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Best Places To Get Poke Bowls In Monmouth & Ocean County New Jersey

My niece Devyn has been a poke bowl (pronounced- Poh-Keh) devotee way before they became a huge sensation. She loves sushi, so naturally the poke bowl became the next step…

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My niece Devyn has been a poke bowl (pronounced- Poh-Keh) devotee way before they became a huge sensation. She loves sushi, so naturally the poke bowl became the next step in her quest for ways to eat raw fish.

She’s frequented quite a few places near her home on Long Island, and has created her own repertoire of these customizable creations at home. She's the star of the family with her killer tuna poke bowls.

Poke Bowl
That's Devyn in the photo above enjoying a poke bowl with white rice, Ahi tuna, scallions, onion, cucumber, masago, spicy mayo, topped with seaweed salad, sesame seeds, and onion crisps. YUMMY!!

My first ever encounter with poke was back in 2016 when I was a bartender at the now closed Neptune restaurant, "Yvonne's." Yvonne created tuna poke nachos with a secret spicy sauce and house made chips with sesame seeds baked into the chips. To this day, I cannot find a better version of this delicious creation.

According to an article in People magazine written by Stephanie Emma Pfeffer, Poke means "to slice or cut" in Hawaiian and refers to chunks of raw, marinated fish — usually tuna — which is then tossed over rice and topped with vegetables and umami-packed sauces.

The bowl starts with a base layer of rice, usually Jasmine, but not always, topped with your choice of sushi-grade tuna, salmon, or snapper. If you’re not a raw marinated fish person, you can ask for tofu, or cooked fish such as crab if it’s available as a menu option.
Green onions, sesame seeds, and sea salt and the vegetables of your choice are then added. Then of course, your choice of sauce. You can choose from ponzu, shoyu, soy, or whatever is available at your local poke bowl place. Sesame oil, avocado, and wasabi mayo must be added to my poke bowl.

Thanks to the lovely lady on the JFW Facebook page for telling me about NJ Poke here in Toms River.
Poke places are popping up all over the place, so I thought I’d share a list of some of the best ones in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

NJ Poké - 1922 Hooper Ave Unit 6, Toms River, NJ 08753

According to their website: Inspired in Hawaii, with Japanese influences and a New Jersey twist, NJ Poke gives a modern twist to traditional Poké bowls. With over 10 years in the food and hospitality industry, the owners Ryan and Tom are committed to providing fresh, nutritious, and delicious food. Sourcing only local products and suppliers for the freshest boat-to-bowl quality. Their community spirit and love for Point Pleasant, NJ is unrivaled. The NJ Poke menu offers carefully crafted poké bowls uniquely named in order to pay homage to the place we all know and love.

The House of Poké Ocean - 1013 NJ-35, Ocean Township, NJ 07712 Located inside International Bites

More than just poke bowls. Chili-lime corn ribs, General Tso Crispy Tofu Bites, and Honey Soy Brussels Sprouts are on the menu. I'm glad to inform you that they also have Poke Nachos!

JJ Delicacies - 21 W Front St, Red Bank, NJ 07701

Fresh & delicious with lots of repeat customers. Rolled ice cream and bubble tea are also some favorites.

Poke Burritos - 4122 US-9, Howell Township, NJ 07731

As you can tell by the name. this place goes beyond the poke bowl. The poke burrito is not served in a tortilla. From the looks of the photos on their website, the poke burritos are just bigger versions of sushi rolls. Bonus: They have ramen on the menu.

sushi burittoPelagia L.

FINS TropiCali Cuisine - 120 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720 Other locations in Seagirt & Point Pleasant

The WRAT staff has been  ordering from this place for over 2 decades, way before poke bowls were formally introduced to folks outside of Hawaii.  They have all kinds of fusion dishes and the smoothies are enjoyable. If tacos and wings are what you crave, they have those too.

KOTO FUSION SUSHI & POKE - 60 Centennial Dr, Long Branch, NJ 07740 In Pier Village

Poke isn't the only thing they do well. Their sushi bar appetizers are a big hit, especially the spicy tuna gyoza, which consists of deep fried spicy tuna wrapped in wonton skin, with guacamole on the bottom and drizzled with spicy Thai mayo sauce.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnXVcujAFtc/?hl=en

Poke Bar - 9 Village Center Dr, Freehold, NJ 07728

If you're out and about running errands and doing grocery shopping, this place is conveniently located in the same strip mall as Stop and Shop, The Bagel Nook, and Starbucks. One reviewer added, that the staff are very friendly and there's quite a lot of seating inside. With an order of a small poke bowl, you get a choice of 2 proteins, 2 sides, and unlimited toppings. 

Yuzu Kitchen - 356 Route 9 North, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726

Posted on their website: We utilize the freshest, finest, and most authentic ingredients to create our signature sushi burritos, poké bowls, and ramen soups. We offer small plates for sharing & starters. Customers also have the option to customize their own burritos and poké with a large selection of fillings, toppings, and house made sauces. 

Rockyn Robyn Lane is WRAT’s Music Director & Assistant Program Director. She also has worked as the on air goddess 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday Through Friday since 1996! Robyn loves to write articles and blogs mostly about food with an emphasis on local eateries. She says she loves shining the spotlight on local businesses, giving them the love they deserve. Not surprisingly, Robyn also loves to cook and bake herself. He recipes can be found on WRAT’s various social media pages. She also hosted a short series called “Rocker In The Kitchen” where she cooks with various rock artists.