11 need-to-know fun facts about poke

Who doesn’t love some fresh poke? After all, this raw fish dish is a top favorite not just in Hawaii but around the world. Let’s dive into some 13 must-know fun facts about poke:

1. Poke originates from Hawaii

Poke is from ancient Hawaii, where fishermen would cut their fresh catch into small pieces, seasoning it with sea salt and limu (seaweed). The salt preserved the fish and allowed them to enjoy it right after a day on the water.

2. It’s pronounced poh-keh

Not “po-kee.” Enough said.

3. Poke means “to slice” in Hawaiian

More specifically, it means to “cut crosswise into pieces,” which describes the traditional preparation method. Unlike sashimi — where the fish is sliced — poke is diced into bite-sized chunks, giving it a distinctive texture.

4. Poke has Japanese influence

In the 19th century, Japanese immigrants brought their own cuisine to Hawaii, introducing now-staple like shoyu (soy sauce) and sesame oil. These ingredients transformed poke into the fusion of Hawaiian and Japanese yumminess we enjoy today.

5. Poke is a way of life in Hawaii

Here is Hawaii, poke is everywhere — from grocery stores to fish markets to local eateries to food trucks. It’s a part of daily life, and often included in plate lunches alongside rice and macaroni salad, making it the most popular and beloved dish for both locals and visitors.

6. It has widespread global popularity

In recent years, poke has made its way around the world, with poke shops and restaurants in nearly every country. Not all poke you’ll find outside of Hawaii is authentic, but to be fair sometimes you’ll find it in unusual places that put their own twist.

7. Ingredients galore!

While ahi tuna is the most common fish used in poke, there’s no shortage of variety. You’ll find salmon, octopus (“tako”), shrimp, tofu, and more, with toppings like avocado, edamame, cucumber, seaweed, spicy mayo, and sesame seeds.

8. Endless varieties

There are more than 100 combinations of poke! Traditional versions include shoyu (soy sauce) poke, Hawaiian-style, and spicy ahi poke. Modern takes might include ingredients like kimchee scallop, miso, wasabi pistachio, the list goes on…

9. Poke festivals

That’s right: poke festivals, including the Kauai Poke Festival and the I Love Poke Festival in San Diego, bring together chefs and home cooks to show off their poke creations. Usually there’s a contest.

10. Health benefits

Poke is also healthy. Ahi is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which promotes heart health and overall wellness. It’s also low fat and low calories, and often combined with fresh veggies and light seasonings.

11. Poke nachos, anyone?

As poke continues to take over the planet, we’re now seeing dishes like poke nachos, poke salad, and poke burritos. Just a few examples of how poke is being reimagined in creative ways!

Image credits: Nicole Goulart, Lucia Gherra, Sebastian Doll, Manel & Sean, Monarch Poke, Umekes, Hale I’a Fish House, Tamura’s