’s a broth with noodles, seaweed, egg and crab. Here’s a look at the girl’s dinner one night. It’s just so Hawaiian. The manager said, “You don’t have saimen on the mainland?”

“Well” I say, “Not at McDonald’s.” It’s nice that the locals find that amusing.

Aloha…once again.