Laulau
Laulau is a traditional Hawaiian dish featuring pork (and sometimes fish) wrapped in taro leaves and steamed until tender. The taro leaves become edible and flavorful, while the wrapping keeps the meat incredibly moist and infuses it with an earthy, slightly sweet taste. It's a staple of Hawaiian cuisine, often served at lūʻau celebrations.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Laulau is a high-protein dish due to the pork, with the taro leaves adding fiber, vitamins A and C, and minerals like iron. A typical serving (about 6-8 oz) provides roughly 300-400 calories, with a good balance of protein and fat from the meat.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Potassium | 620 mg |
| Vitamin A | 180 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 110 mg |
| Phosphorus | 220 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
| Magnesium | 55 mg |
Per 1 piece (approx. 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, laulau is a symbol of Hawaiian heritage and communal feasting, traditionally cooked in an underground oven (imu). Nutritionally, the taro leaves are a unique, nutrient-dense green that becomes tender and safe to eat only after prolonged steaming, making it a clever way to utilize a plant that is toxic raw.
AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms