OK, poké (pokay) is a little pretentious and fashionable in SE Asia right now. But it is still very delicious. And perhaps after some months in Malaysia, where it is next to impossible to find not-unhealthy food (another blog post about that soon!) it seemed even more satisfying. But anyway, I would thoroughly recommend trying these bowls out.
What is it / are they? Poké is a Hawaiian mixed salad with Japanese influence. (There is a large Japanese community in Hawaii, as some of you probably know.) It is made with raw fish, traditionally tuna, with sauces and chopped veggies and fruits added. I think Poké was originally a starter, but today's global outlet bowls are usually served on rice, and are large enough for a main meal. The Poké here in SE Asia tends to involve a choice of standard fish/protein with marinade, rice, salad leaves, and then a whole range of veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds to top it. Vegetarians can opt for tofu instead of fish. All these items are picked using a tick-sheet, which you hand in to the cashier. And if you can opt for a decent, chemical-free, sauce to go on top, it's a pretty healthy meal!
Here are two outlets I've visited in SE Asia:
Aloha Poke, Singapore
Pros: VERY delicious! Not least because the fish marinades were so flavourful you didn't require additional dressing. All bowls include lime, though you can choose another dressing if you want it. I had wasabi salmon and upsized to add peppered tuna. The other toppings were fairly standard and to my taste: avocado, fish roe, edamame, seaweed, pineapple etc. Good quality ingredients.
Cons: Avocado (which you pay extra for) was just a small ice-cream scoop of mashed fruit. Service was surly.
Price: SGD16.90/ MYR50.22/ GBP9.27 / USD12.84 (upsized, with two proteins + avocado)
Seating: yes.
Branch I visited: Aloha Poke, Citylink Mall by City Hall MRT, 1 Raffles Link, #B1-65, Singapore 039393
http://www.alohapoke.com.sg/
The Fish Bowl, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Pros: Also tasty, but given the difference in price, a very good deal! You also pay extra for avocado, but it's a generous portion and well worth it. The usual toppings are here with more nuts and seeds to pick from at no extra cost. Sweet/sour mango is tasty. Nice friendly team serving you.
Cons: You need to pick the more flavoursome ingredients / toppings here to avoid a slightly bland experience. The bowl comes undressed, and the optional dressings include some unhealthy (and I suspect chemical!) options, so choose carefully! Fish roe was poor quality (processed?) Again, given the reasonable price here, one just needs to choose well; the other ingredients are fresh and healthy.
Price: SGD7.37 / MYR21.90 / GBP4.04 / USD5.60 (for one protein + avocado. To upsize for extra protein and toppings costs an additional MYR6.00)
Seating: four small tables, but larger groups can use the general food hall seating area.
Branch I visited: The Fish Bowl, Pavilion mall food hall (between Papa Rich and Beard Papa!) Level 1, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
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