Quick Answer
"Broke Da Mouth" (pronounced "BROHK dah MOWT") is Hawaiian Pidgin for "so delicious it broke your mouth" or "extremely tasty." It's the highest compliment you can give to food in Hawaii, meaning the food is so incredibly good that it metaphorically breaks your mouth with flavor. This expression captures the essence of Hawaii's passionate food culture and local pride in delicious grindz (food).
🗣️ How to Pronounce "Broke Da Mouth"
Breakdown:
- "BROHK" - Like "broke" in English (past tense of break)
- "dah" - Like "the" but with an "ah" sound (rhymes with "ma")
- "MOWT" - Like "mouth" with emphasis on the "ow" sound
Say it naturally: "BROHK dah MOWT" - three distinct words with emphasis on "broke" and "mouth".
Common mistake: Don't say "broke the mouth" (too formal). Keep it casual and pidgin-style with "da" instead of "the".
📖 The Meaning Behind "Broke Da Mouth"
Literal Translation
"Broke Da Mouth" literally means the food is so delicious and flavorful that it metaphorically "breaks" or "shatters" your mouth with taste. It's an exaggerated expression of supreme satisfaction with food, suggesting the flavors are so intense and amazing that your mouth can't handle it.
Modern Usage
Today, "broke da mouth" is the ultimate food compliment in Hawaii. It's reserved for truly exceptional dishes - not just good food, but extraordinary, unforgettable meals. When you say something is "broke da mouth," you're telling the chef, cook, or restaurant that they've achieved culinary perfection. This phrase is commonly used for:
- Plate lunch from exceptional local spots
- Homemade dishes at family gatherings
- Fresh poke from the fish market
- BBQ chicken and ribs done right
- Aunty's special recipes
- Any food that exceeds all expectations
Cultural Significance
"Broke da mouth" embodies Hawaii's deep appreciation for good food. In local culture, food is more than sustenance - it's about family, tradition, and sharing aloha. Using this phrase shows you understand and respect the importance of quality grindz in Hawaiian culture. It's a celebration of the diverse culinary traditions - Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, Chinese, and Korean - that have blended to create Hawaii's unique food scene.
💬 How to Use "Broke Da Mouth" - Real Examples
"Eh, dis kalbi broke da mouth!"
Translation: "This Korean BBQ short ribs is incredibly delicious!"
"Aunty, your shoyu chicken broke da mouth!"
Translation: "Aunty, your soy sauce chicken is amazingly delicious!"
"You gotta try dat poke - guaranteed broke da mouth!"
Translation: "You must try that poke - guaranteed to be incredibly tasty!"
"Da kalua pig so ono, broke da mouth!"
Translation: "The kalua pork is so delicious, it's amazing!"
"Just had da best loco moco - BROKE DA MOUTH! 🔥"
Translation: "Just had the best loco moco - absolutely incredible!"
"Dis haupia pie broke da mouth, brah!"
Translation: "This coconut pudding pie is incredibly delicious, bro!"
✅ When to Use "Broke Da Mouth"
✅ Perfect Situations
- ✓ Complimenting exceptional home-cooked meals
- ✓ Praising local plate lunch spots
- ✓ Reviewing truly outstanding restaurants
- ✓ At family gatherings and potlucks
- ✓ Describing food memories and experiences
- ✓ Social media food posts and reviews
- ✓ Recommending food to friends
- ✓ Thanking someone for an amazing meal
❌ Avoid Using When
- ✗ Food is just "good" (save it for exceptional)
- ✗ At fine dining restaurants (too casual)
- ✗ Formal dinner parties with mainlanders
- ✗ Professional food critic reviews
- ✗ Complimenting food that's merely okay
- ✗ Written business correspondence
- ✗ When you want to be understated
- ✗ Describing mediocre food ironically
Pro Tip: "Broke da mouth" is a high honor in Hawaii's food culture. Use it genuinely and sparingly for truly exceptional food. Overusing it dilutes its meaning. When something really does "broke da mouth," locals will remember and return for more!
💬 How to Respond When Someone Says "Broke Da Mouth"
If someone says your food "broke da mouth," you've received the ultimate compliment! Common responses:
"Mahalo!"
Simple thank you (Hawaiian)
"Tanks, brah!"
Casual thanks in pidgin
"Eh, you like some more?"
Offer more food (local hospitality)
"Had to! Das my aunty's recipe!"
Give credit to family recipe
"Shoots! I make um again!"
Promise to make it again
"Glad you like! Take some home!"
Offer leftovers (classic local move)
🌺 Tips for Visitors Using "Broke Da Mouth"
💡 Tip #1: Save it for truly exceptional food
Don't use "broke da mouth" for every meal - it loses its power. Reserve it for food that genuinely amazes you. When you use it authentically, locals will appreciate your discerning palate and honest enthusiasm.
💡 Tip #2: Say it with genuine enthusiasm
When food really is that good, don't hold back! Say "broke da mouth" with energy and a big smile. You can even add emphasis: "OMG dis BROKE DA MOUTH!" Locals will love your authentic reaction.
💡 Tip #3: Pair it with other local phrases
Combine with other pidgin for authenticity: "Dis grindz so ono, broke da mouth!" or "Eh brah, dis loco moco broke da mouth!" This shows you're learning the local lingo naturally.
💡 Tip #4: Use it at local food spots, not tourist traps
The phrase resonates most at authentic local plate lunch spots, food trucks, and family gatherings - not at overpriced touristy restaurants. That's where you'll find the food that truly deserves the compliment.
🔗 Related Hawaiian Pidgin Food Phrases
Ono Grindz
"Delicious food" - slightly less intense than "broke da mouth"
Grindz
"Food" - general term for any meal or snack
Ono
"Delicious" or "tasty" - Hawaiian word commonly used
Choke Food
"Lots of food" - abundant portions
Da Kine
"The thing/stuff" - used when you can't remember the name
Local Kine
"Local style" - authentic Hawaiian-style food
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