But what is poke we hear many of you ask? Poke (pronounced poke-ay) is a traditional Hawaiian dish of diced raw fish, and the name derives from the Hawaiian verb “to slice” or “cut crosswise into pieces”. The dish is traditionally served as either an appetizer or main course and is one of the principal dishes of native Hawaiian cuisine. Classically the dish is made with skipjack tuna or octopus, but nowadays ahi poke made from yellowfin tuna is an increasingly popular choice and raw salmon is a commonly used substitute in UK variations of the dish.
On the tropical islands of Hawaii the traditional condiments served with the uncooked fish include sea salt, candlenut, seaweed and limu but as the dish has infiltrated mainland North America restaurants have begun adding a variety of other ingredients. The modern poke bowl has developed a different presentation style too with the toppings served in groups rather than mixed all together, thus creating an all too pleasing Instagram aesthetic. Similarly unlike the traditional version, the fish is rarely pre-marinated but instead topped with sauces according to consumers’ requests. Contemporary poke outposts are usually fast and casual in their style, serving customers bespoke or pre-made bowls with toppings that can include anything from avocado to mushrooms, crispy onions, pickles, cucumber, mango, pineapple, and kimchi. Sauces generally include a choice of ponzu, siracha, teriyaki and soy.
Whilst the dish derives originally from Hawaii its seasonings have been heavily influenced by Japanese and other Asian cuisines. Furthermore, it’s often compared to European fish carpaccio or fish tartare, Korean hoedeopbap (marinated raw tuna served over ice) and Peruvian ceviche. Whilst the inclusion of rice to the bowls has led diners to describe the it as a kind of deconstructed Japanese sushi it actually bares stronger resemblance to a Japanese dish called Donburi that combines cured fish with avocado (and sometimes other toppings).
Whatever the origins of the dish or whatever it has become, a poke bowl makes for a delicious and nutritious lunch option and Londoners have welcomed its arrival with hungry abandon. Places serving it are still somewhat limited, but undoubtedly growing in demand. Here’s a list of all the best poke London places we know of so far to help you get your raw fish fix.
Poke House
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What: Poke House is a globally popular franchise, with locations everywhere from Alexandria to Valencia. Now, there are quite a few in London, including a brand new St Paul's site, ideal for City slickers who love poké. This autumn, a new bowl has hit the menu, packed with mood-boosting ingredients. It's called the 'sea kiss' and it's the UK's first octopus bowl. We've tried it and absolutely love it; a punchy mix of octopus, potato, edamame, fresh tomato, jalapeno, avocado, rice, ginger oil, sesame seeds and parsley.
How much: £12.95
Where: Various locations
Island Poké
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What: London’s largest poke suppliers Island Poké currently has six sites in the capital; Broadgate Circle, Bank, Canary Wharf, Great Titchfield Street, Kingly Street and Shoreditch. Each venue has its own unique charm, and most are open from breakfast through to dinner. Choose between a DIY bowl and one of the house designs – look out for their special collaborative bowls with different chefs and restaurants. Don’t fancy raw fish first thing in the morning? Fear not, the brand has replicated the ‘build your own’ concept with a choice of of acai, yoghurt, smoothie and porridge bowls perfect for breakfast or brunch.
How much: Build your own bowl, £8.85
Where: Various locations
Polu Poké
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What: Polu poke claims to be one of the first brands to bring the Hawaiian delicacy to London after observing its huge popularity in LA. After successful appearances in many of London’s thriving food markets, Selfridges and Soho House wanted a piece of the action so they duly popped up there too! The team now have two permanent sites in Fitzrovia and Bishopsgate and draw in queues of people at lunchtime for one of their flavoursome bowls or ‘Pokérito’ rolls (all the joy of a bowl but designed for munching on the move).
How much: Small £6.95/ large £10.45
Where: 117 Worship Street, EC2A 2BA; 1 Charlotte Place, Fitzrovia, W1T 1SA
Honi Poke
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What: Inspired by a holiday to Hawaii, Honi offers customers the choice of five colourful signature bowls as well as the build-your-own option. The brand claims to offer more bowl combinations than anywhere else and boasts a wide range of vegan bowls too, including a popular Korean BBQ pulled “pork” bowl which utilises jackfruit as a meat substitute. Find Honi sites in Soho, Fenchurch, Marylebone and Hammersmith – all with the option to eat in or takeaway.
How much: Build your own bowl, £8.85
Where: Various locations
Tombo, Poké & Matcha Bar
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What: This Japanese brand currently owns three sites in the capital – South Kensington, Fitzrovia and Soho – and each serves a menu largely focused on poké, ramen and donburi. There’s not a DIY option with the poké here as such, but diners can choose a base of sushi rice or courgette noodles to accompany their bowl of choice and additional toppings are available for an extra cost. Signature highlights include Kyoto Kaisen – a combo of salmon and tuna sashimi with cirtrus ponzu, avocado and crispy shallots and Okinawa Green – fried tofu with sesame soy, seaweed salad, sweet roquito peppers and pineapple. All the poké bowls are served Japanese style with edamame, spring onion and slaw.
How much: Kyoto Kaisen £9.95 out/ £11.95 in.
Where: Various locations
Maki and Bowl
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What: Sticking with the DIY concept but adding some of their own contemporary twists, Maki & Bowl offer the choice of a poké bowl, maki roll or salad. From the protein options choose between a traditional fishy mix of salmon, tuna and king prawns or rip up the rulebook and select the chicken katsu strips with inari and avocado. Toppings and garnishes include all the usual suspects with occasional seasonal specials joining the foray. Rumour has it this Richmond favourite has plans for expansion so stay tuned for new site(s) incoming.
How much: Build your own bowl for £7.80
Where: 1 Bridge Street, Richmond, TW9 1TQ
Lords of Poké
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What: Young friends Marty and Tom started out with a food truck the #Chaatwagon – which still roams KERB markets across London – but now have two permanent sites in Paddington Central and Camden Market where they have become renowned for their signature poké bowls which they describe as Hawaiian sushi salads with California inspired extras. Toppings are colourful and fresh with plenty of pickled and raw veg for optimum gut-health and zesty flavour!
How much: Build your own bowl £8.50
Where: Unit 1, 2 Kingdom St, W2 6BD; Unit 34B, Camden Lock Pl, Camden Town, NW1 8AF
Crazy about seafood? Check out our list of the best fish and seafood restaurants in London.