Similar ways of preparing bowls of food can be found in

Asian Cuisine: Many Asian cultures have dishes that involve a bowl of rice or noodles topped with various vegetables, proteins, and sauces. These dishes, such as bibimbap from Korea or donburi from Japan, share similarities with Buddha bowls.

Hawaiian Cuisine: Poke bowls, a popular Hawaiian dish, also influenced the concept of Buddha bowls. They feature a base of rice or greens topped with raw fish, vegetables, and a sauce.

The Modern Interpretation:

The modern Buddha bowl, as we know it today, is a relatively recent phenomenon, popularised in Western cuisine in the past decade or so. The fusion of these cultural influences emphasises balance, nutrition, and customisation.

So, while the exact origin might be a bit hazy, the Buddha bowl is a delightful blend of ancient traditions and modern culinary trends.

They've gained popularity for several reasons:   

Customisation: They allow for endless variations, making them adaptable to different dietary preferences and restrictions.  

Visual Appeal: Their vibrant colours and layered components make them attractive to eat.

Nutritional Value: They often incorporate a wide range of nutrients, including fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals.   

Convenience: They can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient and healthy meal option.   

Buddha bowls can be beneficial for gut health due to the following factors:

Fibre-Rich Ingredients: Many Buddha bowl components, such as grains, legumes, and vegetables, are excellent sources of fibre. Fibre promotes healthy digestion, supports gut bacteria, and prevents constipation.   

Probiotics: Some Buddha bowls may include fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi, which contain probiotics that can improve gut microbiome diversity and overall gut health.   

Antioxidants: Colourful vegetables and fruits often included in Buddha bowls are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the gut lining and reduce inflammation.

Hydration: The vegetables and fruits in Buddha bowls contribute to hydration, which is essential for optimal gut function.   

• Creating gut-friendly Buddha bowls for lunch can be both nutritious and delicious. These bowls often feature a variety of fibre-rich vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fermented foods to support gut health. Here are a couple of easy gut-friendly Buddha bowl lunch ideas to try.

Salmon and Avocado Bowl:

• • Base: Brown rice or red quinoa.
  • Protein: salmon.
  • Veggies: Sliced avocado, edamame, cucumber and radish
  • Gut-Boosting Addition: Pickled ginger and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
  • Dressing: Miso tahini dressing.

Green Goddess Bowl:

• • Base: Baby spinach or kale.
  • Protein: Sliced hard-boiled eggs or grilled tempeh.
  • Veggies: Sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and steamed green beans.
  • Gut-Boosting Addition: Sprouted seeds and a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds.
  • Dressing: Chopped fresh herbs with yoghurt or a dairy-free alternative.

Remember you can customise these Buddha bowls based on your dietary preferences and any specific gut-friendly foods that work best for you. They travel well so make the perfect packed lunch.

Come and share your creations in our Facebook group.