Poke Brings Aloha Spirit To Coogee

By Kate Myers on November 13, 2015 in Food

The best trips to the beach are those that combine chilling out on the sand, a good swim and a quick bite to eat afterwards. Unfortunately, takeaway options close to the beach are often dominated by fast food chains, but for Coogee locals willing to take the short stroll up the hill, a little gem has surfaced on Dudley Street in the form of Poke (pronounced poh-keh).

The philosophy of Poke is simple: fresh, healthy takeaway that is both affordable and delicious. Owners Candy Wu and her husband Sam opened Poke five months ago in the hope of bringing traditional Hawaiian cuisine to an Australian palate.

“When you’re in Hawaii you switch off, you feel good, the food’s amazing, and we wanted to bring that here,” Candy said.

Walking in to Poke, you can feel the aloha spirit from the start. The interior is spacious, combining the bright colours of Hawaii with a touch of Japan in the form of timber panelled walls, a nod to the unique mix of flavours you will find on the menu. The vibe is relaxed and the space feels open and light, and can easily accommodate the large and varied customer base that Poke has already established in its short time in Coogee.

Scanning the menu, I settled on the Poke Bowl – a popular choice, I’m told – showcasing the signature dish of cubed fresh seafood with Japanese style dressings and sides accompaniments including seaweed salad, black rice and kimchi (spicy or otherwise). The bowls come in a variety of sizes, making them the perfect meal for one, or an ideal share option.

First timers should make sure to try the ‘Go Nuts’ featuring ahi (tuna), shoyu, roasted macadamia nuts and toasted sesame seeds – a definite crowd pleaser and a great introduction to the quality seafood that defines Poke’s menu. The ‘Ono King’ is another popular choice, with kingfish, sesame oil, seaweed, and sea salt; it’s the perfect mix of flavours and simplicity. For those sceptical about raw fish, the ‘Kalua Pork’ is an addictive alternative, slow cooked and served with Hawaiian salts and raw apple slaw.

We didn’t expect to find dessert amongst Poke’s otherwise clean-eating selection, but the homemade carrot cupcakes tread the fine line between healthy and delicious with aplomb. Based on a family recipe, they are free from refined sugar and gluten, but make no compromises when it comes to flavour.

The selection of cold pressed juices and smoothies are a great addition to Poke’s health-conscious menu, and they’re joined by a selection of specially imported Hawaiian beer.

Poke’s uniqueness is a much-needed addition to Coogee’s food scene, providing fresh, affordable, tasty takeaway just metres from the beach. If you’re keen to avoid the hustle and bustle of Coogee’s main drag, it’s the perfect choice all year round.

Poke

Address: Shop 3/55 Dudley Street, Coogee
Phone: (02) 9664 8643
Web: www.lovepoke.com.au/
Instagram: @pokeaustralia
Facebook: facebook.com/likepoke
Opening Hours: Wed, Thurs, Sun 11:30am-8:30pm; Fri – Sat 11:30am – 9pm; Mon – Tues Closed
Prices: $15 – $40
Card Accepted: Yes (No AMEX)
Licensed/BYO: Both