Manapua

''Manapua'' is the Hawaiian adaptation of the Chinese bun, ''baozi'', derived specifically from ''char siu bao''. However, in contemporary times, the term is generally applied to a large ''char siu bao'' or other steamed, baked, or fried ''bao'' variations of different fillings.

These ''bao'' would later be known as ''manapua'', said to be a portmanteau of the Hawaiian phrase ''mea ono puaa'', roughly translated as "pork cake" - ''mea ono'' referring to any food item encompassing dessert, cake, pastry, cookie and ''puaa'' meaning "pork" or "pig".

Background

The prospect of financial reward found in the sugar industry caused much Chinese immigration starting in the mid 1800s. The Chinese would bring along with them their foods including ''baozi'', a carbohydrate rich food essential for sustenance against the intense physical labor demanded in sugar production. Some of these Chinese laborers, who would later be known as a "manapua man", would peddle their ''char siu bao'' in the plantation fields and to other plantation camps by foot and later by vehicle for additional income.

These traditional ''char siu bao'' would eventually grow in size into the modern ''manapua'' known today. Bat Moi Kam Mau is credited with retailing the first large ''char siu bao'' in the 1940s at her ''manapua'' shop "Char Hung Sut".
Honolulu restaurant Royal Kitchen claimed to have been one of the first retailers of baked manapua in 1974.

Description

While ''manapua'' dimensions are not formally regulated, once cooked, many are close to 4-5 inches (~13cm) in diameter and 3-4 inches (~8cm) in height. On the other hand, ''char siu bao'' sold in many classic Chinese restaurants still retain their original size and shape and are simply known by its original name rather than ''manapua''.

''Char siu'' remains a staple filling. However, its preparation is sometimes simplified to pork with ''char siu'' flavoring rather than being prepared with actual roasted ''char siu''. Other fillings have been introduced, some reflecting the various ethnic groups in Hawaii. Other common meat fillings include: ''lap cheong'' and hot dog which uses a full (uncut) sausage, chicken curry, and '' kalua'' pork. Vegetarian options include: black bean paste commonly known as "black sugar", ''azuki'' similar to ''anpan'', Okinawan purple sweet potato (sometimes mislabeled as '' ube'').

A single bun can be consumed as a "meal in itself" or divided and shared as a snack along with other local style ''dim sum'' items.
Older standalone ''manapua'' shops will also offer a handful of other dim sum items such as '' fun guo'' known as "''pepeiao''", '' gok jai'' or "half moon" which are normally steamed, '' shaomai'' or "pork hash". Like the ''manapua'', these too, have become twice the size of their original counterparts. ''Manapua'' and these other ''dim sum'' items are often bought in bulk as '' omiyage'' when traveling to the neighbor island or out-of-state, or shared in office meetings or breakrooms akin to donuts.

In popular culture

Manapua man

In the 1970s, ''manapua'' hawkers would trade in their carrying pole for a converted full-size van. These modern hawkers, affectionately known as a "manapua man," would drive their "manapua van" through neighborhoods very much like an ice cream truck playing music to attract customers or are found parked at certain locations like a food truck. They are a beloved sight for neighborhood children and passerby looking for a very affordable quick meal or snack. Some vans are more akin to a convenience store on wheels, sometimes not selling ''manapua'' at all. Items sold range from ''chow mein'' to candies, burgers to fountain drinks, and at one point, cigarettes and beer.

See also

*Cuisine of Hawaii
*Baozi
*Dim sum
*Siopao

References

{{Reflist, 30em
Chinese breads
Chinese fusion cuisine
Dim sum
Dumplings
Hawaiian cuisine
Hawaiian fusion cuisine
Pork dishes
Steamed buns
Stuffed dishes
Street food