Last Friday night we had first Friday in Kansas City. And I had the best food from a food truck called, DA POKE’ WAGON. And you guessed it. It was Hawaiian food! It was a Poke’ (pronounced Poh-keh), bowl of basically Hawaii’s favorite food, poke’. According to the food truck’s motto, for good reason; it is healthy, delicious, and totally unique. Poke’ is a simply a way of preparing raw fish. However, I opted for the shrimp in my bowl, because it was cooked.
At the base of the dish is brown or white rice. You could also opt for chopped salad. Then the protein comes next. The choices are marinated tuna, naked tuna, marinated salmon, naked salmon, marinated shrimp, naked shrimp, marinated tofu, and naked tofu. Then you can decide if you want the signature Hawaiian bowl or the signature Midwest bowl. After that you have the options to had “da heat.” This includes Jalapeno edamame, seaweed salad crunch, or tobiko chili aioli. After those delights, you have toppings to add. Some include, cucumbers, pineapple, wasabi, sweet onion, edamame, avocado and an assortment of sauces.
The line outside this food truck was the longest I have ever seen from any food truck. And the food was amazing! I have never tasted a meal quite like it and would definitely eat this food again and again. So I decided to do some research on my own and found that Tiki food trucks are on the rise. And why not? Tiki restaurants are everywhere, so it only makes sense for Tiki food trucks to follow.
A food truck called Hula Girl, brings the Aloha spirit to the DC area in a decked out woody truck that serves grilled Hawaiian teriyaki, plate lunches, salads and sandwiches. They launched their truck in 2011 in Franklin Square Park.
There are even Tiki food trucks in Hawaii. They market by saying, “Ditch the Resort Food and Eat at South Maui Food Trucks.” One of the popular food trucks in Maui is called Three’s Food Truck. They are located in the Kihel Market Place across from Kalama Park in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii. Another food truck located on the Islands is called Jawz Fish Tacos. Since 1998, Jawz has been catering to boogie boarding locals and beach going tourists in Makena. Their fish tacos have become famous and have led them to become a favorite stop for beach snacks and lunches.
If you stumble on one of these trucks like I did, brave the long lines because the food is worth it. I have to say, this was the best meal I have had in a long time. If this is Hawaiian food, I am all in. There are Hawaiian food recipes available online that are healthy and delicious. The initial purchase of the ingredients is a little expensive such as the sauces and spices, but once you have those, the Hawaiian dishes are a delight. And don’t forget to catch a Tiki Food truck if you get a chance! Look for the bright colors of teal, brown, pink, purple, and greens. Chances are this truck has Hawaiian food.
If you are preparing at home, a simple recipe includes: your fish cut into cubes, rice or noodles, a sauce, slightly salty marinade, or other favorite dressings, like a ponzu sauce, add vegetables or fruit, such as pineapple, avocado, mango, edamame and also onion, cucumber, seaweed, radishes, or anything else you enjoy. Lastly add a topping. Toasted sesame seeds, chopped macadamia nuts, and anything else to add a crunchy effect. Stir together and you have a healthy homemade poke’ dish!
