The Rise of Poke in Modern Catering

Poke has moved far beyond the shores of Hawaii. Once a regional dish of marinated raw fish tossed with seaweed, sesame oil, and green onions, poke has evolved into a build-your-own phenomenon embraced by food lovers everywhere. In the world of catering, its freshness, visual appeal, and endless customizability make it a standout choice for weddings, office lunches, birthday parties, and more.

At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, our take on poke celebrates the dish’s roots while expanding the flavor palette. We offer menus that fuse traditional Hawaiian elements with fresh, local ingredients and Asian-inspired twists. Whether you’re serving 10 guests or 200, our poke catering menu can be tailored to match your event’s energy—light and refreshing, bold and savory, or a balanced mix of both.

What’s in a Poke Bowl? (And Why Guests Love It)

A poke bowl is more than just a trend—it’s a canvas for creativity. The standard build includes a base (white rice, brown rice, or greens), a protein (like ahi tuna, salmon, tofu, or shrimp), mix-ins (such as cucumbers, scallions, edamame), sauces (ponzu, spicy mayo, yuzu dressing), and crunchy toppings like sesame seeds or crispy garlic. The result is a fresh, filling, and flavorful meal that’s both energizing and satisfying.

At Susan’s Kitchen, we’ve added signature flavor twists that reflect our broader catering style. Think miso-ginger salmon, marinated tofu with tamari and citrus, and even mango-chili shrimp. We take inspiration from our Hawaiian poke catering menu but build each offering around seasonal availability and your event’s vibe. Each bowl or tray is designed to look as good as it tastes—colorful, balanced, and made with care.

Customizable Poke Bar vs. Pre-Built Bowls

When you’re planning an event, one of the first questions we ask is: do you want guests to build their own bowls, or would you prefer everything pre-assembled? Both options have their advantages. A build-your-own poke bar adds an interactive element to your party—perfect for casual gatherings or team events. Guests love picking their base, protein, and toppings, creating a bowl that suits their taste and dietary needs.

Pre-built bowls, on the other hand, offer convenience and presentation. They work well for more formal settings or when you’re short on time and space. We pre-arrange the ingredients in visually striking ways, ensuring each bowl is consistent in portion and flavor. Our special catering menus include both formats, and we’re happy to help you decide which fits your event best.

Dietary-Friendly and Inclusive Options

One of the best things about poke is how naturally it fits into different diets. It’s naturally gluten-free when served without soy sauce, easily made dairy-free, and full of lean proteins and vegetables. At Susan’s Kitchen, we take it a step further by offering plant-based proteins like marinated tofu, soba noodles, and vegetable-only bowls that satisfy even the pickiest eater.

We label all of our trays and bowls for allergens and dietary preferences, so guests know exactly what they’re getting. For example, our citrus herb tofu bowl uses a tamari-based marinade (gluten-free), topped with sesame cucumber slaw and served on a bed of shredded cabbage and quinoa. Options like these are pulled from our vegan menu, which we adapt for poke-style events with zero compromise on flavor.

Tray, Box, or Buffet: How We Serve It

Different events call for different serving styles. That’s why we offer three distinct options: buffet-style poke bars, individual bento boxes, and party trays. Our buffet setups are ideal for larger gatherings or casual corporate lunches. They include everything your guests need to build their own bowls, complete with serving utensils, signage, and allergen labels.

For events where guests are on the move or space is limited, our poke bento boxes are a practical, elegant solution. Each box includes a base, protein, toppings, and a small side—stacked neatly and portioned just right. Meanwhile, our poke trays work best for family-style gatherings or intimate parties. These are often paired with items from our grain bowls catering to round out the meal with warm or hearty options like miso farro or sesame quinoa.

Pairing Drinks or Side Menus with Poke

Poke is flavorful and filling, but a well-rounded menu includes sides and drinks that balance the meal. We often recommend pairing with fresh smoothies, tropical fruit cups, or lightly seasoned vegetable salads. Infused waters with citrus or cucumber keep the palate refreshed without overpowering the food.

For casual events or warm-weather parties, our mango smoothies and lychee açaí bowls have been popular additions. If you’re designing a more wellness-oriented menu, we suggest selecting from our smoothie and açaí bowls catering menu to complement the clean, vibrant flavors of poke.

Sample Poke Catering Menu

Here’s a look at a typical catering lineup for a corporate lunch event with 25 guests:

• Base Options: Sushi rice, brown rice, spring greens
• Proteins: Miso-glazed tofu, citrus salmon, sesame tuna
• Mix-ins: Edamame, cucumber, mango, scallions
• Sauces: Yuzu vinaigrette, spicy mayo, tamari citrus
• Toppings: Crispy onions, seaweed salad, furikake, sesame seeds
• Drinks: Lemon-mint water, mango smoothie

This particular menu included a custom tray of marinated tofu and gluten-free sauces for dietary flexibility. We also offered citrus-infused water pulled directly from our detox and infused water menu to keep the meal light and hydrating.

Pricing and Booking

Our poke catering pricing is designed to scale based on guest count and setup type. Buffet-style poke bars start at $15 per guest and include 2 proteins, 4 toppings, and a base. Bento boxes range from $13–$18 depending on customization and number of sides. Add-ons like smoothies, infused drinks, or grain bowls are available by request.

To get started, visit our Super Bowl menu for ideas, or contact us directly through our booking form. Whether you’re planning a laid-back office lunch or an elegant event, Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events will help you create a poke menu that fits your vision—and your guests’ cravings.