There are the Vancouverites who love poké, and the Vancouverites who are vegan. Soon the two worlds will not have to orbit separately, thanks to a vegan tuna product that's going on the menu at one Vancouver poké shop.
Westcoast Poké confirms they'll carry Ahimi, a plant-based product that stands in for tuna, and will create a poké bowl with it.
Ocean Hugger Foods/Facebook
Ahimi, which is derived from tomatoes, is produced by New York-based Ocean Hugger Foods, and will be Canada's first commercially-available plant-based tuna substitute.
While Ahimi is currently available at U.S. Whole Foods stores, it's poised to debut in Canada. Westcoast Poké in turn says they will carry the Ahimi and use it for a more "authentic" poké bowl for its vegan and vegetarian customers.
Ahimi was crafted by a chef, and the fish-less tuna stand-in is said to mimic the key components of tuna, like the colour, texture, and "umami" flavour. It's made with non-GMO ingredients and is chemical-free.
Westcoast Poké co-owner Zachary Cho says they had their customers in mind when bringing Ahimi to the menu, and projects they'll love this innovative product.
Ahimi is expected to hit the menu at Westcoast Poké around mid-December at their Vancouver location at 463 West 8th Avenue. The poké shop is prepping a second location, this one in Richmond, for a pending launch, too.
