Teh Athira Yusof sinks her teeth into some of the best poke bowls in the Klang Valley and discovers a dizzying array of traditional raw salmon and tuna versions along with many other fusion poke bowls with chicken and beef
1. LUSHBOWL
Founded in May last year, Lushbowl in Taman Sri Hartamas has attracted foodies, including celebrities and social media influencers.
The restaurant’s founder, Siew Suet Sim, who wanted to offer a tastier version of a conventional salad, says its poke bowls are made from locally-grown fresh ingredients. Many of the servings are inspired by Japanese cuisine, with a dash of Malaysian flavours.
Among interesting items on the menu is the raw salmon with cili padi, which certainly brings on the heat but has a touch of sweetness from its special sauce.
One of the must-try dishes is the poke bowl of seared salmon, salad with a base of rice or soba noodles. Lushbowl offers a “half and half” option for those who cannot decide between the soba or rice.
The accompanying sauce is called Janey Mama — a kick of sriracha and creamy togarashi (mayonnaise mixed with chilli pepper). Poke bowls are served with ebiko (shrimp roe), chukka wakame (seaweed) and edamame (beans).
One can customise poke bowls with premium grade salmon, seared salmon, baked chicken breast, seared smoked duck and avocado mash.
PRICE: RM21 to RM27, excluding add-ons
LOCATION: G-0-3 & 1-0-3, Block G, Plaza Damas, 60, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Taman Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
OPERATING HOURS: Tuesdays to Sundays from 8.30am to 5.30pm (closed on Mondays)
2. EATOMO
For those who are passionate about local flavours, Eatomo will not disappoint as it serves the best fusion poke bowls in the city.
The restaurant in Bangsar is famous for its seafood, and has three branches, with the other two located in Solaris Dutamas and Taman Desa.
Operating since 2016, Eatomo has been serving poke bowls with fresh seafood topped with a choice of spicy mayonnaise, Japanese cucumber, raw onion, sweet corn, toasted sesame and crab salad. There are also add-on options if you are feeling extra hungry.
The Pokelantan bowl is among its star attractions as it is inspired by the east coast state. The bowl consists of salmon, yellowfin tuna and butterfish tossed in zesty cili padi and lime marinade.
The dish is tasty and fragrant as it is topped with crispy salmon skin and Gula Melaka kerisik. Eatomo has nailed the sauce which conjures memories of home-cooked meals of yesteryear.
PRICE: From RM19.90 to RM24.90
LOCATION: (Bangsar Branch) 21, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
OPERATING HOURS: Monday to Thursday (12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10.30pm); Friday to Sunday from noon to 11pm
3. GOODNESS GREENS CAFE
For those who dislike sushi in their poke bowls, Goodness Greens café in Taman Tun Dr Ismail is their safest bet.
Its Teriyaki Australian Beef Poke Bowl is the perfect fusion of healthy ingredients and Asian flavours.
Goodness Greens will often notify customers about the calorie content of their bowls. For each poke bowl, customers will only consume an average of 686 kcal (calories).
Its poke bowl is served with turmeric rice, quinoa, pickled radish, poached egg, spring onion, fish roe, roasted vegetables and chilli sprinkle. It also comes with teriyaki sauce.
The Teriyaki bowls are also available with chicken, or with tofu for vegans. There is an option to add avocado peas mash, grilled tofu and fish roe with additional charges.
PRICE: RM24.90
LOCATION: 32, Jalan Datuk Sulaiman, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
OPERATING HOURS: Daily from 8am to 10pm
4. PAPERFISH
One of the first places in Kuala Lumpur to offer customised poke bowls is Paperfish in Taman Tun Dr Ismail. The place is famous for its bowls that include salmon and tuna sashimi, cooked shrimp and vegan options.
Customers need to choose from one base of rice type, four sides and one protein. Each poke bowl comes with an unlimited serving of toppings ranging from various nuts to seaweed flakes.
For those who are unsure, there are plenty of combination meals with choices of sea-salt, shoyu (soy sauce), citrus, miso wasabi, mango salsa and a spicy combination.
For this review, the servers suggested the raw salmon poke bowl with miso wasabi, which was mixed with seaweed flakes, raw salmon pieces, brown rice, lettuce, capsicum, slivers of omelette, sesame seed, preserve ginger radish, avocado and fried shallots.
The sauce choices are wasabi mayo, spicy sriracha and garlic mayonnaise.
Customers can choose between white rice, brown rice and baby greens for the base, or opt for the healthier quinoa for an additional RM8.
PRICE: RM18 to RM20 (upgrade option + RM9)
LOCATION: 26, Jalan Datuk Sulaiman, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur.
OPERATING HOURS: Daily from 10am to 10pm
5. RUBBERDUCK
This eatery is recommended by healthy food enthusiasts as it boasts Instagram-worthy dishes and a cozy atmosphere.
Rubberduck in Plaza Damas was initially known for its pastry, but its proprietors have added a selection of healthy food in recent years.
Rubberduck’s poke bowl is a mix of lettuce, cucumber, purple cabbage, salmon sashimi and brown rice as its base.
Rubberduck also offers a modest option, which is great for those who prefer a light meal after the gym or after work.
Topping off the poke bowl is a surprising hint of coriander to add a hint of freshness, and the sauce is light as it consists of soy sauce, spring onion and pepper.
PRICE: RM24
LOCATION: 60, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Plaza Damas, Lot K-0-8B (Ground Floor), Dorchester Service Apartment, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
OPERATING HOURS: Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm; Weekends from 8am to 6pm
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