The McDonald's Ramen You Could Once Find In Hawaii
When you think of McDonald's, you probably think of burgers. The fast-food chain is known throughout the world for its beef patty-based delights, including the Big Mac, the Quarter Pounder, and the McDouble. You might also think of the crisp, golden fries, served in a bright red box. Or perhaps you meditate upon your childhood Chicken McNuggets, dipped in tangy sauce, with particular fondness. Those with a sweet tooth aren't left behind, either — the McFlurry has legions of fans, as does the chain's apple pie.
You probably don't think of lobster rolls, Southern-style biscuits and gravy, or steak and egg breakfast burritos, however. But in fact, these items have all been sold by McDonald's, right alongside Happy Meals and fountain drinks. So why can't you stroll into any one of the chain's thousands of locations and order a Ronald McDonald-approved lobster roll for yourself? Because these specialties are only available in certain places — and in some cases, they're not offered any longer. Such is the case with McDonald's take on ramen, which Hawaiian customers enjoyed for years until it was discontinued.
The history of McDonald's saimin
In June 2022, Hawaiian McDonald's fans received terrible news. As reported by local news station KHON2, the chain would no longer be selling saimin. What is saimin? According to Hawai'i Magazine, saimin is a soup deeply rooted in the islands' complex history. It combines toothsome noodles, a flavorful broth, and a variety of toppings, ranging from sliced fish cakes to green onion. Though it resembles Japanese ramen and draws from that dish's rich history, saimin is very much a separate creation. Though non-locals are largely unfamiliar with it, it's an iconic part of Hawaiian culture and a classic comfort food.
As Hawai'i Magazine details, McDonald's saimin came with a fish cake, seaweed, and a juicy slice of Spam. If that last ingredient surprises you, it shouldn't. Spam has a rich history in Hawaiian cuisine, giving rise to celebrated dishes as Spam musubi and even a Spam-centric black market.
According to Hack the Menu, McDonald's added saimin to the menu in the late 1960s. This wasn't just a major leap forward for Hawaiian cuisine — it shook up the McDonald's menu as a whole. Saimin was the first locale-specific dish to be added to the chain's standardized menu. This practice spread far and wide after saimin's success, leading to such modern innovations as McDonald's take on the lobster roll.
McDonald's' many Hawaiian offerings
Saimin's departure from McDonald's Hawaiian menu has plunged the islands into mourning. Luckily, the public can comfort itself with Mickey D's other Hawaii-specific offerings. According to Hawai'i Magazine, the omnipresent chain also sells a unique breakfast platter and two very special pies at its Hawaiian locations.
The breakfast platter, known as the Local Deluxe Breakfast, is enough to get any day off to an excellent start. It consists of a pillowy pile of scrambled eggs, fluffy white rice, and the customer's choice of three juicy pieces of Portuguese sausage or two slices of — you guessed it — Spam. The pies occupy a totally different culinary niche but are no less delicious. The first offering is fried taro pie, which boasts a golden-brown crust and plenty of luscious taro root filling. The second is the fried coconut, or haupia, pie. This sweet treat wraps crispy pastry around molten coconut filling.
Though locals might not be able to get saimin from McDonald's any longer, they can comfort themselves with a filling breakfast and two seriously delicious desserts — to say nothing of the rest of the classic menu. Taro pie probably goes great with a fresh order of fries.