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Food & Drink

Hawaiian Food in Manila: Poke Bowl, Loco Moco, Garlic Shrimp + More!

Hawaiian Food in Manila: Poke Bowl, Loco Moco, Garlic Shrimp + More!

Introduction

Aloha! If you’re reading this, you’re probably either a foodie looking for your next culinary adventure or a homesick Hawaiian craving a taste of home. Either way, you’ve come to the right place because today we’re talking about where to get Hawaiian food in Manila!

Hawaiian cuisine is a fusion of different cultures and flavors that have influenced the islands throughout history. The Polynesians brought taro, coconuts, and sweet potatoes when they first arrived, followed by Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, and Portuguese immigrants who brought their own culinary traditions. Later on, American and European influences also made their way into Hawaiian cuisine.

So what makes Hawaiian food so special? Well, for one, it’s fresh and flavorful! Many dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients, such as poke made with fresh, raw fish and kalua pig cooked in an imu, an underground oven. And let’s not forget about the sauces and seasonings that give Hawaiian food its distinct taste, like shoyu (soy sauce) and furikake (a Japanese seasoning).

But what about the popularity of Hawaiian food in the Philippines, you ask? It’s no surprise that Filipinos have developed a taste for Hawaiian cuisine. Both islands share a love for rice, seafood, and grilled meats. Plus, with the rise of poke bowls and Hawaiian-themed restaurants, it’s easy to see why we’re eager to try these new flavors.

If you’re ready to embark on a culinary journey, join me as we explore some of the best Hawaiian food in Manila.

Ono Poke PH

Credit: Ono Poke

Aloha foodies! Are you ready for some Ono Poke? (That’s “delicious poke” in Hawaiian.) If you’re a fan of fresh, raw fish, then you need to check out Ono Poke PH. These guys are the real deal when it comes to authentic Hawaiian poke, and they’re making waves in the Philippines food scene.

The founders of Ono Poke PH fell in love with the flavors of the islands during their trips to Hawaii, and they decided to bring those flavors back to the Philippines. Since 2017, they’ve been serving up some of the best poke bowls in Manila, with three locations spread out in Makati, BGC, and Mandaluyong.

But let’s talk about the real star of the show: the poke bowls. At Ono Poke, you can customize your own bowl to your liking. Choose your base, whether it’s rice, soba, cabbage, or quinoa. Then choose your protein, whether it’s ahi or salmon. And of course, you can choose the flavor, whether regular or spicy. But the fun doesn’t stop there! There are also a dozen of toppings add-ons and sides to choose from, so you can create endless combinations. No two bowls are served alike!

If you’re feeling adventurous, try their Aburi or flamed-seared bowls. They’re a little bit charred on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside. And if you’re not in the mood for poke, don’t worry. Ono Poke also serves up Hawaiian favorites like the Loco Moco Bowl or Spam Musubi, but in a bowl! And for those who like to mix things up, their Pokechos are a fun twist on traditional nachos, with poke as the topping.

Hosting a party? Ono Poke also offers Poke trays with options of Ahi or Salmon, Aburi or regular. Trust me, your guests will thank you for it. If you’re having an inuman sa kanto, these are perfect pulutan!

So if you’re looking for a taste of Hawaii in the Philippines, head on over to Ono Poke PH. They’ll transport your taste buds straight to the islands!

Kokoro Japanese Grindz

Credit: Kokoro Japanese Grindz

Aloha once again, foodies! Are you ready for another delicious Hawaiian fusion restaurant? Let me introduce you to Kokoro Japanese Grindz, located in Quezon City.

This place is the epitome of Japanese Hawaiian fusion, inspired by Ono ‘kine grindz and a love for surf culture. You can dine-in at their location, takeout, or have your food delivered with a small fee within 6.5 km. And if you’re wondering if they accept payment through GCash, they do! Plus, they accept cash, visa, and mastercard. So no worries, you’ll definitely be able to satisfy your cravings.

Now let’s talk about their signature dishes. Kokoro Japanese Grindz serves up some pretty epic Uramaki sushi rolls. For those who don’t know, Uramaki literally means “inside out” rolls. But here’s the kicker – their Kokorolls not only have fillings inside, but they also have toppings! It’s like uramakis on steroids! With names like Hawaiian Sunset, Big Kahuna, Surf and Turf, and Vegas, you’ll forget you’re in the Philippines. If you’re not a fan of toppings, they also serve regular uramakis and makimono-style rolls.

Their ramen dishes are reminiscent of those in Hawaii. Lots of toppings and flavorful broth that will warm your heart and soul. And if you’re feeling homesick for Hawaii, try one of their rice bowls like the Loco Moco, Surfside Poke, Spam Donburi, Katsu Curry, or Chicken Teriyaki. Trust me, these bowls are all “brok da mout” – that’s pidgin kine slang for… incredibly delicious!

But wait, there’s more! You can also find island favorites like tempura, gyoza, and aloha burgers here. Cheeee!! I’m telling you, this place reminds me of Ninja Sushi back in Hawaii.

So if you’re looking for some killer Japanese Hawaiian fusion food, head on over to Kokoro Japanese Grindz. Your taste buds will thank you for it!

Hokey Poke

Credit: Hokey Poke

Welcome to Hokey Poke! If you’re a fan of fresh seafood and healthy eats, then this is the spot for you. With nine locations scattered throughout Metro Manila, you’re never too far from getting your poke fix. And if you don’t feel like leaving the comfort of your own home, they’ll bring it right to you with their delivery service.

Their poke bowls are fully customizable with a range of fresh ingredients to choose from. You can select from a variety of proteins like spicy salmon, ahi tuna, and salmon shoyu, and then pile on your favorite veggies, sauces, and toppings. But if decision-making isn’t your strong suit, don’t fret – their signature bowls like the Tuna Unagi and California Maki are sure to please.

For those who love sushi, their Maki Mono menu has you covered. From Spicy Tuna to Beef Aburi, these rolls are a tasty twist on traditional Japanese sushi. And if you’re really feeling adventurous, try the Hokey Poke Platter, which features all four of their signature maki rolls.

So whether you’re in Rizal or Manila, Hokey Poke has got your poke cravings covered. Plus, with their emphasis on health and wellness, you can feel good about indulging in their delicious Hawaiian-inspired fare.

The Shrimp Shack

Credit: The Shrimp Shack

Are you looking for some authentic Hawaiian flavors while strolling around the largest mall in Asia? Look no further than The Shrimp Shack! Located inside the SM Mall of Asia, this place aims to give you the genuine shrimp truck experience of Oahu’s North Shore.

Now, what can you expect on the menu? The Shrimp Shack serves up some mouthwatering Hawaiian-favorite dishes, including the iconic Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Surf and Turf plates, Chicken Katsu, Chicken BBQ, Tempura, and Loco Moco. If you’ve ever visited Oahu’s north shore, then you know that the garlic shrimp plate is a must-try – it’s flavorful, garlicky goodness that’s finger-lickin’ good! And, of course, like a true Filipino, you eat it with your hands!

In addition to the shrimp plates, they also offer some pasta dishes like the best-selling Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti or Alfredo, and Seafood Marinara. For starters, they have the crowd-pleasing Shrimp Popcorn and Crispy Shrimp Heads. And if you’re looking for something sweet to finish off your meal, they’ve got you covered with Coffee Jelly, Oreo cheesecake, and frozen Cappuccino!

So, the next time you’re craving some authentic Hawaiian flavors in the bustling city of Manila, be sure to drop by The Shrimp Shack for a quick and delicious meal.

Poke Bubs

Credit: Poke Bubs

Well folks, let me tell you about Poke Bubs – a unique addition to our list as it’s not your typical dine-in restaurant. Poke Bubs operates as a ghost kitchen or virtual kitchen, meaning all orders are done online and delivered right to your doorstep. No need to leave the house or put on pants, just pick your food, fill out your info and payment method, and choose a delivery date.

Now, onto the food – Poke Bubs may have a small menu, but their dishes pack a punch. The Poke Pockets are a fun twist on traditional inari sushi, featuring Inari stuffed with sushi rice and salmon poke. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, try the Poke Power Bowls that come in Shoyu, Spicy, or Wasabi flavor. And for the oyster lovers out there, the Motoyaki Oyster Bowl is a must-try. But if you really want to impress your friends at your next party or inuman session, go for the Poke Platter – 500g of Salmon Poke in your choice of sauce (shoyu, spicy, wasabi or half-half) – they’re the perfect pulutan! Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Read next: Pulutan Sa Inuman: 41 Perfect Beer Pairings

So there you have it, folks. Poke Bubs HQ may not have a physical storefront, but their delicious poke dishes and convenient online ordering make it a great option for a satisfying meal without leaving the comfort of your home.

Conclusion

In the spirit of Aloha and Hawaiian style. We’re going to try to write this conclusion in Hawaiian pidgin. Haha!

Here we go!

Eh braddahs and sistahs, da article steh pau. Fo’ sum up da kine, we wen talk story about da bes spot fo Hawaiian food in Manila, from da ono kine bowls at Ono Poke PH to da “brok da mout” Loco Mocos at Kokoros. We even wen go mainlan’ style wit Hokey Poke, and try some poke party plattahz from Poke Bubs without putting on one bibbidees!

If you guys get da chance, make sure fo’ try out these spots and taste da kine, Hawaiian flavors in Manila! Yah iz not one L&Lz or Zippy’s but ahhh gud nuff! But remembah, when you eat Hawaiian kine grinds, you gotta show aloha fo’ da culture and da people dat inspired da food.

Aloha and mahalo for reading, and hope you guys stay hungry fo’ more ono kine grinds! K-dens!

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