Poke, main dish from the United States: what it is and how it is eaten

Poke is a Hawaiian dish made from diced raw fish, usually tuna, mixed with seasonings like soy sauce, sea salt, onions, and seaweed. Traditionally eaten as a snack or main course, poke has roots in ancient Hawaii and has evolved to include many modern variations. It is now enjoyed both in Hawaii and across North America.

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Poke means 'to slice' in Hawaiian
Traditionally made with tuna, sea salt, inamona, and seaweed
Modern poke often includes soy sauce, onions, and sesame oil
Poke bowls are served over rice with customizable toppings
Annual poke festivals celebrate creative versions of the dish

What is Poke?

Poke is a dish from Hawaii featuring raw fish, most often tuna, cut into cubes and mixed with seasonings. The fish is combined with ingredients like sea salt, roasted kukui nut (inamona), seaweed (limu), and onions. Modern versions add soy sauce, sesame oil, and sometimes spicy sauces or mayonnaise. The dish is served cold, sometimes as a salad or over a bowl of rice. Poke can include other seafood, cooked or raw, and even non-fish options like tofu or imitation crab. Its flavor is fresh, savory, and can range from mild to spicy depending on the additions.

Where does Poke come from?

Poke began in ancient Hawaii as a way to enjoy the cut-offs from freshly caught fish, seasoned simply with sea salt, inamona, and sometimes blood from the gills. It was eaten as a snack or with poi, a staple taro paste. After Western contact, onions and tomatoes were introduced, and the dish evolved as immigrants from China and Japan brought soy sauce and sesame oil. The name 'poke' means 'to slice' or 'cut crosswise' in Hawaiian. In the late 20th century, poke became popular as a customizable dish and spread to the mainland United States.

How is Poke made?

To make poke, raw fish such as tuna is cut into bite-sized cubes. The fish is then tossed with seasonings like sea salt, inamona (roasted and ground kukui nut), and limu (seaweed). Modern versions often use soy sauce, sesame oil, and sliced onions. Other additions can include chili, mayonnaise, or ginger. Poke may be served on its own, as a salad, or over a bowl of rice. Some versions use cooked seafood, tofu, or even beef, and toppings can range from avocado to sea urchin.

lomioio tub. Photo: Chedlund808, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

poke seafood counter 2014. Photo: Chedlund808, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How and when is Poke eaten?

Poke is eaten as a snack, appetizer, or main meal in Hawaii. It is commonly found in grocery stores and fish markets, sold by weight and often eaten with rice. At restaurants, poke may be served as a salad, on chips, or as part of a poke bowl. It is enjoyed casually at home, at gatherings, or as part of a meal. The dish is popular for its freshness and adaptability, and is now a common feature in fast-casual restaurants across the United States.

Kinds of Poke

Traditional poke uses tuna, but other fish like salmon, marlin, or octopus are also used. Vegetarian versions with tofu or imitation crab are common. Flavors range from simple salt and seaweed to spicy sauces, ginger, or even Mediterranean-inspired mixes with lemon and capers. The 'poke bowl' trend allows for a wide range of bases and toppings, letting diners customize their meal. Regional versions include lomi oio and lomi salmon.

What Poke means

Poke is a symbol of Hawaiian food culture, reflecting both its indigenous roots and the influence of immigrant communities. It is featured at local festivals, such as the annual poke contest started in 1992, where chefs compete with new recipes. The dish's popularity has grown beyond Hawaii, becoming a trend in North America. Poke is part of everyday life in Hawaii, available at markets and gatherings, and has inspired similar dishes across the Pacific.

Questions people ask about Poke

What is poke made of?

Poke is usually made from diced raw fish, especially tuna, mixed with seasonings like sea salt, inamona (roasted kukui nut), seaweed, onions, and often soy sauce and sesame oil. Modern versions may include other seafood, tofu, or various toppings.

Where does poke come from?

Poke comes from Hawaii, where it began as a way to enjoy fresh fish with simple seasonings. It has roots in ancient Hawaiian food traditions and has evolved with influences from immigrant communities.

Is poke always made with raw fish?

While poke is most often made with raw fish, especially tuna, it can also be made with cooked seafood, imitation crab, tofu, or even beef. Some versions are cured or cooked, and vegetarian options are available.

How is poke served?

Poke is served cold, either on its own, as a salad, or over a bowl of rice. It can be eaten as a snack, appetizer, or main meal, and is often sold by weight at markets or made to order in restaurants.

What are common toppings or additions in poke?

Common additions include soy sauce, sesame oil, onions, limu (seaweed), chili, mayonnaise, avocado, and various vegetables. The dish is highly customizable, especially in modern poke bowls.

Good reading and sources

Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Poke (dish)", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

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