Have you ever had the craving for Japanese food, but had to maintain that diet you felt you so desperately needed to get into that slinky little LBD that you just know would look absolutely stunning with those sky-high Manolos you picked up at the sales just last week?
Well, yeah, we’ve all been there. This could be why Poké bowls have pretty much exploded everywhere in Singapore.
Poké bowls are basically a hybrid of sashimi and salads that is relatively healthy, while ensuring you get your Japanese food fix and you have to mix in that Haiwan twist. Fresh sashimi, tuna and other fishy delicacies, are placed on top of a salad, rice and an assortment of mixed vegetables, fruits and toppings to make the meal more robust and healthier.
However, if you’re working in the CBD like many of us are, you may be spoilt for choice or missing out on some tasty treats. Here are our picks for the top 5 Poké bowls in Singapore’s CBD.
A Poké Theory 27 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069623
Located in the heart of Tanjong Pagar, Raffles and the edge of Chinatown is A Poké Theory, a simple restaurant nestled in the heart of the busy Telok Ayer area and only a few minutes walk from that MRT station. Their spicy garlic tuna is a crowd favourite based on the reviews.
You can also find them at their second outlet in Bugis at #01-36/37 DUO Galleria, 7 Fraser St, S189356. http://www.apoketheory.com
Aloha Poké 92 Amoy Street, Singapore 069911
The mother of all Poké restaurants in Singapore needs no further introduction. Well, maybe it does since this article is all about Poké bowls in the CBD.
They offer customers a wide variety of Japanese-inspired food but they are still best known for their Poké bowls.
You can find them around at a couple more spots in the CBS:
Marina Bay Link Mall, 8A Marina Boulevard, #B2-46, Singapore 018984
Change Alley @ Chevron House, 30 Raffles Place, #01-34, Singapore 048622
Pololi Singapore 51 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 048441
The successful Hong Kong chain has entered Singapore to bring their fun and surf-inspired Poké bowls to Singaporeans. Located conveniently outside Telok Ayer MRT, it’s not hard to find and is a hotspot for the lunch crowd in that area. Although priced slightly higher than many other Poké restaurants, this fact hasn’t stopped people visiting them regularly.
Makai Poké Tanjong Pagar Centre #B1-08, 7 Wallich Street Singapore 078884
For those who work in Tanjong Pagar or get off at the Tanjong Pagar MRT, there’s the most affordable option on the list right at your doorstep. Located in Tanjong Pagar centre, and connected to the MRT, is Makai Poké, which starts as low as S$9.90. Reviews do suggest that the quality isn’t as top notch as the others, but it is the most affordable option. http://www.makaipokeco.com
Salmon Samurai 100 Tras Street, #03-22 100AM, Singapore 079027
Another affordable option in Tanjong Pagar (lucky them). 100AM mall hosts Salmon Samurai, another shop that offers Poké bowls starting at S$9.90. This is a project started by the same guys behind Standing Sushi Bar and Tanuki Raw. They’re also located at 10 Collyer Quay – Ocean Financial Centre B1-08. http://www.salmonsamurai.com
While there are quite a few more options in the CBD, these are five of the best options according to our staff and friends who work in the area. To find out the latest and best food options you can check out our other articles here.