We’ve all seen those articles reminding us of those ono local foods that Hawai‘i is famous for: malasadas, spam musubis, acai bowls, etc. So it's easy to forget how much Asian racial diversity defines our community, traditions, and appetites. In fact, I didn’t realize how much it was incorporated itself into my lifestyle until I left for college (granted, I am in Missouri). One of my favorite things about Hawai‘i is its "mom and pop" restaurants and eateries with their mind-blowing, authentic (or at most only slightly Westernized) ethnic cuisine. So with that, here is my incomplete insider's guide to Hawai‘i's best foods that aren't typically highlighted– beyond the L&L plate lunches and shave ice. Bear in mind I am half-Japanese and from Oahu.

1. Ramen.

So you think it doesn’t get any fancier than a Styrofoam cup of dry noodles and salty seasoning with a cup of boiling water?!? Oahu, especially, is known for its many ramen shops with their own signature garnishes and soup flavors.

2. Pho.

Onions, basil, garlic simmering in a clear beef broth for a subtle yet amazing flavor, with toppings from sliced beef to a seafood medley. This Vietnamese-style noodle soup holds its own.

3. Dim sum.

A dining experience where food comes in bamboo pot steamers that, in Hawai‘i, isn’t just limited to Chinatown. Be also prepared to struggle to communicate with the non-English-speaking, fast-moving waiters pushing around the carts of food.

4. Sushi.

From five-star restaurants to cheap conveyor belt sushi bars to at your local market, a selection of good quality sushi is easily accessible. And at the right seafood market, be prepared to find marbled raw fish, or sashimi, that will melt in your mouth.

5. Cantonese cuisine.

A majority of the more expensive Chinese restaurants in Hawai‘i, the flavor palette and cooking styles used originate from a specific region of China. These popular restaurants are known for their mouthwatering fresh seafood dishes and the rich sauces used in their entrees.

6. Korean BBQ.

Given a variety of seasoned meats and dipping sauces to choose from, complemented by rice and small traditional Korean side dishes, you will never come across a local who has tried Korean BBQ and doesn’t love it. A number of affordable restaurants are scattered throughout the island.

7. Kalbi.

From being found on the grill at home to a five-star local restaurant, these Korean-style grilled short ribs have a unique, soy sauce-based flavor and taste amazing when they’re practically melting off the bone.

8. Milk tea.

With the ability to customize your drink, from the amount of ice to the size of your tapioca, not to mention the insane selection of teas and add-on flavors to choose from.

9. Japanese bakeries.

What’s the difference between this and American bakeries? Oh, just the cheaper price, larger assortment, better variety of fillings and toppings, and the more aesthetic appearance of the pastries and the shop. Nothing too big.

10. French expensive pastries.

You wouldn't think that an island in the middle of nowhere, much less an ocean away from Europe, could recruit professional French dessert chefs. Nonetheless, there are multiple gourmet bakeries to satisfy your more expensive cravings, if you can even bring yourself to devouring such a masterpiece.

11. Mochi.

Japanese rice cakes made of glutinous sweet rice, whose texture will trigger any Midwestern gag reflex. In Hawai‘i, mochi can be bought fresh from supermarkets that provide a variety of flavors, toppings, and can have their flavors enhanced with filling from green tea (matcha) to red bean paste.

And if nothing else, you can always rely on your parents' cooking, or your friend's parents' cooking to mooch off of.