The food bowl phenomenon has taken the culinary world by storm, offering a convenient, healthy, and customizable option for busy individuals. Let’s dive into the bowl trend, including what makes a good food bowl, the most popular types, and how to start your own food bowl restaurant.
What Goes Into a Food Bowl?
A food bowl is a complete meal served in a single bowl, typically consisting of a base ingredient topped with a variety of complementary ingredients. The concept of food bowls allows for customization, where individuals can choose their preferred combination of ingredients to suit their tastes and dietary preferences. Food bowls can be both savory and sweet, offering a wide range of options for different meals throughout the day.
The base ingredients can vary and may include rice, noodles, salad greens, quinoa, or even a smoothie base. Toppings and additions can include proteins such as grilled chicken, beef, tofu, or seafood, along with an assortment of fresh vegetables, sauces, dressings, herbs, spices, and other flavorful ingredients. For sweet bowls, various fruits and tasty, nutrient-rich additions can be made. The idea is to create a well-balanced and visually appealing meal that is both convenient and satisfying for whatever you’re in the mood for.
The growing interest in food bowls is driven by multiple factors. Firstly, consumers are becoming increasingly health-conscious and are actively seeking out nutritious options. Secondly, bowls offer an easy and time-efficient meal solution for busy individuals, providing a complete and filling meal in one go. Lastly, the trend towards customization allows customers to create their own unique culinary experience, giving them a sense of ownership over their meals.
Types of Trending Bowls
The food bowl trend has inspired a wide range of restaurants to serve different bowl variations. Some popular examples include:
- Smoothie bowls: These refreshing bowls typically feature a thick smoothie base topped with fresh fruits, granola, and various superfood toppings.
- Burrito bowls: Inspired by Mexican cuisine, these bowls replace the tortilla with a bed of rice or lettuce, and are topped with beans, grilled meat, salsa, guacamole, and other delicious toppings.
- Dessert bowls: Sweet indulgence in a bowl! These bowls feature a decadent base such as ice cream or pudding, topped with treats like cookies, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream.
- Teriyaki bowls: A staple in Asian cuisine, these bowls combine a protein (such as chicken, steak, or tofu) grilled in a flavorful teriyaki sauce with rice or noodles and a mix of steamed or stir-fried vegetables.
- Noodle bowls: These bowls offer a variety of noodle options, such as ramen, soba, or udon, paired with broths, proteins, and an assortment of vegetables.
Food bowls offer several advantages over traditional portable food options like sandwiches or burgers. In addition to being highly customizable, they provide a healthier alternative with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and balanced nutrition. Plus, bowls are easy to eat on-the-go, as they are conveniently packed in a single container, eliminating the need for multiple types of utensils or messy wrappers.
Among these options, teriyaki and rice bowl franchises have gained significant popularity. Their success can be attributed to the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The savory teriyaki sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet element, which complements the grilled protein, while the rice or noodles provide a hearty base. The addition of fresh vegetables adds crunch and a burst of freshness, making teriyaki bowls a well-rounded, healthy and delicious option.
Teriyaki Madness: Taking America by the Bowls
Teriyaki Madness has emerged as a leader in the food bowl space by focusing on authentic and delicious teriyaki bowls. Their commitment to high-quality ingredients, exceptional customer service, and customizable options has gained TMAD a voracious fanbase. With their unique Seattle-style Japanese teriyaki bowls and fun-loving shop settings, they deliver a memorable experience that keeps our diners happy and coming back for more.
TMAD Franchisees get to stay at the forefront of the food bowl trend, which shows no signs of slowing down. TMAD offers a strong brand identity with over 20 years of franchising and over 40 new shop locations set to open in 2023. Bring TMAD’s bowls to your local community today.
To learn more, download our Franchise Report.
FAQs
Food bowls offer several advantages over traditional portable food options like sandwiches or burgers. In addition to being highly customizable, they provide a healthier alternative with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and balanced nutrition.
What is the food bowl trend? ›
Food bowls have become popular among operators thanks to the versatility they offer—many meals can be created from a combination of ingredients, and there are different options to fill menu spots all day long—smoothie bowls for the breakfast rush, grain or salad bowls for the lunch hour and noodle bowls for dinner, for ...
When did the food bowl trend start? ›
The food-in-bowls trend started on Instagram in 2016, and according to The Wall Street Journal, the trend is still going strong and seems less like a “fleeting fashion” and more like a “lasting manner.” So, feel free to get rid of any plates, because this trend isn't going anywhere.
Why are bowls popular? ›
Versatility. Another reason food bowls are popular is that they're incredibly versatile. Depending on the ingredients, a food bowl can be the perfect dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
What is the purpose of a bowl? ›
A bowl is a typically round dish or container generally used for preparing, serving, storing, or consuming food. The interior of a bowl is characteristically shaped like a spherical cap, with the edges and the bottom forming a seamless curve.
What makes a food trend? ›
Food trends refer to the changes and shifts in consumer preferences, behaviors, and consumption patterns related to food and beverages. These trends can encompass a wide range of factors, including ingredients, flavors, cooking techniques, dining habits, and nutritional considerations.
What is the bowl diet? ›
The bowl method mainly involves choosing a small bowl to measure your food portions so you do not overeat. This also helps keep your weight in check, without having to compromise with your taste buds.
What is a bowl food menu? ›
Bowl food menus are “mini meals” served in small bowls with a fork. They are perfect for slightly less formal occasions and for venues where there is limited space to fit tables and chairs. Guests eat standing up and the bowls can be passed out to your guests by our waiting staff or served from a food station.
When did the fast food trend start? ›
The term "fast food" was recognized in a dictionary by Merriam–Webster in 1951. Arguably, fast-food restaurants originated in the United States with White Castle in 1921. Today, American-founded fast-food chains such as McDonald's (est. 1940) and KFC (est.
Why is it better to eat from a bowl? ›
One of the main advantages of eating in a bowl is the possibility of carrying out a dietbalanced easily and quickly, thanks to the wide variety of ingredients that can be used, mainly of vegetable origin. In addition, it helps us to enjoy food more thanks to the infinite possibilities it offers when it comes to eating.
“That weight in the hand is likely to make your brain think the food is more substantial and you're likely to rate it as more intensely fragranced and aromatic than for exactly the same food sat passively on a plate,” Spence explained.
What is the significance of a bowl? ›
They are often seen as a powerful symbol of our connection to nature and the importance of living in harmony with the natural world. In many cultures, wooden bowls are still used today as a practical item for holding food and other items, but they also continue to hold important symbolic significance.
What is the history of food bowls? ›
These utensils have been used by mankind for thousands of years. In ancient times bowls served the purposes of both eating and drinking utensil. The earliest existence of bowls has been found in Ancient Greece, China, Crete, and some Native American cultures.
What is the meaning of bowl food? ›
New Word Suggestion. food served in small bowls at an event, allowing guests to stand and talk, and eat from the bowls at the same time.
What does bowl mean in slang? ›
Within modern American cannabis culture, the term "bowl" is often used as a synecdoche to refer to an entire smoking device, especially a glass pipe.
What are the most popular food trends on TikTok? ›
2023 TikTok Food Trends: From Odd to Delicious
- Chamoy Pickle. The chamoy pickle has been floating around the app but 2023 was it's year of greatness. ...
- Tinned Seafood. ...
- Crinkle Cake. ...
- Cucumber chili crunch salad. ...
- Pizza Toast. ...
- Big Mac Smashed Tacos. ...
- Watermelon Fries. ...
- Baked Spaghetti.
The bowl method mainly involves choosing a small bowl to measure your food portions so you do not overeat. This also helps keep your weight in check, without having to compromise with your taste buds.
What is the rice bowl mentality? ›
Essentially it links money with survival. Your rice bowl is a metaphor for how you feed yourself. And if you threaten someone's income, it can feel like you are threatening their survival, and they will react accordingly.
What is party bowl food? ›
More substantial than a canape, bowl food is served in miniature or hand sized bowls where food can be eaten with a fork. Bowl food allows guests to stay standing and mingle whilst they are eating, perfect for a more informal wedding or function as there is no need for designated seating.
