Aloha foodies! When munching on some poke and contemplating life’s great mysteries, it’s important to look back and appreciate the origins of this traditional Hawaiian dish. While you may enjoy your poke bowl with ahi tuna and an assortment of delectable toppings, you’d be surprised to find that poke bowls looked completely different in years past. Below, we discuss the historical origins of one of our signature staples here at Kaia Bowls, where you can find the best poke bowl in Clearwater Beach.
Made With Reef Fish
The origins of poke can be traced back to pre-colonial Polynesia, where fishermen would spend their days catching fish that they would later chop up into chunks and marinate with
whatever spices were on hand. The fish of choice was usually a reef fish as opposed to the ahi tuna or salmon of today. Fun fact: the state fish of Hawaii is a reef fish by the name of Humuhumunukunukuapua’a.
It wasn’t until the late 1800s that reef fish were replaced by ahi tuna as the dominant ingredient. And it was later still, in the 1970s, when poke bowls began to gain in popularity, journeying from kitchens to supermarkets and, finally, to the mainland.
Sold in Supermarkets
Even with the growing love of Poke, it wasn’t until the past few years that the cultural impact of poke bowls could be felt in the mainland United States. Before that, poke was unceremoniously sold in Hawaiian supermarkets as a pre-marinated dish sold by weight — a far cry from the beautiful poke bowls that so often grace our Instagram page. Don’t forget to tag your bowl with the hashtag #EatKaiaBowls when you visit us!
Our Take on Poke Bowls
At Kaia Bowls, it’s our pleasure to carry on this Hawaiian tradition by serving the tastiest bowls with the freshest ingredients available. Our signature bowls — the Ono, Apikai, Kilauea, and Hana bowls — feature a mouthwatering combination of perfectly paired ingredients. Of course, you are welcome to build your own bowl and pick from three bases, four proteins (ahi tuna, chicken, salmon, and shrimp), a head-spinning seventeen fillings, eight add-ons, and ten sauces.
With its sandy beaches and constant sunshine, Clearwater Beach seemed like the perfect spot to set up shop and provide customers with an authentic taste of Hawaiian cuisine. We go all out to provide guests with an experience that will make their visit to Clearwater truly unique. If you’re in the mood for a delicious treat that’s been satisfying cravings for hundreds of years, order delivery, order online, or stop by Kaia Bowls for the best poke bowl in Clearwater Beach.
Are you looking for authentic Hawaiian flavors? Kaia Bowls serves the best poke bowl in Clearwater! For more information, please call (727) 223-3073 or submit our contact request form.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute health advice and is not intended to be a substitute for professional dietary counsel.