Both Hawaiian poke and sushi are centuries-old dishes from ancient, seafood-loving cultures. They both involve fresh ingredients, raw fish straight from the sea, and chefs who expertly combine delicate flavors. While Japanese flavors, like soy sauce, ginger, and green onion have influenced poke in recent years, poke remains a distinct Hawaiian dish.

The best place to find it is at a restaurant specializing in traditional Hawaiian food. And the best place to get poke in Honolulu, Hawaii, is Da Hawaiian Poke Company.

What Is Sushi?

Many times, people think sushi and raw fish are interchangeable. Raw fish is a traditional, popular topping for sushi, but the term refers to the Japanese way of preparing and serving vinegared rice topped or rolled with numerous ingredients. 

There are many varieties of serving sushi, from nigiri, or a finger-length slice of fish atop a small bed of rice, to maki rolls. Sushi has become so popular around the world that today, not every piece involves seafood or raw fish. Varieties include vegetables, tropical fruits, fried shrimp, and meats, like steak or chicken.

What Is Hawaiian poke?

Unlike the raw fish of sushi served in small bite-sized rolls or on top of a small bed of rice, Hawaiian poke is a raw fish salad served in a bowl with a variety of flavorings and toppings. The dish began with fishermen seasoning the cut-offs of their catch to eat for a snack. Ahi poke is traditional and is mixed with Hawaiian salt, seaweed, and inamona, or a Hawaiian paste made with roasted kukui nut.

Hawaiian poke can also be made with shrimp, octopus, and any other seafood with a variety of flavor combinations. Poke lends itself to experimentation, and today, you can find all kinds of variations using tofu, cooked meats, and lobster.

At Da Hawaiian Poke Company, you can choose from the crafted poke bowls, or build your own bowl at their “Aloha Your Way” poke bar. Choose a protein, a flavor combination, and whichever toppings you want. All poke bowls from Da Hawaiian Poke Company are served on top of a bed of steamed rice or fresh greens and creamy wasabi dressing.

Da Hawaiian Poke Company uses only the best ingredients to create their poke: fresh, line-caught ahi, limu (seaweed), freshly-made tofu and only vegetables grown by local farmers. Just one look at their menu will make your mouth water. For more information, visit the website, or call (808) 425-4954 to make a reservation.