Keen to find out more about the poke salad bowl food trend in Singapore? From Fusionopolis to Telok Ayer, here's our list of poke restaurants in Singapore
When it comes to popular, obsessive food trends in Singapore, poke (pronounced as poh-kay) has definitely taken its hold on the food scene, especially amongst health-conscious fellows and the like. Originating from tropical Hawaii, the preparation of poke began when fishermen started flavouring the cut-offs from their catch – traditionally oily tuna or octopus, and relish them as a simple nibbles. Today, poke has spawned into various more-substantial adaptations – commonly as raw, seasoned fish salad (you listening, sashimi addicts?) served with your choice of rice or greens. So if you’re planning to make a switch to a healthier lifestyle for good, or you have those days where you simply wanna take a break from sinful guilty pleasures, here’s our round up of six places in Singapore that serve some good ol’ poke. Not too late to hop on the bandwagon!
Aloha Poké – Editor’s Pick
As authentic as it gets
While Hawaiian sun, sand and surf might be an ocean away, traditional Hawaiian fare makes its way to the CBD at Aloha Poké. Founded by two Singaporean couples that were bitten by the Poké bug while vacationing in Hawaii, this casual, colourful eatery specialises in the traditional Hawaiian raw fish salad. Here, you can either try its signature poke bowls or design your very own tasty bowl by picking your choice of house-marinated poke (Ahi tuna, salmon and vegetarian), two complimentary add-ons, and one superfood from its comprehensive selection.
Aloha Poke, 92 Amoy Street, Singapore 069911. p. 6221 6165. Open Mon-Sat 11.30am-2.30pm & 5.30pm-late.
A Poke Theory
Perfect for big and picky eaters
This poke joint in Telok Ayer allows you to fully customise your Hawaiian poke bowl with a vast selection of fresh ingredients, including crispy salmon skin, Thai mango, kimchi and pineapple – great for picky eaters like us! The raw fish here come with an addictively piquant selection of sauces too, including spicy mayo, garlic sesame and avocado miso. And instead of Japanese sushi rice or crunchy romaine lettuce, you can even switch your base to a nutty lemon herb quinoa. Wanna hear more? Check out our review for A Poke Theory. Oh, and if you’re not in a poke mood, their creamy, cleansing Superfood Smoothie bowls will perk you up just as well.
A Poke Theory, 27 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069623. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm; Sat 10am-4pm. Closed on Sun.
Katto
A budget-friendly spot
Looking for a wholesome lunch that doesn’t have to break the bank? Then pop by this poke joint that’s nestled in Fusionopolis and get fixed up with its unique, affordable poke bowls. Flavours are exotically Asian here; try the chicken rice chilli salmon bowl or savour Thai spices in the tangy Thai tuna bowl. Feeling famished? Get its full size bowl for just $12.90. Otherwise, you can opt for the mini size that goes for a pocket-friendly $7.90.
Katto, 1 Fusionopolis Place, #01-21 Galaxis Building, Singapore 138522. Open Mon-Fri 11am-8pm; Sat 11am-2pm. Closed on Sun.
Sprout
Other than rice…
Sprout proves that healthy food can taste hella good. This Duxton Road resto serves your garden variety salads, including poké-inspired salad bowls. Instead of using rice, its poke-inspired salad bowls come with healthy, filling, energy-packed carbs like buckwheat noodles, quinoa and pearl couscous, to help you stave off those 4pm hunger pangs. Go Asian with the Japanese salmon bowl or the Korean chicken bowl, or pick something less conventional like the Moroccan chicken bowl or the ahi poke bowl. You’ll also find plenty of dietary options here, including gluten-, dairy-, and meat-free varieties to cater to all foodies.
Sprout, 41 Duxton Road, Singapore 089505. Open Mon-Fri 10am-8.30pm, Sat 11am-7pm. Closed on Sun.
Rollie Olie
Poke with an Asian twist
Tucked within the hip vicinity of Pasarbella Suntec, Rollie Olie is an Asian fusion restaurant that serves made-to-order sushi rolls, as well as other creations including juicy, dense, sauce-slathered poke bowls. From Wild About Wasabi and Thai Twist, to Seoul Surfer and Yuzu Bliss, these tantalising Asian flavours add a dose of diversity to the poke scene – a stand-out from the competition, if you ask us. And to enhance your poke experience even further, opt for its flavoursome tea-infused rice as the base!
Rollie Olie,#01-K42, PasarBella Suntec, Suntec City Mall, North Wing, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983, p. 8188 1531. Open daily 11.30am-10pm
Dapper Coffee
A unique poke bowl that’s perfect for photo opps
Tucked away in a nondescript corner of Amoy Street, this stylish cafe serves up an intriguing array of beverages and treats. But what catches our attention is its Dapper poke don – certainly not your typical cafe grub, this one! Made up of squid ink rice, raw tuna and avocado, as well as caramelised egg yolk, you can’t get a poke bowl that’s as peculiar as this. It also comes in a ceramic bowl – a plus point for presentation!
Dapper Coffee, 73 Amoy Street, Singapore 069892, p. 8722 495. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.
