Consuming fast food is an integral part of living in Dubai, a world ridden with crazy work schedules and fast-paced social scenes. When we think of fast food, we think “greasy”, “unhealthy”, or “junk”. But we also think of “comfort”. That is where the poke bowl fits in. See, fast food doesn’t have to be any of the former things, but it can certainly be comforting, fresh, and mindful. It can also be your own – customizability is an essential feature of dining – be it in the restaurant or delivered to your doorstep.
The UAE’s first poke bowl joint, Poke Poke, saw its inception in Dubai in 2017, but the dish originates from Hawai’i in the 1970s. Designed with respect and care, the bowls at Poke Poke lace the taste buds with freshness and striking flavour. Although the bowl traditionally included ingredients like raw fish, seaweed and nuts, Poke Poke bowls adopt a modern mentality and are fully customizable, welcoming in sauces and garden-fresh vegetables like tomatoes, spring onions and edamame. Inclusivity is crucial to them, as they even have a vegan option to cater to the people who prefer plant-based options.
So, who is Poke Poke? UAE’s first poke place was founded to fix the gap in the market for healthy and affordable options for fast food locally. With wellness being a top priority, Poke Poke was born. They understood that healthy options for food always had to compromise, either on quality to accommodate for affordability, or vice versa. Their mission was to introduce poke bowls to the UAE as being a no-brainer meal, deliciously fresh and light on the wallet.
Quality is in the details –fresh Norwegian salmon, internationally-sourced and locally ripened Grade Aavocados, premium chicken and meats, specially made gluten-free tamari sauce, and unique flavours from yuzu juice, quinoa and truffle oils. With Dubai being a culturally rich food hub, Poke Poke names their signature bowls as an ode to global poke hotspots such as California, New York, Australia and Hawai’i. If you’re feeling creative yourself, building your own poke bowl with them is simple. Pick a base and a protein, choose a gluten-free marinade to add a kick, top it with veggies and nuts for crunch, and finish off with zesty sauces to build flavour.
The fun doesn’t end at poke! For the adventure-seekers for their meals, there is a secret menu at Poke Poke. Among a selection of unique dishes, they offer their intricately sculpted Avo Toast if asked (nicely), which is made with deep respect to the simplicity yet wholesomeness to the famous dish.
Want to know more? Visit www.pokepoke.com or follow @PokePokeUae on Instagram.
