The Story of Poke: Origins, Meaning, and Why You Need to Try It

If you’re a fan of fresh, flavorful, and customizable bowls, chances are you’ve already fallen in love with poke. But have you ever wondered where poke comes from, what its name means, and why it has become so popular around the world — especially in Japanese-inspired restaurants like Hand Roll Sushi in Orlando?

What Is Poke and Where Did It Come From?

Poke (pronounced poh-keh) is a traditional Hawaiian dish that means “to slice” or “to cut crosswise into pieces” in Hawaiian. Originally, poke was simply made with freshly caught fish, sea salt, seaweed, and crushed kukui nuts. Over time, the dish evolved, blending influences from Japanese cuisine — especially with the addition of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice — to become the colorful, versatile bowl we know today.

Poke combines the freshness of sashimi-style fish with a variety of toppings and sauces, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also light and satisfying. It’s the perfect option for those who love sushi but want something even more customizable.

Build Your Own Poke at Hand Roll Sushi in Orlando

At Hand Roll Sushi, a Japanese restaurant in Orlando known for its commitment to freshness and quality, we offer poke bowls during lunch from Monday to Friday, 12 PM to 3 PM. And the best part? You can build your poke exactly the way you like it.

Here’s how you can create your perfect bowl:

Choose Your Protein

• Octopus
• Krabmeat
• Grilled Salmon
• Fried Salmon
• Fried Chicken
• Spicy Salmon
• Spicy Tuna
• Shrimp Tempura
• Grilled Shrimp
• Volcano (spicy mixed seafood)

Add Creamy and Fresh Elements

• Cream Cheese
• Avocado
• Red Onions

Pick Your Sides and Extras

• Massago (fish roe)
• Scallions
• Edamame
• Pineapple Jam
• Strawberry Jam
• Fried Garlic
• Carrots
• Cucumber
• Sunomono (pickled cucumber salad)
• Mango
• Harumaki Crispy (crispy spring roll pieces)

Select Your Sauce

• Ponzu
• Spicy Mayo
• Wasabi Mayo
• Eel Sauce
• Regular Mayo
• Togarachi (Japanese chili powder)
• Herb Mayo
• Thai Sweet Sauce
• Sesame Seeds

This build-your-own approach allows you to create a poke bowl that perfectly matches your taste, whether you prefer something spicy, sweet, tangy, or savory. Each bowl is freshly prepared with high-quality ingredients, just like all our sushi and sashimi.

Why Choose Poke?

Poke is not only delicious and fresh but also a great option for a balanced meal. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, it’s a satisfying yet light choice that fits any lifestyle.

At Hand Roll Sushi, our guests love the freedom of mixing flavors and textures to create something truly unique. Whether you want a classic combination or something adventurous with fruit jams and crispy toppings, the possibilities are endless.

Try Fresh Poke at Hand Roll Sushi in Orlando

Looking for the best place to enjoy poke in Orlando? Hand Roll Sushi offers the freshest ingredients and endless combinations, making every bowl a new experience. Join us for lunch from Monday to Friday, 12 PM to 3 PM, and discover why poke has taken the world — and Orlando — by storm.

Whether you’re a sushi lover or new to Japanese-inspired cuisine, our poke bowls are a must-try. Come explore, create, and enjoy!