Moku Poke serves a popular Hawaiian dish that's healthy on-the-go.
Photo Submitted by Bleu Bell.
At first glance, diced raw fish might not seem like the ideal lunch, but the flavor-packed authentic Hawaiian dish is gaining popularity among college students seeking their next food adventure.
Self acclaimed “best poké bowl in town” Moku Poké offers customizable bowls of what is essentially sushi contents in a bowl. Poké, which means “to slice or cut” in Hawaiian, refers to chunks of marinated raw fish served over rice with fresh vegetables. While Moku Poké’s slogan may be “Eat green. Eat Fresh,” each bowl is generously packed with an entire rainbow of crisp fruits and vegetables.
“There wasn't any poké bowl competition in this area, so it was a great place to offer a way for people to eat healthy and fresh,” said manager Elven Lin. “Everything is prepared fresh every single day. My favorite is the spicy tuna.”
Customers can choose from a sushi rice, brown rice or a spring mix base, served with one or two proteins of their choosing including: ahi tuna, spicy tuna, salmon, yellowtail, shrimp, octopus, grilled chicken or organic tofu. Fresh toppings such as mango, wasabi, furikake, seaweed salad, avocado and edamame are prepared daily.
Located on West Tennessee Street, within walking distance of Taco Bell, Papa John’s, Insomnia Cookies, and Dunkin’ Donuts, this health food haven had its grand opening in September and has already become the favorite restaurant in town for some dedicated regulars.
“It’s a bigger meal so it’s more calories, but it’s more nutritious than other things offered in the area,” said FSU student and regular customer Mari Macias. “I bring all my friends here that like sushi. Compared to Bento, they’re cheaper and they have more toppings.”
According to People.com, the poké trend did not reach the mainland until 2017. Poké is a very popular dish in Hawaii that can be found on almost any corner, even at gas stations and roadside stands. Now, this inexpensive and exotic dish is accessible to many students on one of Tallahassee’s busiest roads.
While the location and parking may not be convenient, the small, all white retro cafe features oriental Starbucks vibes and unusually flavorful food that will make your taste buds sing. If you’re looking for something new and your college-kid pallet is in need of something more than grease on a plate, Moku Poke’s affordable and large portions serve the hungry and health conscious from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The staff is diligently focused on the quality of the food and satisfying guests. Customer feedback appreciation is featured on the Moku Poké Facebook page, and every last Sunday of the month, one Yelp reviewer is chosen to win a free poké bowl. To learn more about Moku Poké, visit moku-poke.com.