Honolulu’s Paina Cafe Debuts in Chinatown

Paina Cafe
Address: 6870 Spring Mountain Road, #G
Phone: 702-272-2790
Status: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

If you’ve been wondering who to thank or curse for all the local "poke" mania, new Chinatown arrival Paina Cafe stakes a good claim to being the first to create the casual dining craze.

Taking over the shuttered 1,975-square-foot Sushi On Rainbow space at the Korea Town Plaza, close to the intersection of Spring Mountain Road and Rainbow Boulevard, Paina’s co-owner Derek Uyehara debuted the concept in 2008 under the original name of The Poke Bowl. It is believed to be the first time the dish was actively promoted on a menu.

With three successful Honolulu, Hawaii, locations, Paina Cafe, also written as Pā´ina Café, has duplicated its menu here in Las Vegas. The counter service spot lets guests create their own bowls, priced $9.45 for regular size and $10.45 for large, or choose tried and tested options, such as the "Kimura Ahi Katsu" bowl, featuring panko-crusted ahi, or the kalua pig.

"Create your own" options include "Hawaiian-style poke," sweet chili tofu and when available, "Kim Chee Tako Poke."

Also on the menu, Caesar, Asian slaw and spicy tuna salads and side dishes include ahi, salmon tako and tofu poke, ranging in size from two-ounce to 16-ounce containers.