Aloha, it’s Ry from Ry’s Poke Shack.

If you’ve ever had poke in Hawai‘i and then tried it on the mainland, you’ve probably noticed that it just tastes different. And that’s something I’ve been asked about a lot, so I thought I’d take a moment to explain why that is—and why it’s hard for mainland poke spots to really capture the essence of what we have here in Hawai‘i.

It Starts With Fresh Fish

In Hawai‘i, we’re fortunate. We have access to some of the freshest fish in the world—ahi, ono, you name it. It’s not just about buying fish; it’s about respecting the fish. In Hawai‘i, we understand that quality matters, and we’re used to paying for it. We’re used to eating fish that hasn’t been sitting around in a deli case for days, fish that’s caught fresh and cut to order.

When you eat poke here, you’re tasting that difference. It’s not just about what’s in the bowl—it’s about the care that goes into it from start to finish. For us, that’s always been a priority.

The Challenges Outside Hawai‘i

When you move off the islands, it’s a little different. The fresh, high-grade fish we get here isn’t as easy to come by. And because of that, many poke spots on the mainland are left with fewer options. To make things work, some places start to load up their bowls with more veggies—edamame, corn, cucumbers—because it helps keep the price down and the bowl full.

The problem is, that’s not what poke was meant to be. At its core, poke is about high-quality fish and simple, fresh ingredients. When the bowl is 80% veggies, it’s missing the heart of what makes poke so special.

Why the Price Is What It Is

I know, poke can be expensive, especially if you’re used to cheaper, fast-casual meals. But here in Hawai‘i, we understand that when you’re working with the best fish, it’s going to cost more. It’s not about making the bowl as cheap as possible; it’s about making sure everything in the bowl is worth it.

For us at Ry’s, we don’t compromise on quality. We’re proud to serve poke the way we’ve always eaten it: fresh, made to order, and with respect to the ingredients. It’s the way we were taught, and the way we believe in sharing it with others.

Why We Do It This Way

The goal from day one has always been simple: to offer the kind of poke we’d want to eat ourselves. We know it’s not the cheapest way, but it’s the right way. And while it’s tough to recreate the exact Hawaiian experience outside the islands, we want to offer a taste of it.

We believe in quality, in tradition, and in making something that’s worth your time and your trust. That’s what we’re serving here at Ry’s Poke Shack—poke that’s fresh, authentic, and made with care.

Thanks for being a part of this journey. We’re just getting started, and we’re excited to share this with you all.

Mahalo,
– Ry