What is Kava?

History & Culture

Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant native to the Pacific Islands, where it has been cherished for over 3,000 years.

Pacific Island Origins

Kava originated in Vanuatu and spread throughout the Pacific Islands, including Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and Hawaii. The name "kava" comes from the Polynesian word meaning "bitter," referring to the earthy taste of the traditional preparation.

Traditional Ceremonies

In Pacific Island cultures, kava plays a central role in ceremonies, social gatherings, and community bonding. Chiefs and elders traditionally share kava to welcome guests, settle disputes, and mark important occasions. The ritual of preparing and drinking kava together fosters connection and respect.

Kava Bars Today

The kava bar concept brings this sense of community to the modern world. Unlike traditional bars that serve alcohol, kava bars offer a social atmosphere where people can connect over a shared appreciation for this ancient botanical.

How Kava is Made

The Kava Plant

Kava is made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant. The roots are harvested after 3-5 years of growth when the concentration of active compounds (kavalactones) is optimal.

Traditional Preparation

Traditionally, kava roots were chewed, ground, or pounded into a fine powder, then mixed with water and strained through plant fibers. The resulting beverage has a distinctive earthy, slightly bitter taste.

Modern Preparation

Today, kava is typically prepared by:

• Grinding dried kava root into a fine powder
• Mixing the powder with water
• Kneading and straining to extract the kavalactones
• Serving fresh for optimal taste and potency

Noble Kava

At PoorHouse Kava, we use only Noble kava root – the highest quality variety traditionally used for drinking. Noble kava is distinguished from "tudei" (two-day) kava varieties and is considered the gold standard for kava bars.

Kava at PoorHouse Kava

We serve freshly prepared kava that you can customize to your preferences.

Build Your Own Kava

Our build-your-own system lets you create your perfect kava experience:

• Pour sizes: Regular, Large
• Bases: Brewed kava tea, juice, milk alternative, or seltzer
• Boosts: Kava extract shot (1g, 30% kavalactones per dose)
• Flavors: House syrups and fresh juices to enhance the taste

First Time?

If you're new to kava, our friendly staff will guide you through the experience. We recommend starting with a single shell and seeing how you feel before ordering more. The effects of kava can take 15-20 minutes to notice.