Discovering Poke: The Hawaiian Dish You Can’t Miss in Waikiki

Overwhelmed by the abundant selection of eateries in Waikiki? Perhaps you’re looking to try something unique while on vacation in the islands. Due to its melting pot of cultures, Hawaii is home to various languages, cuisines and traditions. One of the most popular dishes found in the Aloha State is called poke. Let’s take a closer look at what poke is and why it’s so special.

What is Poke and Why is it a Hawaiian Favorite?

First off, the correct pronunciation of the dish is “poh-keh.” It is a salad composed of cubed raw fish mixed with various toppings and sauces. You may choose to order it by the pound or in the form of a bowl, which is typically served over white rice.

The Origins of Poke

In Hawaiian, the word poke means “to cut crosswise into pieces.” Traditionally, Native Hawaiian fishermen would prepare this by slicing freshly caught fish which was then seasoned with sea salt, seaweed and crushed kukui nuts. As new goods were introduced to the people of Hawaii through trading, the composition of this popular snack adapted with what was available. While this dish originated in Hawaii, it has since gained great popularity and can now be found in eateries around the world.

What Makes Hawaii’s Poke Special?

With an advantageous location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is an ideal place to get fresh poke. Local chefs have gotten especially creative with the preparation of this classic menu item. Over time, the traditional poke bowl has evolved to include novel toppings, sauces and bases. It’s even been incorporated into things like poke nachos, poke musubi, and poke tacos.

Top Places to Enjoy Poke in Waikiki

From food trucks and supermarket counters to high-end restaurants, there are endless establishments that offer poke. Just by searching online reviews for the best poke shop in or around Waikiki, you may still find yourself perplexed by the impressively large list of choices. To take much of the guesswork out, here is a list of places that will be sure to impress.

Foodland Farms

Located adjacent to Waikiki, in the Ala Moana Shopping Center, this has been a longtime favorite for locals and visitors alike to get their share of fresh poke.

Maguro Spot

Conveniently situated near the heart of Waikiki, within the Waikiki Shopping Plaza, they offer a wide selection of specialty poke bowls.

Ono Seafood

Although it is located just outside of Waikiki, in the neighborhood of Kapahulu, it is certainly worth stopping by. They offer one of the most affordable poke bowls in town.

Poke Bar

Nestled within a line of shops at the Waikiki Beach Walk shopping mall, it’s an ideal place to grab a quick bite. With a straightforward menu, you’ll be enjoying your custom poke bowl in no time.

Five Star Poke

A quaint little food truck located at the corner of Kapuni Street and Kuhio Avenue. They craft quality poke bowls with sauces made from scratch.

How to Choose the Perfect Poke Bowl

Now you know where to look for the best poke in Waikiki, but how do you choose the perfect bowl? Let’s break down the anatomy of the glorious poke bowl. Here are a few factors that you should consider when choosing the best bowl regardless of the location.

Freshness

First, you must visually inspect the appearance of the fish and toppings to determine its freshness. Look for bright colors and a firm texture in the fish. If the fish seems dull or sloppy, it is most likely not fresh. Avoid eating the poke if it looks to be slimy or has a strong smell of ammonia.

• Base

The base is what you will have at the bottom of your bowl. These days, you can choose from rice, green salad, or in some instances, even zucchini noodles. If you are looking for a lighter option, you might choose from the latter two bases.

Protein

The most popular choice for protein is ahi tuna, which has the mildest flavor profile. Other choices may include but are not limited to salmon, shrimp and octopus. For those who prefer a plant-based option, you may have the choice of tofu or egg, depending on the shop’s availability.

Sauce

When choosing a sauce, a good rule of thumb is to balance the taste in accordance with the flavor profile of your protein. For a leaner protein, such as ahi tuna, opt for a richer sauce such as spicy mayo or sesame-based dressing. Protein with a fatty flavor profile, like salmon, pairs well with lighter sauces like ponzu or a citrus-based sauce.

Toppings

Toppings come in all shapes and sizes, but it all depends on your taste. Similar to choosing a sauce, it is advisable to pair contrasting textures and flavors with your toppings. If you are a traditionalist, diced cucumber, green onion, and furikake is the way to go. Add a bit of crunch to your bowl with garlic chips, onion crisps, or sesame seeds.

If you fancy a spicier palate, you may want to add chili pepper flakes, chili oil, or wasabi.

Conclusion: Explore the Flavors of Waikiki Poke

Now you know about poke’s origins from being a simple snack prepared by Hawaiian fishermen to the cultural phenomenon it is today. You’ve also mastered the structure of a bowl and how to select the right ingredients. While you have many possible options for trying poke around the world, the dish holds a special place in Hawaii. It may seem like a trendy item for most around the world, however it is and always will be a staple in the Hawaiian diet. Give it a try and your inner foodie will thank you!