Loco moco
Hawaiian comfort dish with rice, hamburger, fried egg, and brown gravy
Loco moco is a main dish from Hawaii made by layering white rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy. It is served hot and sometimes comes with sides like macaroni salad or pickled vegetables. Originally created in Hilo, it is now a familiar part of Hawaiian cuisine, enjoyed at any time of day.
- Created in Hilo, Hawaii, in 1949
- Traditionally made with rice, hamburger, egg, and brown gravy
- Variations use Spam, fish, or tofu instead of hamburger
- Often served with macaroni salad or pickled vegetables
What is Loco moco?
Loco moco is a layered plate that starts with a base of white rice. On top sits a hamburger patty, followed by a fried egg, usually cooked sunny-side-up. The whole stack is covered with brown gravy. Some versions add sides like macaroni salad, grilled onions, or pickled vegetables. The dish is hearty and filling, with the savory gravy soaking into the rice and meat, and the egg adding richness.
Where does Loco moco come from?
Loco moco was first made in Hilo, Hawaii, in 1949 at the Lincoln Grill restaurant. Richard and Nancy Inouye are credited with creating it. The dish was invented for local teenagers who wanted something affordable, quick, and different from a sandwich. The name came from a group of teens: 'loco' was suggested for its sound and meaning 'crazy' in Spanish, and 'moco' was added because it rhymed.
How is Loco moco made?
To make loco moco, a scoop of white rice is placed in a bowl or on a plate. A hamburger patty is cooked and set on the rice, then a fried egg is added on top. Brown gravy is poured over everything. Some cooks include extras like grilled onions or serve it with macaroni salad or pickled vegetables. The dish is served hot, often as a quick meal.
How and when is Loco moco eaten?
Loco moco is eaten as a main course, often for lunch or dinner, but it can be enjoyed at any time. It is commonly found in Hawaiian diners and cafes, sometimes as part of a plate lunch. People may eat it with a fork or spoon, mixing the layers together. Sides like macaroni salad or pickled vegetables are sometimes served alongside.
Kinds of Loco moco
While the classic loco moco uses a hamburger patty, many versions swap in other proteins such as Spam, kalua pork, fish, tofu, or Portuguese sausage. These are often named after the new main ingredient, like 'Spam loco' or 'fish loco.' Toppings and sides can also vary, with some places adding grilled onions or different salads.
What Loco moco means
Loco moco is a well-known comfort food in Hawaii and is featured in local restaurants and on television food shows. It is a symbol of contemporary Hawaiian cooking and is often served alongside other local favorites. The dish is not tied to any particular holiday or religious event but is enjoyed as an everyday meal.
Questions people ask about Loco moco
What is loco moco made of?
Loco moco is made by layering white rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy. Some versions include sides like macaroni salad or pickled vegetables.
Where did loco moco come from?
Loco moco was created in Hilo, Hawaii, in 1949 at the Lincoln Grill restaurant by Richard and Nancy Inouye.
Is loco moco always made with hamburger?
The original uses a hamburger patty, but other proteins like Spam, fish, or tofu are sometimes used. When the protein changes, the name also changes, such as 'Spam loco.'
How is loco moco served?
It is served hot, with the gravy poured over the rice, hamburger, and fried egg. Sides like macaroni salad or pickled vegetables may be added.
Is loco moco part of a special occasion?
Loco moco is an everyday food in Hawaii and is not tied to any particular holiday or festival.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Loco moco", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryThali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.
More from the United States
All the food of the United States
Pizza
🇮🇹 Italy and 4 moreFlatbread topped with tomato, cheese and baked at high heat
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner
HamburgerMeat
🇺🇸 United States and 1 moreA hot ground meat patty in a sliced bun, often with salad and sauces
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner
SpaghettiVegan
🇮🇹 Italy and 2 moreLong, thin pasta strands made from durum wheat and water
Noodle or pasta dish, Lunch, Dinner
Hot dogMeat
🇺🇸 United States and 2 moreA sausage in a sliced bun, topped with condiments and eaten hot
Street food, Lunch, Dinner
Its cousins elsewhere
All main dishes
Arròs negreFish or seafood
🇪🇸 Spain and 5 moreRice cooked with squid ink, cuttlefish or squid, and seafood broth
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner
Bandeja paisaMeat
🇨🇴 ColombiaA large Colombian platter with beans, meats, rice, plantain and more
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner
Mee rebus
🇮🇩 Indonesia and 2 moreNoodles in a rich, savoury gravy from Maritime Southeast Asia
Main dish, Lunch, Dinner
Bosou
🇲🇾 MalaysiaFermented fish, meat or vegetables from Sabah, preserved with rice and pangi fruit
Sauce, pickle or ferment