Random thoughts from a non resident mainlander: The number one population group is Chinese, which is about to be overtaken by the Filipinos. A tour of the inside and outside food markets/stands in Chinatown would show what they buy (and price) for the preparation of their own meals. Could be part of your project. Some Chinatown restaurants might also be good. The Rainbow, as stationary, has a greater assortment than most trucks, which often have a few standards and a special of the day but is typical enough. Pulled pork and cabbage is a big item. We always found it at Dukes lunch buffet and sometimes at the Shore Bird's lunch buffet. Perry's Smorgy has some local favorites. Finally no Oahu food story would be complete without telling of the North Shore shrimp trucks. While not on the North Shore, Blue Water also has a shrimp truck at 2145 Kuhio. Most locals say it is not as good as Giovanni's on the North Shore.