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Asian Feast series: Richmond poke bowl eatery to offer “luxury” bowls

To celebrate second Feast Asian Dining Festival, the Richmond News spoke to six of the restaurant owners about their feature dishes and why they chose them.

To celebrate second Feast Asian Dining Festival, the Richmond News spoke to six of the restaurant owners about their feature dishes and why they chose them.

A poke bowl shop in Richmond is now offering their “Gold Bowl,” which is a bowl of awesomeness that can satisfy each poke bowl lover’s craving, according to the store owner. 

Poke bowls, also known as rice bowls filled with fresh fish and colourful toppings, have taken over many people’s Instagram feeds.

Pokey Okey, a hidden gem located next to Richmond City Hall, will be serving up what looks to be the most expensive “Gold Bowl” from Oct. 18 to Nov. 18.

This massive bowl contains a mixture of B.C. sea urchin, seared Hokkaido scallops, Uni Miso Pearl, coho salmon roe, torched sweet corn and rice.

Pokey Okei 2
The 8060 Anderson Road spot will be serving up The Gold Bowl from Oct. 28. Photo submitted.

Two people can try the gold bowl, sharing the food and the bill, according to Jonathan Watanabe, the business manager of Pokey Okey.

“My partner and middle school friend Victor He and I love sea urchin. So we want to find a good way to feature uni (sea urchin) and create something a bit more exciting than before,” said Watanabe.

For people who might not be that into the ultra-fancy bowl, the shop also offers other options, including the red bowl for sashimi lovers and the green bowl for vegetarians.

If customers like, they can also build their own bowl.

One of the pleasures of having poke bowls is that people can curate their own choice of proteins and vegetables, said Watanabe.

“You can’t go wrong with poke bowls. You can choose what you want, so don’t be afraid to try. Besides the fact that they are delicious, they are also widely popular among those who are looking for nutritious meals.”

This venture is a collaboration between He and Watanabe. He had been working under “the demon chef” Alvin Leung, well known in the culinary scene in Hong Kong, at a Michelin Star restaurant in China before moving back to Richmond.

Watanabe welcomes anyone to head in and give it a try and tell him what you think.