Ep 3. Captain Cook and the Ancient Hawaiians

In season 20 episode 3 of Bizarre Foods, host Andrew Zimmern travels to Hawaii to explore the ancient culture and cuisine of the native Hawaiians. He sets out on a culinary adventure in search of the unique and sometimes shocking foods that were once staple ingredients in the ancient Hawaiian diet.

Zimmern begins his journey by looking at the life of the famous explorer Captain James Cook, who arrived in Hawaii in 1778. He explores Cook's impact on the island's culture, both good and bad, and gets an insight into how the ancient Hawaiians lived before he arrived.

Zimmern then visits the Hālau o Kekuhi, a renowned Hawaiian cultural center, where he meets with Nalani Kanaka'ole, who is well-versed in the art of hula and the ancient practices of the Hawaiian people. She shares with him the ways ancient Hawaiians used the land to live and thrive. He learns the importance of the taro plant in Hawaiian culture, and the unique process of making poi, a sort of paste made from mashed taro.

Zimmern also gets to taste the ancient Hawaiian delicacy of poke, which was traditionally made by chopping up raw fish and seasoning it with various spices and ingredients. He visits a local market where he samples different types of poke, including one made with a freshwater shrimp that is considered a delicacy.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern also explores the wilder side of Hawaiian cuisine, sampling things like bull testicles, pig's head, and squid that has been buried underground. While some of these foods might seem unappetizing to most viewers, Zimmern shows a genuine appreciation for the history and culture behind them.

One of the highlights of the episode is when Zimmern meets Auntie Nani, a local cook known for her traditional Hawaiian dishes. Auntie Nani shares with Zimmern the process of making laulau, a dish made of pork wrapped with taro leaves and cooked in an underground oven. Zimmern is impressed by the technique and flavors, which he describes as "delicious and deeply satisfying."

Overall, Captain Cook and the Ancient Hawaiians is a fascinating exploration of the ancient Hawaiian culture and its unique relationship with food. Zimmern's enthusiasm for the island's history and cuisine is infectious, and the episode is sure to leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for Hawaiian culture and cuisine.