Poh-kay? Poh-keh? Poh-kee? However you pronounce it, one thing is certain: poke bowls are super delicious and super popular! They now even have their own holiday - International Poke Day celebrated on 28 September. If you’re wondering about the origin of this dish and why there’s been so much hype around it for the last few years, read on:

To begin with, poke is raw fish and it hails from Hawaii - it’s also the Hawaiian word for ‘slice or to cut crosswise into small pieces.’ There it’s known as the ‘King of Island Foods’ and nicknamed ‘Hawaii’s burger’. According to Poki Bowl, the tradition of poke started when fishermen would season the off-cuts from their daily catch and eat it as a raw snack. In essence, it’s similar to the Japanese sashimi, but rather than cut into slivers, it’s cut into small pieces. In Hawaiian culture, poke is traditionally served as an appetiser or snack, and while yellowfin tuna is a very common Halaal fish used, other seafood options include salmon, red snapper, and octopus.

Besides being delicious, because the main ingredients are vegetables and fish, poke is also considered a healthier food choice. Healthline writes that ‘some of the most common vegetables used in poke are avocado, garlic, onion, and carrots, which are full of vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants, all of which support overall health. And fish is a good source of protein and unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain function, heart health, and reducing inflammation.’ However, they caution that as the other ingredient in the bowl often tends to be rice, it’s a good idea to swap the white rice for brown or other healthier options like quinoa, barley or cauliflower rice.

Rest assured, you don’t have to go to a restaurant to enjoy a poke bowl, you can make your very own at home - it’s quick and easy. The Michelin guide recommends getting your hands on 500 grams of sashimi-grade tuna and cutting it into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, a tablespoon of oyster sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil, a teaspoon of minced garlic, a handful of chopped green onions, and whatever other condiments you feel like using. Whisk it all together and marinate the tuna cubes for an hour in the fridge, and voila - fresh and delicious poke.

Here’s to Halaal fish in all its delectable forms! And if you’re in need of any fish or wholesale meat products, remember to call N1 - your Cape Town Meat Wholesalers extraordinaire.

Bon Appétit!