Poke is such a versatile dish that it’s not unusual for it to reflect different types of cuisine and styles.About the restaurant: This sprawling, 9,000-square-foot restaurant with harbor views is conveniently located near the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. Historically, poke has its roots in early Polynesia, and it’s considered similar to Latin America’s ceviche and Tahiti’s poisson cru, where the fish is “cooked” with lime juice. Many cultures have their own versions of poke bowls, but dining on seasoned raw fish is not linked to any one geographic location. Where did the poke bowl originate?Ĭontestant Kepa Kruse's Deconstructed Poke, second place winner at Kauai Poke Fest 2023 - Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini

He encourages everyone to experiment with their poke recipes and enjoy how the textures and flavors intermingle to create truly unique variations. Today, poke is popular far beyond Hawaii and you’ll find other fish used, such as salmon and octopus, while seasonings often range from delicate and subtle to bold and fiery.Ĭhoy says that changing one single ingredient in a poke bowl can shift the balance of flavors entirely. Over the years, innovative chefs and creative culinary enthusiasts have added a wide variety of spices and seasonings, giving this dish some zest, heat, and crunch. Sometimes it’s accompanied by taro chips or crackers. What’s usually in a poke bowl?Īnatta's Twisted Thai Poke VersPeople's Poke Award - Photo courtesy of Marla CiminiĪ typical Hawaiian-style poke bowl features cubes of marinated sushi-grade ahi tuna over rice or salad, and a variation of the following toppings: sweet onions, soy sauce, limu (seaweed), and red chili pepper flakes. The festival also included a cooking demo by Chef Choy, Hawaiian entertainment, and 20 participants who made a multitude of delicious, innovative, and beautifully presented poke offerings - and served their dishes to over 800 poke-loving guests. The 2023 Kauai Poke Fest featured celebrity chef judges Ronnie Rainwater and Aarón Sánchez. You’ll find the simplest to the most innovative recipes.” Our festival is unique because it welcomes everyone - from home cooks to culinary experts - and you don’t need to own a restaurant to participate. Poke is essentially ‘Hawaii’s food’ and brings a taste of the islands to the rest of the world. Chef Choy explains, “I loved poke from a very young age and that’s why this annual poke festival means so much to me.

Ahi poki long beach