Haupia

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian dessert made from coconut milk, thickened into a smooth, jelly-like custard using arrowroot starch or cornstarch, and typically served chilled in small, white squares. Simple yet luxurious, haupia is a staple at Hawaiian luaus, family gatherings, and potlucks, offering a cool, creamy bite that perfectly captures the flavors of the islands. The texture of haupia falls somewhere between firm pudding and soft gelatin, depending on the starch used and the cooking time. It’s lightly sweet, with a clean, tropical flavor driven almost entirely by the natural richness of coconut milk. While classic haupia is unadorned and stark white, modern variations may layer it over chocolate crusts (as in haupia pie) or combine it with sweet potatoes, lilikoi (passionfruit), or even taro for fusion twists. Deeply rooted in Native Hawaiian cuisine, haupia reflects a culinary heritage that values simplicity, texture, and the natural bounty of the islands—especially the coconut, a sacred and versatile ingredient in Polynesian cultures. Apart from Hawaii, this pudding is also a staple in other Polynesian countries.