Hawaiian Fish
Menpachi (Myripristis spp.) is the nocturnal squirrelfish — one of the “red fish” alongside ʻaweoweo. Caught at night from reef crevices. Small (6–12 inches), red-skinned, with big eyes adapted for night vision. The flesh is firm, sweet, and excellent fried, grilled, or dried. Ancient Hawaiians prized menpachi for its flavour and for its nighttime availability — it was the fish you caught when day fishing was unproductive.
1. EXCEPTIONAL: Fresh-caught menpachi, scaled and fried whole until crispy. Bones are thin enough to eat when properly fried.
EXCEPTIONAL: Fresh-caught menpachi, scaled and fried whole until crispy. Bones are thin enough to eat when properly fried.
Pacific Migration Trail