ʻawa — Milkfish (The Other Fishpond Fish)

Overview

ʻawa (Chanos chanos, milkfish) was the second primary species raised in Hawaiian fishponds alongside ʻamaʻama (mullet). Milkfish is ubiquitous across Southeast Asia (bangus in Filipino) and its presence in Hawaiian fishponds confirms the Austronesian connection. The fish has many fine bones but sweet, mild flesh. In the Philippines, bangus is the national fish. In Hawaiʻi, ʻawa is historical — less commonly consumed today than in ancient times.

Key Principles

1. EXCEPTIONAL: ʻawa prepared as bangus in Filipino-Hawaiian households: fried, or sinigang-style in sour broth.

Pro Tips

EXCEPTIONAL: ʻawa prepared as bangus in Filipino-Hawaiian households: fried, or sinigang-style in sour broth.

Source

Pacific Migration Trail