Incorporate fresh, tropical fruit in salads, drinks, desserts and even decorations.
Originating in Hawaii in the mid 1800s, luaus are festive, communal meal occasions that historically embrace and celebrate elements of nature in the dining experience. Traditional luaus served lots of finger foods made out of --- and often served on --- the fruit and leaves of tropical island plants, which also decorated the outdoor dining area. Planning a luau-inspired menu for a party is easy when you keep the importance of community and island nature in mind. Does this Spark an idea?
Snacks and Appetizers
Finger foods make convenient appetizers for any party, especially luaus. Most traditional luau foods are made of pastes and mashes and are eaten with the fingers instead of utensils. For a modern luau party with an island twist on popular finger foods, serve "Hawaiian" pizza squares topped with ham and pineapple, or taro chips instead of potato. Taro has been a favorite food item at luaus since the communal dining style's inception in 1819.
Main Dishes
Whether they make guests laugh or cry, pig roasts are a highlight of many luau parties.
Roasted pig is the iconic main luau dish, and the traditional process of cooking it slowly over a fire is an interesting luau party element in itself. But for dishes that don't require slow-roasting a rotisserie pig carcass over a fire pit in the backyard, shoot for recipes that pair meat with island fruits. Roasted citrus chicken stuffed with oranges, lemons and limes is a simple yet tropical alternative to roasted pig. Make a tropical sauce out of the fruit juice and chicken drippings by adding a splash of orange juice, 2/3 cup sugar and the zest of a fresh orange. Boil the liquid until thickened and ladle onto chicken.
Side Dishes
Fresh tropical fruits such as guavas, avocados, papayas, bananas and mangos bring an island taste to any party menu. Serve fruit in slices as a kid-friendly luau side dish, or soak fruit pieces in coconut rum, top with mascarpone cheese, and serve it as a salad for an adult luau party. Tropical rice is a popular luau side that pairs well with chicken and pork dishes. For simple island rice, cook white or jasmine rice in coconut milk instead of water, and add mandarin orange slices, pineapple chunks, and cashews once cooked.
Beverages
Serve non-alchoholic slushies or sorbets with tropical fruit garnishes to children.
No luau party would be complete without tropical drinks. Serve fruit punch with pineapple wedges to kids, and offer adults popular tropical cocktails such as banana daiquiris, sangria or mai tais. For tropical, non-alcoholic beverages for guests of all ages, serve pineapple soda or virgin pina coladas.
Desserts
Melon chunks are a light, sweet, tropical treat perfect for a simple luau party dessert. Ambrosia salad made with shredded coconut, mango sorbet and grilled pineapple slices are also tasty luau dessert options. Traditional desserts like pineapple upside down cake and coconut cream pie satisfy most pallets and bring that tropical island flare to everyone's favorite part of the meal.
Tags: luau party, foods made, luau side, over fire, Serve fruit, tropical fruit, tropical island