Saimin
Saimin is a
noodle soup dish common in the contemporary
cuisine of Hawaii. Traditionally consisting of soft wheat egg
noodles served in a hot garnished with diced
green onions and a thin slice of , modern versions of saimin include additional toppings such as ''
char siu'', sliced
Spam,
sliced egg,
bok choy,
mushrooms, or shredded
nori. When
wontons are added to the noodle soup, it is seen on menus as the heartier ''wonton min''. All saimin establishments have their own, often secret recipe for the soup base, but primarily use and
dried shrimp as major ingredients. Common
table condiments mixed in the saimin broth are
Chinese hot mustard and
soy sauce, added in small quantities according to each individual's taste. Many local residents of Hawaii also enjoy barbecued
teriyaki beef sticks (
skewers) or
American hamburgers as a side dish.
Saimin was developed during Hawaii's
plantation era and is a testament to the history of cultural influences found in the
Hawaiian Islands. It is a local
comfort food eaten all year round at any time of day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a late-night snack. Initially consumed by the
working class, saimin can now be seen on the menus of Hawaii's restaurants from
fast food chains to upscale
five-star hotel restaurants. It is commonly eaten at sporting events or available precooked
packaged food much like
instant ramen.
Provided by Wikipedia