A Hawaiian poke trend has swept California. Could D.C. be next? The raw fish dish, traditionally marinated in sesame and soy, was tricky to find in the area even just last year, but a handful of restaurants are getting into the aloha spirit. Here are five places where you can get your poke fix in D.C., plus one more coming soon.
Maki Shop, $14
Crispy shallots add a bit of crunch to this tuna poke, which is served atop white rice with seaweed salad, sweet pickled red pepper, sprouts, julienned carrots, and cucumbers. Also try the poke in a hand roll with black rice and papaya.
District Fishwife, $12–$16
Half the fish is dressed in soy, ginger, and sesame, and the other half in spicy aioli with seaweed salad, pickled carrots, and ginger in the middle. Choose from albacore tuna for $12 or yellowfin tuna for $16.
Daikaya, $10
Kewpie mayo brings extra creaminess to this tuna poke studded with macadamia nuts, seaweed salad, onions, scallions, and a sprinkling of dry nori.
Hula Girl Bar and Grill, $15
This food truck-turned-Hawaiian restaurant in Shirlington serves a classic tuna poke mixed with sesame, soy, and green onions next to a side of fried wonton chips. Try a version with grilled octopus as well.
Compass Rose, $15
One of the latest additions to the globe-trotting menu includes yellowfin tuna poke with seaweed, sesame, and soy on a bed of sticky rice.
Buredo, TBD
It’s not available yet, but the owners of this burrito-sized-sushi joint promise poke bowls at their new Dupont location, slated to open later this spring.
Compass Rose photo by Holly Barzyk. Other photos by Jessica Sidman