Ep 9. The Big Island

On the 9th episode of season 9 of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations, Andrew Zimmern embarks on a culinary journey to the Big Island of Hawaii. The episode takes viewers on a fascinating adventure where they discover the island through its food and drinks and learn about the history of this tropical paradise.

The food culture in Hawaii is a melting pot of Asian, Polynesian, and North American influences, and Zimmern explores this cultural blend by trying out various dishes unique to the region. During his visit, Zimmern visits local farms and meets up with chefs, who take him into their kitchens where he discovers how they create some of the most iconic Hawaiian cuisine.

One of the highlights of the episode is Zimmern's visit to the town of Hilo, on the eastern coast of the Big Island, where he gets to experience the famous Hilo Farmers Market. The market is a hub for locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh seafood, meats, and spices, all of which are used to create the vibrant flavors found in traditional Hawaiian dishes. There, Zimmern tries dishes like poke, a Hawaiian staple made from raw fish marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil, and laulau, a traditional dish consisting of fish and pork wrapped in taro or luau leaves and steamed to perfection.

Zimmern also gets to explore the sweet side of Hawaiian cuisine during his visit. He meets with a local student who shares the art of creating mochi, a delicious Japanese-inspired confection made from glutinous rice, that has been adapted to Hawaiian tastes. The student explains how his family uses local ingredients like coconut and taro to create unique flavors of the traditional dessert.

To finish off his journey, Zimmern explores the coffee culture of Kona, home to some of the highest-rated coffee beans in the world. He learns from a local roaster how they craft the perfect cup of coffee, tasting various brews and discovering the different taste profiles that make Kona coffee so exceptional.

In between all the deliciousness, Zimmern takes some time to explore the natural beauty of the Big Island. He visits a black sand beach with a local surfer, goes on a hike through the lush rainforest, and takes a dip in a nearby waterfall. All the while, he continues to learn more about the Hawaiian culture, and how it has influenced the food scene on the island.

All in all, The Big Island episode of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations is a unique culinary journey that explores not only the delicious flavors of Hawaii but also the culture and traditions that have helped shape them. Viewers can expect to be taken on a ride filled with adventure, beautiful scenery, and of course, mouth-watering food.