Guide to the Best Buddha Bowls of Melbourne

Buddha bowls have a cult following and we can see why, with the delicious flavour combinations and scrumptious sauces, all contained in an easy to eat a big bowl of magic. 

 

What is a Buddha Bowl?

The five essential components to creating a buddha bowl are;

• a whole grain base
• a protein (or more than one if you want extra protein)
• vegetables
• a sauce and toppings.

Just like the infamous poke bowl, you can customise the bowl to your liking with different ingredients and sauces. Yum!

 

History of the Buddha Bowl

The Buddha bowl is said to have originated from Buddha carrying his bowl through villages where he was visiting, and locals placed food in his bowl for him to eat, and the big bowl would be filled with a selection of meat, grains and vegetables to nourish his body on his journeys.

 

Today, it has been “reborn” into a notoriously healthy and filling meal that is commonplace on menus worldwide. 

 

We’ve collated some of the best Buddha Bowls you can find in the vast metropolis of Melbourne, so you can begin your BB bucket list challenge, starting off right here in Seaford at Coffee for the People Roasting Co.

 

The Best Buddha Bowls of Melbourne Guide

Coffee for the People Roasting Co.

37 Armstrongs Rd, Seaford VIC 3198

The Magic Bowl 

Looking for a healthy lunch to eat in or take-away? Feast your eyes and fill your tummy with our version of the Buddha bowl, made with fresh ingredients that is paired perfectly with a chai latte or latte any day of the week. 

 

This bowl is packed with vegetables over a bed of quinoa and topped with a flavourful red capsicum dressing, avocado and seeds toasted to perfection. Add in some bacon, halloumi, salmon or scrambled eggs for some extra protein and up the delicious factor even more! 

 

BOWL’D Mordialloc at Urban Ground

1-3 Lamana Rd, Mordialloc VIC 3195

The Bowl’d Buddha Bowl

Snag a tasty meal at Bowl’d with their version of the Buddha Bowl, or you can create your own! Wander into the foodie haven that is Urban Ground to visit the Bowl’d team and give their version a go, you won’t be disappointed! They also have a Frankston location, located at 14 Olsen Street. 

 

Nestled over a bed of brown rice, roasted broccoli and sweet potato are topped with avocado, hummus, rocket and topped with roasted pepitas, with your choice of protein. Feeling clucky? Toss up between shredded, satay or teriyaki chicken, or the Bowl’d special shredded chicken.

 

Not a chicken fanatic? Mix it up with slow-cooked pulled pork or sesame roasted tofu, and add additional sauces or toppings to suit your hunger. 

 

Little Sunflower Cafe 

15 Ormond Road, Elwood 3184

This Elwood cafe is a testament to fresh and fermented food, with a bountiful selection of varying Buddha Bowls to choose between. With a menu built on healthy and organic ingredients, you can eat well and feel great.

 

Their bowls include gut-healthy fermented foods, fresh and raw vegetables, a selection of grains or soba noodles, seeds, sprouts and legumes, with the option to add in some extra protein. Depending on your mood, check out one (or all) or their Buddha Bowls for your next Sunday brunch. 

 

Proud Sprout 

43 Peel St, Collingwood VIC 3066

Proud Sprout is a classic Melbourne cafe, that hosts a Nepalese themed menu sure to tantalize your senses. Created by the dynamic Nepalese husband and wife duo Karishma and Waseem, the creators of Hawthorn’s Little Temper Cafe, the Himalayan Mountains formed the inspiration for this menu. Everything made in house, in small batches.

 

Their Buddha Bowl, with big flavours is filled with a chickpea masala, roasted cauliflower, kale and a coconut yoghurt over brown rice, with a toasted sesame and sumac mixture as the finishing touch. Venture down to the 3066 postcode to explore the bowl and whatever else tickles your fancy. 

 

Heal.Thy Self Co.

26 Ballarat St, Yarraville VIC 3013

Heal.Thy Self’s mission statement is to provide nourishing and healthy food, and that’s just what they have done! Sit down and unwind in the courtyard or inside and treat yourself to a fresh smoothie or hot drink and discover their bangin’ bowl, the Nourish x Aurora bowl. 

 

A quinoa and rice mixture serves as the base, with succulent cumin-spiced Japanese roasted pumpkin, their signature garlic and tamari tempeh, a chickpea and tomato medley, smashed avo, spinach, salsa verde and daikon pickle to top it off. Add in some grilled free-range chicken or a house-made vegan kofta sausage and let your senses simmer with joy. 

 

Bowls Baby Collins 

97 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Back to the office means back to the joy of finding your new favourite lunch hub, and Baby Bowls Collins is the prime place for a quick and tasty bite to eat in the office or outside in the CBD bustle. 

 

Baby Bowls Collins may not have a dedicated “Buddha Bowl” on the menu, but they have a scrumptious selection of bowls to choose from, such as the Villager, filled with grilled halloumi, kale, organic quinoa, red onion, hummus, and a creamy honey mustard dressing. Beat the midday blues and try one of the bowls for your next office day lunch. 

 

Fourth Chapter 

385 High St, Prahran VIC 3181

This bright and vibrant cafe is filled with light, with plentiful greenery lining the ceilings and walls, giving off a relaxing, earthy vibe. Satisfy your thirst with a Pink Panther smoothie to go along with your bowl, or treat yourself to a brunch cocktail with your meal. 

 

Their Nourish Bowl has a unique twist, with pickled cabbage, cauliflower falafels, golden carrots, pesto chickpeas, heirloom tomatoes, edamame and spinach, over brown rice and quinoa, decorated with a flavorful coconut tzatziki sauce to bring the bowl together. Add on some grilled or fried chicken, or a poached egg, beef up the meal even more. 

 

Feeling like a Buddha Bowl and a Coffee? Come visit us at our Seaford Cafe, in the South Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne.

Like this guide? Check out our best coffee in Melbourne guide.