The Lilo & Stitch remake has landed, and it’s drawing big crowds. While some film buffs remain unimpressed by Disney’s latest retelling, the movie has earned over 70 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and is projected to bring in around $165 million at the box office over Memorial Day weekend.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, much of that buzz is coming from families with young children, as well as nostalgic Gen Z and Millennial viewers who grew up with the 2002 original.
Disney
If you’re riding the nostalgia wave and heading to the theater to revisit the story of Lilo—a lonely Hawaiian girl who adopts what she thinks is a dog but turns out to be a destructive alien named Stitch—why not celebrate with a themed feast?
Vegan recipes perfect for celebrating the new ‘Lilo & Stitch’
Below, we’ve gathered some of our favorite Hawaiian-inspired and Lilo & Stitch-themed recipes, perfect for a post-movie snack and debrief.
Kitchen Sanctuary
1 Snow Cones With Homemade Fruit Syrup
Snow cones are a fun nod to Hawaiian shave ice—a beloved island treat and a staple at local gatherings. Since Lilo & Stitch is set in Hawaii, and Luki’s Shave Ice stand even makes recurring appearances in Lilo & Stitch: The Series, this sweet, icy snack is a perfect (and on-theme) addition to your movie night feast.
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2Maple-Glazed Tofu Musubi
Spam musubi is a beloved Hawaiian snack, but it doesn’t have to include processed meat. In this plant-based version, vegan blogger Deborah Gleason swaps the Spam for maple-glazed tofu, packed with umami flavor. It’s a delicious nod to Lilo & Stitch’s island roots—and the perfect handheld bite for your post-movie feast.
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Domestic Gothess
3 Vegan Pepperoni Pizza
No, pepperoni pizza isn’t traditionally Hawaiian, but it does feature in Lilo & Stitch. In the 2002 movie, Nani gives pepperoni pizza to Lilo, not a Hawaiian one (which, fun fact, was actually invented in Canada), making it the pizza of choice in their household. This tasty recipe from Domestic Gothess gives the classic a plant-based twist, using seitan instead of meat for a delicious vegan version that Stitch himself would probably demolish.
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The Herbivorous Butcher
4Hawaiian Kalua Jackfruit Pork
Kālua pork, traditionally slow-cooked in an underground oven, is a staple of Hawaiian cuisine. This delicious plant-based version from The Herbivorous Butcher Cookbook swaps pork for smoky, shredded jackfruit, delivering all the island flavor without the meat. Served on sweet buns, these sliders nod to Lilo & Stitch’s Hawaiian roots while keeping things fun, flavorful, and vegan-friendly—perfect for a tropical movie night.
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Leinana Two Moons
5 Watermelon Poke Bowl With Spicy Sesame Soy Dressing
Poke bowls are a staple of Hawaiian cuisine, traditionally made with diced raw fish—but this vibrant version uses juicy, marinated, and sautéed watermelon instead. It’s a refreshing, nourishing meal that’s perfect to enjoy after a few hours of movie popcorn and Lilo & Stitch nostalgia.
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Vegan With Gusto
6 Huli Huli Tofu
Huli huli is a beloved Hawaiian barbecue sauce, traditionally used on chicken—but in this plant-based twist, it’s paired with baked tofu for a sweet and tangy main dish. This oil-free version captures the spirit of island flavors while keeping things light, making it a flavorful centerpiece for your Lilo & Stitch-themed spread.
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Floured Frame
7 Vegan Malasadas
Finally, a little something for dessert. Malasadas are actually Portuguese, but they’re a firm favorite across the Hawaiian islands, where they’ve become a staple at local bakeries. This vegan version skips the eggs and dairy but keeps the pillowy texture and sugary coating, making them the perfect sweet finish to your feast.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
