International Poke Day
September 28
About International Poke Day
International Poke Day takes place every year on 28 September, celebrating the Hawaiian dish of seasoned raw fish that has grown from a fishermen’s snack into a global food phenomenon. The day was created by Angela Wong, co-founder of the restaurant Splash Poke in Edmonton, Canada, as a way to honour poke’s heritage and its rise in popularity around the world. It is a chance to enjoy a poke bowl, learn about the dish’s Polynesian roots, and support the restaurants keeping the tradition alive.
How to Celebrate International Poke Day
Poke is one of the easiest awareness days to mark, because the celebration revolves around eating something delicious. Here are plenty of ways to get involved.
- Visit a local poke restaurant – Seek out a poke shop or Hawaiian eatery in your area and order a classic bowl. Independent restaurants in particular benefit from the extra custom that the day brings.
- Make poke at home – Cube some sushi-grade ahi tuna, toss it with shoyu (soy sauce), toasted sesame oil, sweet onion and green onion, then chill for an hour before serving over warm rice.
- Try the traditional version – Recreate poke as Native Hawaiians first made it, with Hawaiian sea salt, limu (seaweed) and inamona, a condiment of roasted, crushed kukui nuts.
- Build a custom poke bowl – Layer your fish over rice or greens and add toppings such as avocado, edamame, cucumber, seaweed salad, pickled ginger and a drizzle of spicy mayo.
- Host a poke bar – Set out bowls of marinated fish, rice and a spread of toppings so guests can assemble their own creations. It is a relaxed, interactive way to feed a crowd.
- Experiment with variations – Swap tuna for salmon, octopus (tako) or, for a vegan option, marinated tofu or watermelon, proving poke is endlessly adaptable.
- Learn the language – Poke (pronounced poh-keh) means “to slice” or “to cut crosswise” in Hawaiian. Sharing the correct pronunciation and meaning is part of respecting the dish’s origins.
- Share your bowl online – Photograph your creation and post it with the day’s hashtags to inspire others and spread the word about this fresh, vibrant dish.
What is International Poke Day?
International Poke Day is an annual food celebration dedicated to poke, the Hawaiian dish of diced, seasoned raw fish. It brings together home cooks, restaurateurs and seafood lovers to enjoy poke in all its forms and to recognise its cultural significance. The day appeals to anyone who appreciates fresh, simple cooking, from longtime fans to newcomers trying their first bowl. Above all, it is a celebration of how a humble Hawaiian staple became a worldwide favourite.
When is International Poke Day?
International Poke Day falls on Monday, 28 September 2026. It is held on the same date every year, so there is no need to check a shifting calendar. Mark 28 September in your diary and you will never miss the chance to celebrate.
The History of International Poke Day
The origins of poke itself stretch back centuries. Early Polynesian settlers who voyaged to the Hawaiian islands brought a tradition of eating raw fish, and Hawaiian fishermen would season the offcuts of their catch with sea salt, seaweed and other simple ingredients. This was poke in its earliest form: practical, fresh and unfussy. The dish drew on whatever the ocean and the land provided, which is why traditional recipes feature limu seaweed and inamona made from native kukui nuts.
Poke as it is widely recognised today took shape around the 1970s, when versions made with skipjack tuna (aku), Hawaiian salt and seaweed became common. Japanese immigrants who settled in Hawaii from the late 1800s brought sushi-making skills and ingredients such as shoyu and sesame oil, which gradually became central to the modern dish. By the early 2010s, poke had spread to mainland North America, where dedicated poke shops and build-your-own bowls turned it into a fast-casual sensation. From there it travelled across the globe.
International Poke Day was established to give this much-loved food its own moment in the calendar. It was founded by Angela Wong, who co-founded the restaurant Splash Poke, and the date of 28 September was chosen to rally poke lovers everywhere. The day reflects a wider appreciation for Hawaiian cuisine and reminds people that behind every trendy bowl lies a deep cultural history. If you enjoy celebrating culinary traditions, you might also like World Martini Day, another day devoted to a globally adored creation.
Fun Facts About International Poke Day
- The word “poke” is a verb in Hawaiian meaning to slice or cut crosswise into pieces, describing exactly how the fish is prepared.
- Ahi (yellowfin or bigeye tuna) is the most popular fish for poke, prized for its firm texture and clean flavour.
- Traditional poke used inamona, a seasoning made from roasted and crushed kukui (candlenut) nuts, long before soy sauce arrived.
- Japanese immigrants in Hawaii introduced shoyu and sesame oil, ingredients now considered essential to a classic poke.
- Poke is often eaten in Hawaii as a pupu, the Hawaiian word for an appetiser or snack.
- The poke boom of the early 2010s saw dedicated poke shops open across North America, Europe and Asia within just a few years.
Why International Poke Day Matters
Beyond the pleasure of a tasty meal, International Poke Day celebrates Hawaiian and Polynesian food culture and the immigrant influences that shaped it. It supports the independent restaurants that introduced many of us to poke, and it encourages people to seek out fresh, sustainable seafood. The day is also a reminder to honour the origins of dishes we enjoy, rather than treating them simply as passing trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Poke Day?
It is an annual celebration of poke, the Hawaiian dish of diced, seasoned raw fish. People mark it by eating poke bowls, cooking the dish at home and learning about its cultural roots.
When is International Poke Day in 2026?
International Poke Day is on Monday, 28 September 2026. It is celebrated on 28 September every year.
How do you pronounce poke?
Poke is pronounced “poh-keh”, with two syllables. It is a Hawaiian word meaning “to slice” or “to cut crosswise into pieces”, and it should not be said like the English word “poke”.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best poke bowl photos on social media with #InternationalPokeDay and #PokeDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to find their favourite poke spot or make a bowl of their own!
Related Awareness Days
- World Martini Day – Another globally loved food and drink celebration with a rich history and devoted fans.
- Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day – A day honouring Indigenous heritage, culture and traditional foodways.
- Happy Heart Hugs Day – A feel-good day perfect for sharing good food and good company with loved ones.
Links
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