This is the newest Poke Poke outlet in Dubai. For those who don’t know, Poke Poke is the restaurant which started the poke revolution in Dubai when it launched a couple of year ago. Located in the swanky (but mostly empty) Wasl 51 on Al Wasl Road, this new branch’s interior is (thankfully) bigger than the original outlet on Jumeirah Road. It’s also (a/c) cool, spotlessly clean and handsomely decorated in a no-frills kind of way.
Preparing the build a poke 
Interior 
A view from the street 
Building…
Poke in its most basic (Hawaiian) form is diced ahi or salmon tossed with shoyu (soy sauce), sesame oil, onions and sesame seeds. Franchises like Poke Poke have taken that concept and gone to town with it, creating all sorts of combinations and concoctions. Today, non-fish options such as meat, chicken, eggs, and tofu for the vegetarians and vegans are also available. Most Poke restaurants allow you to build your own bowl, so possibilities are endless. I usually stick to Poke Poke’s signature bowls and, although similar, almost always order either the Californian or the Hawaiian. This time, however, my wife and I built our own – I used salmon as my base, she used tuna – both tuned out fantastic. You know why? Because their ingredients are always fresh. But freshness comes at a cost, be forewarned.
Best Bowl Salmon Raw 
Prepping 
Better Bowl Tuna Raw
Behind the counter staff are a friendly, accommodating bunch. In my mind this new branch is the best of the lot and well worth a detour.
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Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.