Give a big aloha to Hawaiian fish dish
Watch out, sushi, your flavorfully marinated little brother poke (pronounced poh-keh) is gaining popularity around town. The name of this traditional Hawaiian dish, consisting of raw fish smothered in a Japanese-inspired marinade, translates as “to chop” or “to slice” in reference to the cubed protein.
Poke is served in homes, at restaurants and even at supermarket deli counters across the Hawaiian islands, and now this refreshing and texturally exciting dish has jumped clear across the continent to say, “Aloha, Boston.” Poke shops have been popping up since last summer, with varieties that pay homage to authentic flavors and others that stretch far beyond. Here’s a recipe to try at home, or you can taste your way through different varieties from restaurants around the Hub.
Poke around town
Poke City
1722 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-945-2916
Customize your poke dreams with base options such as zoodles, rice, salad or a burrito wrap, add one of six proteins, an abundance of mix-ins and toppings, then dress it in one of Poke City’s eight sauce options. Or, if you feel indecisive, go for one of its Signature Bowls, such as Pineapple Salmon, with pineapple salsa, roasted seaweed, kani salad, kale, cucumber, furikake and sweet shoyu sauce. Manoa Poke Shop 300 Beacon St., Somerville, 617945-1042, www.manoa.fish
In true Hawaiian style, the menu at this authentic poke shop describes sizes in terms of scoops. The Regular Bowl comes with two scoops of poke, from six varieties, over a base such as rice, kale and quinoa or a sweet portuguese roll, and a side. Manoa has lighter side options such as seaweed salad, papaya salad or kim chee cucumber, but opt for traditional by ordering the mac salad. Pokeworks 261 Elm St., Somerville, 617-9961198, www.pokeworks.com
Choose from one of the popular poke bowl options at this international chain, or build your own in the form of a bowl, burrito or salad by choosing from seven proteins (including chicken and tofu), mix-in vegetables and herbs, sauces, additional toppings such as avocado or seaweed salad and crunchy bits for texture. New Sushi, Inc. 106 Cambridge St., 857-277-0981, www.newsushiboston.com
This sushi and poke stop offers signature Japanese-inspired burritos, or you can stuff up to three proteins, a sauce, up to four toppings and up to two crunch options inside sushi rice and roasted seaweed wrap, in a poke bowl or on a salad. Barlow’s Restaurant 241 A St., 617-338-2142, www. barlowsrestaurant.com
Stop by and try chef Eustace Wehner’s weekly poke bowl special that blends traditional Hawaiian flavors with Caribbean flair and Northeast sensibility. He understands that not everyone craves raw seafood, so keep an eye out for his poke bowl options topped with fully cooked seafood.