Have you heard of poke bowls? Poke bowls are a traditional Hawaiian dish meaning “to slice” or “cut crosswise into pieces” in the Hawaiian language. This dish is unique and interesting to try because you can customise your own bowl according to your taste. Choose fresh ingredients such as raw fish, vegetables, dressings, nuts and more to enjoy a bowl of the nutrient-packed meal.
So, if you are interested in trying a bowl of poke but still have no idea where to find the best poke bowls in Penang. Well, fret not because we already listed the top 6 poke bowls in Penang that are worth your money. Check out this article to discover the location, operating hours and descriptions of each location to help ease your decision-making.
Is A Poke Bowl Served Hot Or Cold?
So, are poke bowls supposed to be served hot or cold? The answer is neither. This is because the base or rice like brown rice, black rice, sushi rice or pilaf rice will be topped by a source of protein like raw tuna, salmon or tofu needed to be in a cold temperature. Temperature is crucial when it comes to poke bowls, as the contrast between warm and cold creates a harmonious aftertaste.
Is Poke Japanese Or Hawaiian?
Have you ever wondered about the origins of poke? Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish that should not be confused with Japanese food. Though you can find poke bowls at several sushi restaurants across the country, poke bowls are still a dish that originated in Hawaii. However, the misunderstanding may be valid as Hawaiian cuisine takes many influences from Japanese food.
6 Best Poke Bowls in Penang 2025
1. Tummy Bowl
Start eating healthy and head to Tummy Bowl to treat yourself to a bowl of wholesome poke. This restaurant is the most popular poke bowl spot favoured by the local community due to its wide range of ingredient choices. Simply customise your poke bowl by selecting nutritious ingredients like meats, nuts, vegetables and toppings according to your taste. Each portion is suitable for one to two servings, allowing you to share the healthy food with your beloved ones.
Operating Hours:
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Monday – Friday)
11:00 am – 10:00 pm (Saturday – Sunday)
Address: 1-1-22, Elit Avenue, Jalan Mayang Pasir, Bandar Bayan Baru, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tummybowlbayanbaru
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tummybowl/?hl=en
2. Bricklin Cafe & Bar
Bricklin Cafe & Bar has a popular poke bowl, and it is called Laugh Pilaf Chicken Poke Bowl. It is unique compared to other poke bowls because of its base, the pilaf rice that will be infused with tea, saffron and spices for a distinctive flavour hard to be found elsewhere. It is also served with Mid-Eastern marinated grilled chicken, Japanese cucumber, baby tomatoes, sour cream raita and nuts for contrast, in a good way and hearty meal. Hanging out with your pals in a lovely environment while devouring healthy foods sounds like the best way to spend quality time.
Operating Hours:
9:00 am – 7:00 pm (Wednesday – Monday)
Closed on Tuesdays
Address: 31A, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BricklinCafeBar/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricklincafebarbyrbc/
3. Javu
Javu is another well-known restaurant that sells poke bowls worth checking out. You can get as many as 250 different combinations to its poke bowl, so all customers are able to smack on various types of poke at one location. Eat your greens by selecting from the extensive range of fresh vegetables to be added to your poke bowls for a more balanced diet. The cosy ambience brings out a sense of tranquillity, making it an ideal place to unwind yourself from hectic schedules.
Operating Hours:
9:00 am – 2:30 pm (Monday)
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Wednesday – Sunday)
Closed on Tuesdays
Address: 26, Lebuh Lembah Permai 4, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/javupenang
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/javupenang/?hl=en
4. Carrot Fish
Carrot Fish understands that each customer has their own preference when it comes to food. Hence this cafe grants you to craft your poke bowl with the vast selection of ingredients to be chosen from. You can also request to have your bowl served either hot or cold. It is all up to you. Pick the appropriate size depending on your needs, followed by the base, mains, source of protein, dressing and any additional options to enjoy the delectable taste of healthy food you create.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm (Daily)
Address: D6, New World Park, D6, 102, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrotfish.pg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrotfish.my/
View website5. Something Poke
Live healthily by consuming nourishing foods at Something Poke. The ingredients are all fresh, so rest assured that you can get to taste only the best flavour and texture upon each of your visits to this cafe. Despite the high price, the big portion makes up for the money spent, giving you a feeling of satisfaction. Located at Gurney Plaza, Penang, Something Poke is a newly opened cafe that deserves attention and crowds.
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 9:30 pm (Daily)
Address: Gurney Plaza, B1-K19/20, Persiaran Gurney, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somethingpoke/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somethingpoke/
6. Sushi Tei
Sushi Tei is a sushi restaurant committed to serving great quality food at reasonable prices. It guarantees you will only get fresh and newly cooked meals to ensure an enjoyable dining experience. Even though this is a sushi restaurant, you can also find poke bowls to cater to people’s preferences. Its Salmon Poke Bowl is among the menu you ought to try as it consists of salmon, chia seed, black bean, melon seed, almond, and mixed vegetables, which are then topped on Japanese Akita brown rice.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 02-02, Plaza Gurney, 170, Persiaran Gurney, George Town, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sushiteipenang/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sushiteimy/?hl=en
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
