Have you tried pokè? There’s been a pokè phase lately, but not the one you think. Rest assured, it has nothing do to with those virtual little furry friends that have invaded your smartphone (and possibly your social life).
Hailing from the island of Hawaii, pokè (pronounced POH-keh) is a customizable raw-fish dish. It is essentially deconstructed sushi in a bowl. Yes, it’s 2016 and officially the year of the bowl (burrito bowl, smoothie bowl, macro bowl…the list goes on).
With pokè bowls, raw fish is diced and marinated in oil (often soy or sesame oil), and then added to your choice of veggies, seaweed and/or rice. It has the childlike fun of make-your-own dish, with the added benefit of being healthy and, affordable.
The trend has made it’s way to Aussie shores in the form of Fishbowl, Bondi’s first pokè dedicated restaurant. You can choose from glass noodles, carrots or cabbage as a base if you want to steer clear of plain rice. Toppings include, but are not limited to, avocado, edamame, seaweed and beetroot. They even have toasted coconut if you’re feeling particularly adventurous. With a slogan like “everything will be pOKe”, it’s safe to say a good sense of humour and solid food-stagraming skills are a must when you visit.
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself state-side, mecca of the pokè explosion, there are many places to try out. L.A has a plethora of “pokè Shops” along the coast, so you’ll be sure to get your fix wherever you go:
The Big Apple also has plenty of fish on offer, and pokè bowls are popping up in restaurants across manhattan.
With spring (or autumn) poking it’s head (see what we did there?) just a couple of months away, we like to know we’ve got some tasty options available for when we want to give the soups a rest. Bon apetit!