Spam musubi 

In many ways, it’s similar to other foods that emerged globally in the post-war period, especially in the Pacific, as new ingredients — often from the U.S. mainland or introduced by the American military — became popular in regions affected by rationing and food shortages. You see similar examples in Korea’s “army base stew” budae jjigae and the post-war surge in okonomiyaki’s popularity in Japan. 

Spam arrived in Hawaii out of necessity, and when local creativity and flavors came into play, spam musubi was born. 

Musubi is a general term for Japanese-influenced onigiri-style rice balls, which were already eaten in Hawaii well before the introduction of spam. 

Spam musubi in particular resembles a large nigiri sushi — though without sushi’s vinegared rice — featuring a bed of rice topped with a slice of grilled spam often brushed with a teriyaki-style sauce and wrapped with a strip of nori seaweed.  

Today, you’ll find spam musubi everywhere in Hawaii and at Hawaiian restaurants on the mainland. It’s a snack that’s flavorful, convenient, and surprisingly filling. Of course, you can find it in Uwajimaya’s deli, along with the three ingredients to make your own in all our stores.