Poké is a Hawaiian dish in which cubed raw fish is mixed with rice, sauce, and vegetables, resulting in a medley of vibrant colors that leaves you wishing to savor that rainbow in a bowl. And those who have tried Poké know that, when done right, the seafood dish presents an array of complex flavors. Sweet, savory, salty, spicy—all these can be in one serving of poké.
But the owners of Poké Bowls Cebu would like you to imagine beyond that idea of the dish. They would like you to think: “Poké isn’t just a meal—it’s a lifestyle.”
Poké Bowls Cebu started in 2020, back when the world stayed home due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. Maique Donaire, an interior designer by trade and one of the co-owners, began selling and delivering bowls from her online platform. Initially considering her lockdown food venture merely a “fun pandemic project,” Donaire later realized the potential of growing this project into a full-fledged business.
More people also saw the promise of the poké bowls business. Jayvic Moriles, a contractor, joined in 2023, expanding Poké Bowls Cebu with her business acumen. Chef and scuba dive instructor Erika “Aika” Marymoe Pineda became a co-owner the following year, sharing her culinary expertise with Poké Bowls Cebu.
Last year, Poké Bowls Cebu set up its permanent location on the second floor of Streetscape Mall in Banilad, Cebu, offering a variety of choices for all to enjoy. Their Sriracha Aioli Bowl is a show-stopping fish dish, while their Poké Tacos is an inventive fusion between Mexican and Hawaiian cuisine. Their thirst-quenching drinks, like the blue raspberry lemonade they call “Berry Bliss,” pair well with the bowls and snacks they serve.
Their “Make-Your-Own-Poké” option paves an avenue for foodies to explore new flavors and make their rainbows in their bowls. Those who don’t eat raw fish can opt for protein alternatives like crispy chicken, shrimp, and tofu. They can also select their preferred bases like quinoa, rice, and salad, then pick from their wide assortment of topics and sauces.
Poké Bowls Cebu as a business represents what its owners want to bring to the table. “Cebu has such a vibrant food culture, and people here are always excited to try something new,” Pineda said. “I guess we just saw an opportunity to bring something new, fresh and unique to Cebu’s food scene. Our Poké bowls are not only delicious but they are also very customizable and healthy, which perfectly fits the growing interest in balanced lifestyles here. We felt there weren’t many options like this in Cebu, so we wanted to introduce a concept that combines convenience, flavour, and nutrition in one bowl.”
The owners hope to expand the Poké Bowls Cebu to make Poké more accessible in the city — to promote a specific lifestyle, one defined by natural nutrition. As Pinea would put it: “We want everyone to experience the Poké way of eating and make it a go-to for a fresh, healthy lifestyle.”
Photography Kyrra Kho