Is Poke Japanese or Hawaiian? Your Ultimate Guide

Fresh raw fish, piles of veggies, a sweet and savory sauce, and a perfectly cooked mound of rice – is your mouth watering yet? This incredible combination of ingredients makes up what we now know as poke.

But where did this poke trend come from? Is poke Japanese? Or Hawaiian?

Poke has an interesting past that explains why it’s sometimes considered Japanese and sometimes Hawaiian. Keep reading to learn the true origins of poke.

Is Poke Hawaiian?

The short answer to this question is – yes! Poke started in Hawaii many years before it showed up on the streets of Brooklyn, San Francisco, and Chicago.

The original poke cuisine consisted of fresh raw fish seasoned with salt and mixed with seaweed or local nuts. The fish was usually some type of small reef fish that fisherman could catch offshore. This version of poke was simple and consisted of only a few ingredients.

But as time went on, the poke cuisine grew in popularity and transformed as it travelled.

Is Poke Japanese?

In the late 1800s, Japanese fisherman began working off the islands. They brought their Japanese flavors to the poke experience. They typically used ahi tuna along with traditional Asian seasonings like soy and ginger.

While you can find poke at some Japanese restaurants, the food is not authentically Japanese. Instead, they use Japanese-inspired flavors and ingredients to make poke fusion dishes that are to die for.

Traditional Poke vs New Age Poke

Poke has come a long way since ancient Hawaii. The traditional raw fish, limu, and chopped kukui nuts recipe for poke can still be found in Hawaii but most other poke restaurants offer a more modern version.

Today you will usually see poke on a menu as a “poke bowl” which includes the fish, rice, and a number of fruits or vegetables. Restaurants like Steve’s Poke Bar serve signature bowls and feature a make your own bowl option.

On a poke menu, you will see ingredients like avocado, mango, corn, carrots, edamame, seaweed salad, kimchi, and fried garlic. You will also see a number of different protein options including salmon, scallops, and tuna. You can mix and match ingredients to create your very own poke experience.

New age poke cuisine has also expanded beyond bowls. You can find delicious renditions of poke on top of nachos or inside a taco! And while these dishes have strayed pretty far from the Hawaiian roots, they are quite tasty nonetheless.

It’s Poke Time

So if you and your friends have been sitting around wondering, is poke Japanese or Hawaiian, you now have your answer. And even though poke is originally Hawaiin, it doesn’t mean that the Asian inspired poke cuisine isn’t equally as delicious.

If you haven’t yet tried poke, you’re missing out! It’s full of rich flavors and fresh ingredients that you are sure to love.

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