Tash Gizelis, owner and founder of Kava Bowl Poke Bowls in Dicky Beach, shares her story in the laid-back surrounds of the shop, where reggae beats play and locals chat happily as they pick up their favourite healthy treats.
Originally from New Zealand, Tash is M?ori, and her husband is Samoan. “Poke bowl hails from Hawaii. We‘re not Hawaiian, but we wanted to bring the experience of the laid-back island style we grew up with,” she says. “We named our business Kava Bowl to mirror the experience behind kava: to come together, share, and relax.”
Tash and her husband Lila moved to Caloundra 14 years ago. “We came over young, no kids, glowing skin and flowing hair,” she laughs. “We always said if we moved to Australia, it would be here. Now we’ve got two boys, reside in Currimundi, and this is home.”
After 10 years at the markets serving up fresh juices, she spotted a beachside shopfront and leapt at the opportunity. “I’ve been here nearly every day since, going on four years.”
“We love food—and it was important to create something quick, easy, and genuinely satisfying,” Tash says. “When I was a stay-at-home mum, the options were either eating out or grabbing takeaways, and most takeouts just didn’t hit the mark. I wanted something healthy, quick, and tasty—something you‘d be happy to feed your kids and that actually left you feeling full. More than that, I wanted the space to feel welcoming, home-made, and run by family.”
The Kava Bowl menu reflects that same community spirit. Their poke bowls are fresh, bold, and inspired by the mix-it-all-up style Tash grew up with. “Lots of veg, lots of dressing, lots of crunch and flavour. And if you love raw fish, you have got to try our tuna or salmon.” Choose from five top-selling salad combos, pick a base, select your protein, and pile on the crunch and dressing.
Their acai and smoothie bowls are runaway favourites, but it’s the real fruit ice cream—made with a unique Little Gem machine from New Zealand—that delivers pure nostalgic joy. It’s reminiscent of the seasonal berry ice cream many Kiwis grew up enjoying fresh from the farm. It’s an experience Tash is passionate about sharing with Caloundra, and one that parents are stoked to treat their kids.
Above all, Kava Bowl is a family business with heart. “We like to think, what we do… we do it really well.”
Follow on Instagram @kavabowlpoke
AND THEY‘RE KAVA SPECIALISTS TOO!
As well as poke bowls, Kava Bowl also offers premium kava—both traditional and instant. Sourced from quality cultivars, each blend offers a unique calming effect. Ideal for easing anxiety, winding down or finding stillness, kava is a great natural alternative to alcohol. Curious? Ask the team for a recommendation.
