laulau - inBeat

Understanding the Context

What Is Laulau?

Laulau is a traditional Hawaiian one-dish meal centered around funnel-shaped parcels made from taro leaves (lo’i) or occasionally banana leaves. Meat—typically pork, chicken, fish, or even a mix—is wrapped with sustainably harvested leaves, steamed slowly in an underground imu (earth oven), and infused with aromatic herbs. The result is tender, smoky, and deeply satisfying—flavorful from both the filling and the natural steam cooking process.

The Cultural Significance of Laulau

Key Insights

Taro, or kalo, is considered a sacred plant in Native Hawaiian culture, often likened to a sister or ancestor due to its central role in life and sustenance. Laulau embodies this reverence. Historically cooked during feasts (ʻaha or luʻau), laulau symbolizes hospitality, connection, and celebration. Today, it remains a cornerstone of Hawaiian identity and communal gatherings.

Serving laulau is an act of sharing — a way to bring people together and honor heritage through taste.

Key Ingredients in Authentic Laulau

• Taro Leaves (Lo’i): Traditional laulau uses hand-harvested taro leaves, pliable and nutrient-rich. Locally grown or sustainably sourced taro ensures authenticity.
  
• Filling: Common fillings include seasoned pork (kālua pork often used), marinated chicken, fresh fish (like opah or sea bass), or combinations. The meat is mussed with fish sauce, ginger, garlic, chili, and aromatic gardenia (aubi or ʻoma‘oma’e) for scent.
  
• Dressing: Tenderized with a mixture of limu (seaweed) for brine, coconut cream, and a hint of noni or kokona for complexity.
  
• Steam Wrap: Traditionally, taro leaves are tightly folded; modern versions may use banana leaves or vegetable parchment for accessibility.

Final Thoughts

How Is Laulau Prepared?

The process mirrors ancient methods:

1. Prepare the leaves: Clean, enhance with ʻuncha (soaking), and layer meat and dressing symmetrically inside the leaf.
   
2. Wrap securely: Twist or braid the parcels tightly, often secured with kitchen twine.
   
3. Steam in an imu: Wrapped parcels are placed in a heated earth oven lined with hot stones, cooking slowly for 60–90 minutes.
   
4. Serve hot: Carved tableside, laulau is usually accompanied by poi (taro paste), lomi-lomi salmon, haupia (coconut pudding), and a fresh green lomi-lomi salad.

Tips for Cooking Laulau at Home