- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- FoodHealthy Food
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every September 28
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍣
International Poke Day, celebrated every September 28, invites everyone to enjoy the delicious Hawaiian dish of diced raw fish. Originating as a fisherman’s snack, poke has evolved into a global culinary trend. Explore new recipes, visit your local poke bar, or try making your own fresh bowl at home.
Want to sponsor International Poke Day? Learn how
Expected International Poke Day Deals
As International Poke Day approaches, expect many eateries to roll out special promotions. In past years, chains like Pokeworks, Sweetfin, and local Hawaiian restaurants have offered discounts on signature bowls or buy-one-get-one deals. Keep an eye out for loyalty program bonuses and limited-time ingredient additions at places like Island Fin Poke Co. Many grocery stores, including Whole Foods Market and H Mart, may feature sales on sushi-grade fish, ready-to-eat poke kits, and essential toppings. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 28 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Poke Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalPokeDay. Share vibrant photos of your favorite poke bowls, creative recipes, or local poke spots.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #InternationalPokeDay. Film quick tutorials on making poke, review different poke bars, or showcase your unique flavor combinations.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalPokeDay. Share your favorite poke recipes, discuss regional variations, or organize a virtual poke tasting.
International Poke Day Hero
Sam Choy
History of International Poke Day
In the spirit of Aloha, poke became a part of Hawaiian culture. ‘Aloha’ is the Hawaiian term for greeting and the dish is made as a welcome snack for guests. Previously, the raw fish used to make poke was primarily ‘aku’ or octopus, but nowadays, poke is made with salmon and shellfish as well. Considered comfort food, there are variations in the ingredients used in poke across boundaries. When salmon was initially exported to countries like Japan, it was traded in exchange for sea salt. In Japan and Korea, poke is consumed with soy sauce, fish, eggs, and green onions. Globally, the dish is widely consumed in cosmopolitan cities like New York, Tokyo, London, San Francisco, and Johannesburg after the migration of the Hawaiian population. In one of the restaurants in New York, the poke dish gets nearly 600 orders every day.
Between 2014 and 2016, the number of Hawaiian restaurants on Foursquare doubled from 300 to 700, all thanks to poke. Both the traditional and modern versions of poke are popularly demanded in these restaurants. In Hawaii, International Poke Day has been celebrated like any other festival. Sam Choy, a popular chef in Hawaii, kickstarts the celebrations with a three-day ‘I Love Poke’ contest. The contest is about who submits the best recipe for poke. Some of the recipes have unique additions like avocado, ponzu sauce, mushrooms, crispy onions, pineapple, and cucumber.
International Poke Day timeline
It is first made by the local fishermen from the fish of the Pacific Ocean — the fish is gutted, skinned, and deboned before it is eaten.
About 700 to 800 fast-food outlets open in North America and gain popularity due to their extensive variety of traditional and spin-off poke dishes that can be personalized.
The diced fish is no longer massaged with salt, but sauces like the teriyaki sauce are dribbled on it before serving.
UberEats, in collaboration with entrepreneur Yusaka Maezwa, delivers poke to astronauts aboard space stations.
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Poke Day
Local restaurants and cafes can celebrate International Poke Day by offering special poke bowl creations, discounts on existing menu items, or introducing new, limited-time ingredients. Consider hosting a ‘build-your-own-poke’ bar for customers. Grocery stores can highlight fresh, sushi-grade fish and provide recipe cards for homemade poke, while food trucks can feature unique, portable poke options. Collaborate with local Hawaiian cultural groups to add an authentic touch to promotions.
International Poke Day FAQs
When is International Poke Day?
In 2027, International Poke Day will be observed on Tuesday, September 28, marking another opportunity to explore the rich culinary tradition of poke. Plan to indulge in this customizable dish.
How popular is poke in the United States?
The poke market in the U.S. is projected to reach over $1.2 billion by 2027, driven by consumer demand for fresh, healthy, and customizable meal options. Its appeal is particularly strong among younger demographics.
What are the traditional ingredients in poke?
While fresh raw fish remains the star, classic poke bowls are simple, highlighting the quality of the ingredients. Common additions include soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and various types of roe, reflecting its evolution from a simple fisherman’s snack.
What is the difference between poke and ceviche?
Ceviche, originating from Latin America, typically includes onions, chili peppers, and cilantro, with the fish cured by acid. Poke, from Hawaii, emphasizes fresh, un-cured fish, often served with rice and a broader range of Asian-inspired toppings.
International Poke Day Activities
Go for a poke tasting tour at your favorite restaurant
Today, there are nearly 100 varieties of poke, and it's time you took your friends along for a fine poke tasting tour. Take bites of each other's bowls and treat your tastebuds to raw experimentation.
Learn to make your favorite poke and Instagram it
It’s time to go to the farmer’s market, don the chef’s apron, and start making a healthy, tasty bowl of poke. The colorful bowl is worthy of making it to your Instagram account.
Go on a poke picnic lunch
Hike your favorite mountain, set up your camp, and eat your packed picnic lunch today. Ensure that poke is the main dish.
5 Facts About Poke That Will Blow Your Mind
The meaning of the word in Hawaiian
The word ‘poke’ in Hawaiian means ‘chunk.’
Poke rhymes with okay
Poke is not pronounced the way you think it should be — it rhymes with the word ‘okay.’
Poke is easier to eat than sushi
Poke is called the next-generation sushi for a reason — it’s a deconstructed version of sushi.
A bowl has 150 calories
This high-protein, low-calorie dish is one of the best ways to reduce weight.
40% of the top 10 orders
A large percentage of food requests in the world are for poke bowls.
Why We Love International Poke Day
Poke is delicious and healthy
A poke bowl has many health benefits. It reduces blood pressure, increases blood circulation, and is loaded with vegetables and vitamins.
Poke bowls are easy to make at home
They are inexpensive, easy snacks to make. They take only 15 minutes to prepare.
The best reason to invite guests over for a late-night snack
No one says no to a poke bowl. You can catch up with your friends without doing anything elaborate.
International Poke Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | September 28 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | September 28 | Thursday |
| 2029 | September 28 | Friday |
| 2030 | September 28 | Saturday |
| 2031 | September 28 | Sunday |
Social Media Tips for International Poke Day
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