When someone in the food industry offers you poke bowls, they are not being unkind or making fun of you. They simply aim to provide you with a nutritious meal. If you’re seeking an alternative to sushi or ceviche, consider this Hawaiian delicacy featuring marinated raw fish.
Due to its versatility and customisable balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, the poke dish has gained worldwide popularity today. The colourful and flavorful world of poke is the perfect place to find a taste of Hawaii in the busy city of the United Kingdom.
Now, we will guide you through some of the best poke bowls in the UK, including a comprehensive list of top-rated restaurants. Whether you are craving something traditional or something innovative, these restaurants are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
What is a poke bowl?
The poke bowl is a traditional Hawaiian dish consisting of uncooked fish slices or cubes served over a bed. It includes a variety of fillings, vegetables, fruits like avocado, dressings, seasonings, and sauces. With their fresh aroma and customizable nature, they have gained popularity in recent years, owing to their deep roots in Japanese cuisine. In addition, for those looking for a healthy and flavorful option, poke is a good option.
What’s behind the Poke Bowl Craze?
In a large number of cities, including London, Los Angeles, and Paris, poke has become most popular now. Poke is a fantastic option for on-the-go eating because customers are constantly searching for quick and simple meals. Plus, it is a healthy dish that individuals can feel good about eating.
The poke trend is gaining popularity in restaurants because it is more affordable than other fast casual food options. Furthermore, they offer this food at the lowest price to appeal to foodies on a budget. However, most of the poke bowl restaurants scale up to premium price points. They can highlight the taste of freshly caught fish and the creative culinary skills of skilled chefs.
Best Poke Bowls in the UK: Top 10 Places You Must Try
With the increasing demand for a plate of poke, numerous restaurants across the UK have started offering their unique takes on this Hawaiian classic. Here’s a list of the top 10 places you must try for the best poke bowls in the UK, each bringing something different to the table.
You will surely find something on this list that will satisfy your craving for top-notch poke places in London, United Kingdom.
This Spot: Core Features at a Glance
- Wide variety of fresh and healthy ingredients
- Authentic Hawaiian flavours
- Customization options
- Convenient locations
- Both online ordering and delivery services are available.
Negi & Nori
Negi and Nori is a top-notch poke bowls restaurant in the UK that offers a wide range of poke options, such as Sake Poke, Spicy Ahi Poke, Chicken Poke, Tofu Poke, and Duck Poke for its customers. The restaurant stands out in London’s poke scene for its commitment to sensation and quality. Besides, it offers a unique blend of traditional Hawaiian cuisine with Asian-inspired savour, making each bowl a culinary delight. In Negi & Nori, customers can eat halal and authentic food, as well as vegan poké and vegetarian dishes that suit a variety of dietary requirements. In addition, the atmosphere at the place is casual and family-friendly, making it a most welcoming space and something for everyone.
What Things Make Negi & Nori Special?
- High-quality fish and vegetables
- Generous portions and premium ingredients
- The menu offers a wide variety of options, including healthy ones.
- Great atmosphere and welcoming staff
It enables customers to construct their bowls.
Ahi Poké
Ahi Poke is the most popular Hawaiian restaurant located in London, UK. Their concept is uncomplicated because they provide fresh, high-quality produce at an affordable cost. There are a variety of services and features to ensure a great dining experience, including outdoor seating, delivery, takeout, and dine-in. Additionally, there is a casual atmosphere here, making it an ideal place for groups, families, and individuals.
Which Things Make Ahi Poké Special?
- Fresh and tasty poke meals.
- Serving portions are large.
- Staff who are kind and attentive
- There are numerous options available to accommodate a variety of dietary requirements.
Honi Poké
In our list, Honi Poke is another popular poke bar in London, United Kingdom, which offers healthy and delicious bowls. In these establishments, you can get five signature pokes that serve up a choice of tuna, salmon, tofu, and octopus.
Which Things Make Honi Poke Special?
- Enjoy the food and Luis’s amazing service.
- The staff is friendly, and the food is delicious.
- This place offers some of the finest poke bowls in the UK.
Island Poké
Island Poke brings a slice of Hawaiian paradise to London with its traditional poke dish and a few creative twists. It stands out for its ingredients and delicious aroma. It is well-known for its colourful and fresh food and has several locations throughout London. With their classic ahi, a dish of ahi tuna shoyu with sushi rice, you can taste this freshness.
Which Things Make Island Poké Special?
- Every plate of poke offers a taste of Hawaii.
- There is always something new to try.
- Good location with outdoor seating
- A variety of options to enjoy
- It meets a range of dietary requirements and preferences.
Poke House
In London, The Poke House offers a variety of service options, including outdoor seating, take-out, and dining in. They provide wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating, with a focus on accessibility. Customers can enjoy one of the best poke bowls in the UK with healthy options including vegan options and vegetarian choices, as well as refreshing alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, this restaurant’s casual atmosphere makes it more welcoming to a variety of groups and family-friendly.
Which Things Make Poke House Special?
- Hawaiian platter with lots of options that are tasty and made with fresh garnish.
- There is plenty of tasty fish and substantial amounts of protein.
- Friendly and prompt service is provided in a pleasant atmosphere.
- The bowls of poke evoke a sense of California.
Tombo
If you are looking for the best poke bowls in the UK, Tombo is another option to choose. With an infusion of Japanese ingredients and a seamless blending of classic Hawaiian recipes, this exotic eatery lets you order amazing blends of this delicious cuisine. And the best part of this tombo poke bar is that serving styles include generous pieces of fish and appetisers like kimchi. Besides, you can get a Tokyo classic poke bowl that includes a fresh, delicious mix of salmon sashimi with soy, nori, and sesame seeds.
Which Things Make Tombo Special?
- This delicious signature Tokyo classic poke bowl is made with high-quality ingredients.
- Numerous customisable options.
- Friendly staff provide excellent customer service.
Poke Shack
Poke Shack is a well-known Hawaiian restaurant in the UK that offers a variety of services, including curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, and more. The atmosphere in the place is casual, making it an excellent place to eat when you want to relax.
Which Things Make Poke Shack Special?
- Ingredients that are fresh and delicious
- Outstanding service to customers
- Fast and effective options for delivery
- Healthy food options
Maui Poke
Maui Poke serves some of the most authentic Hawaiian poke that London has to offer. For this reason, it is the perfect place for poke enthusiasts of all skill levels to go. You can find one of the best poke bowls here, which include tried-and-true traditional-style bowls and unique combinations such as teriyaki tofu and huli huli chicken. They also include a specially made crunch mix in all of their bowls, giving each bite an enticing contrast of textures.
Which Things Make Maui Poke Special?
- Poke bowls that are tasty, fresh, and satisfying, with options for vegetarians and vegans alike.
- Despite its busy schedule, the restaurant has a wonderful ambience and quick service.
- We promptly rectify errors and provide a small extra as a token of appreciation.
Maki & Bowl
When you are searching for the finest poke bowls in the UK, Maki & Bowl may be a good choice. This is due to their ability to create beautiful bowls using fresh and high-quality ingredients. They can also serve these bowls right in your office using a pop-up menu. The best part is that you can customise your bowl by selecting your base, greens, protein, sauces, and other complements.
Which Things Make Maki & Bowl Special?
- One of the finest poke in London offers a delectable combination of fresh ingredients, expertly balanced.
- The outside and interior are spotless, and there is an amazing assortment of fresh ingredients.
- Large portions and plenty of fillings.
- The dining experience was enhanced by the friendly service.
SushiDog
If you value the taste as much as the appearance of your poke, then Sushidog is the place to go. People visit Sushidog repeatedly due to their unique sushi burritos. Sushidog is most popular due to its Ha-Tuna Matata, which is a perfectly balanced poke bowl with ahi tuna.
Which Things Make SushiDog Special?
- The lively ambience makes it a wonderful spot for a casual meal with friends.
- With each bowl, fresh, high-quality ingredients are combined to ensure a delicious, healthy meal.
- It offers a fun and flavorful poke experience.
Why Are Poke Bowls So Popular In The UK?
The popularity of poke dishes in London, United Kingdom, can be attributed to a variety of factors. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the reasons behind the popularity of poke bowls, including:
- To begin with, the ingredients of this dish are fresh, flavorful, and suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences and tastes.
- It offers a healthy and delicious option for those individuals seeking a nutritious meal. It prioritises premium seafood and colourful vegetables.
- Diners can also customise the dish to suit their specific tastes thanks to its customisable nature.
- The dish often blends flavours from different cuisines, mainly Hawaiian and additional Japanese style and Asian, that create a unique taste experience.
- Finally, poke bowls are popular among Londoners due to their convenience and portability.
What To Consider When Eating Poke Bowls In The UK?
There are several things to consider when eating the best poke bowls in the UK. It is essential to make sure that the experience is tasty, secure, and joyful. Here are some factors that you should consider before enjoying this dish:
Quality & Freshness
When eating a poke bowl, the most important factor is the freshness of the fish and other ingredients. So look for places that source high-quality and fresh fish.
Reputation & Reviews
Before starting to eat poke, check online reviews on these establishments and look for positive feedback regarding the fish’s freshness and customer service.
Variety & Customization Options
The best poke bowl restaurants will offer a variety of bases, proteins, and toppings. Therefore, search for places that allow you to build your bow.
Dietary Considerations
Whether you have any allergies, check the ingredient list first. Also, ensure that restaurants have appropriate options and avoid allergen-based foods.
Price
Poke bowl prices can vary, particularly in London, United Kingdom, where dining can be costly. So to get good value for your money, check the portion sizes and compare pricing.
Conclusion
Choosing the best poke bowls in the UK often comes down to personal preference. Besides factors such as ingredient freshness, customization options, sustainability, and overall dining experience play a crucial role in making each meal memorable. In addition, among the top 10 places for poke bowls, Negi & Nori stands out for its high-quality foods, authenticity, and customer satisfaction, making it the best place for any poke lover in London.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find poke bowls in the UK?
There has been a steady increase in the popularity of poke bowls in the UK over the past few years. Even now, it is offered at many different eateries, each with a special twist on the recipe. Therefore, you can find poke bowls at the best poke restaurants in the UK, trendy cafes, and some sushi & ramen restaurants. Some popular spots where you can enjoy Hawaiian dishes in London are Negi & Nori, Ahi Poke, Poke House, Honi Poke, Island More, etc.
What makes a poke bowl crunchy?
To make a poke bowl crunchy, you can add crunchy toppings like crispy onions, sesame seeds, and gallic chips. Other common choices include shredded nori, seafood-like flavours, and sweet furikake. Add the rice puffs and tempura flakes for even more crunch.
What sauces should I get for my poke bowl?
Usually, sauce is the magic behind a good poke bowl. Classic Hawaiian dressings, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, scallions, ponzu, or spicy miso, contribute to the dish’s heat. Whether each sauce serves a specific purpose. Therefore, you can get sauces that you may require.
How do I tell if a poke is good or bad?
Poke can be good or bad, depending on a few factors. For example, you can tell when a poke is harmful by looking at its appearance. You can also discern the quality of a poke by examining its aroma. Even when the raw fish is fresh, it consistently emits a fishy odour. So when poke starts to spoil, it will have an overwhelming foul and fishy odour.
Can I customise my Poke bowl?
Yes, most Poke restaurants, including Negi & Nori, allow custom orders. Therefore, based on your taste, you can usually choose your base, protein, vegetables, and toppings for a poke bowl.