Buddha Bowls: healthy bowls bulging with goodness

buddah bowls

Where Can I Get it?  |  How Can I Make It?

What is a buddha bowl? 

Buddha bowls are a hearty, health-conscious meal that consists of lean protein, colorful vegetables, grains and other healthy toppings all piled into a bowl.  They are aptly named since the large mound of food symbolizes a bulging Buddha belly. They also go by the names: sunshine bowl, hippie bowl, glory bowl and macro bowl.  Buddha bowls are primarily vegetarian or vegan, but are also quite versatile and can include lean cuts of meat including fish, chicken or beef.  These healthy bowl meals went mainstream in 2016 with the rise of healthy savory alternatives to acai and other smoothie bowls.  Bowl food went viral internationally in May 2018 after the royal wedding when Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were said to have served their guests food in bowls.

Where can I get it?  

You can get buddha bowls in many restaurants that specialize in healthy foods.  Here are several places known for their health-laden bowls.

Austin, TX: Galaxy Cafe

photo: Galaxy Cafe on Facebook

Los Angeles, CA: Cafe Gratitude

photo:  Cafe Gratitude on Facebook

 San Francisco, CA: Eatsa

buddha bowls san francisco california
photo: Eatsa on Facebook

Indianapolis, IN: Ezra’s Enlightened Cafe

photo: Ezra’s Enlightened Cafe on Facebook

Portland, OR: Laughing Planet Cafe

photo: Laughing Planet Cafe on Facebook

San Diego, CA: Isabel’s Cantina

buddha bowl san diego
photo: Isabel’s Cantina on Facebook

Washington D. C.: Seoul Food

photo: Seoul Food D.C. on Facebook

Looking for more places that serve buddha bowls?  You can find them on Glutto right here.

How can I make it? 

Buddha bowls are simple to make since you just have to pick your favorite healthy ingredients and put them all in a bowl.  Here’s an easy recipe that can be modified as you wish…

Special Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of protein (tofu, chicken, fish, etc.)
  • 2-3 cups of cooked brown rice or quinoa (follow brown rice cooker instructions)
  • 1 cup small brussels sprouts (cut in half)
  • 1 cup broccoli (cut into florets)
  • olive oil (for drizzling)
  • avocado dressing (or your favorite dressing)
    • 1 medium avocado (peel & remove pit)
    • 1/4 cup coconut milk
    • 1 tablespoons lime juice
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F
  2. Put broccoli, brussels sprouts and butternut squash on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.  Season with salt & pepper and toss to evenly cover the vegetables.  Evenly spread the vegetables on the baking sheet.
  3. Put baking sheet with vegetables in the oven for 30 mins or until brown, flipping halfway for even roasting.
  4. If you are making the avocado dressing, blend all the dressing ingredients until smooth, then chill in the refrigerator.
  5. In a pan, drizzle olive oil and cook the protein until lightly browned.
  6. In a bowl, assemble the rice/quinoa, protein, and vegetables.  Then top with the dressing and enjoy!

Hello! I'm Kristina

Kristina Reynolds is the Founder & CEO of Glutto and an alumna of the University of California, San Diego. She writes articles & posts for Glutto Digest with insights from fellow industry experts. Furthermore, she is the author of The Fittest Food Lovers: How EVERY BODY Can be Incredibly Fit and Still Enjoy Food, a collaborative philanthropic book with proceeds going to charities that fight world hunger.