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Spam Musubi at Aloha Grill on Westheimer

The Spam musubi at Aloha Grill will change your mind about canned luncheon meat.
The succulent Spam musubi at Aloha Grill, the new Hawaiian restaurant on Westheimer, features a slice of Spam that’s been sautéed in a little teriyaki sauce on top of a rectangular raft of sushi rice secured with a large sheet of nori. My lunchmate was disgusted by the sight of it, but once she gave it a try, her attitude changed dramatically. In fact, she wolfed the whole thing and wanted another one.

Spam musubi is a Hawaiian invention, and its incredibly popular all over the islands. Convenience stores in Hawaii sell the warm Spam sushi as a quick breakfast or convenient portable lunch.

Why is Spam so popular in Hawaii? I have given a lot of thought to this subject.The best explanation I can up with is that Spam tastes really good with poi.

The Spam musubi at Aloha Grill goes for $1.45. I asked the people behind the counter why they didn’t sell the signature Hawaiian dish, loco moco. It’s a pile of rice topped with a burger patty, fried eggs and cream gravy. They said it wasn’t on the menu yet, but they might start serving loco moco as a lunch special. We’ll keep you posted. – Robb Walsh

Aloha Grill, 11805 Westheimer, 832-379-8883

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