PUPU

Pupu, also known as pupu platter or pupu plate, is a Hawaiian term for an appetizer or snack. While it can refer to any small dish intended to be shared, it has become particularly associated with a type of appetizer assortment commonly served in Hawaiian restaurants and at parties. These assortments typically feature a variety of bite-sized foods, often including items like fried wontons, chicken wings, spring rolls, and sometimes local specialties such as kalua pig sliders or poke.

The concept of pupu is deeply rooted in Hawaiian hospitality, where sharing food is an integral part of social gatherings. The word "pupu" itself can refer to a small shellfish or shell, and in a broader sense, a small, edible item. Over time, it evolved to encompass a range of small dishes. Modern pupu platters often reflect a fusion of traditional Hawaiian flavors with influences from Asian and American cuisines, a result of Hawaii's diverse cultural landscape. They are designed to be a communal dining experience, encouraging conversation and casual enjoyment.