Ask any Hawaiian, and he’ll tell you that the shaka sign (thumb and pinky extended, other fingers down) is a gesture of friendly intent. If there is a literal translation, it is “hang loose.” Sisters Kiersten and Krista Gormeley learned all about hanging loose in their one-year odyssey to Hawaii in 2014, where they also fell in love with the healthful lifestyle, which now informs the food at their pair of Hoboken restaurants, Shaka Bowl.
The mainstay of the casual menu is the savory poke bowls, though the house also serves up tacos, acai/pitaya bowls (which are sweet) smoothies, and a variety of baked goods.
One of the more popular items is the Mauna Kea poke bowl done with sushi-grade ahi tuna, rice, mango, avocado, jalapeños, scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds, also moistened with a spicy house-made shaka sauce. You won’t go wrong with lava rock shrimp tacos: the crustaceans are lightly dredged in cornstarch, then fried, and teamed up with cabbage, pickled onions, and pineapple, and drizzled with a sweet chili sauce.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch are served daily.
Shaka Bowl has two locations: 720 Monroe Street, Suite E103, Hoboken, N.J. 201-381-1647; 110 Washington Street, Hoboken, N.J. 201-253-0626.
