Bondi Bowls — Restaurant in Manchester

Healthiest takeaway in Manchester?

Bondi Bowls have a delicious selection of healthy, gourmet salad bowls (and reminiscent of poke bowls, but less Asian and more Australian).

On a weekend of feasting on massive burgers, endless snacks and chocolate chip cookies with a brew, we were in need of a healthy, energy-packed meal that didn’t require any effort. These bowls did just that (although effort was required…. to choose which one).

We got the Indian bowl and the Buddha bowl (both £8ea) and decided the real standout was the Indian bowl. They key ingredients were spiced cauliflower and chickpea, spinach, sweet potato, crunchy coconut chips and pomegranate seeds with a lot of other goodness mixed in there. We weren’t sure what to expect but the flavours blended beautifully with little bursts of flavour. We’d rate the Indian bowl 5/5 and the Buddha a 3.5/5. There is also the option to add a protein like chicken, salmon, tofu or feta but we didn’t feel like it needed it.

We also tried ‘the golden one’ smoothie (healthy salted caramel smoofhie) and it was an absolute yes from us. The thing that amazed us the most was how ice-cold the smoothie was when it arrived. It was so good, we wished we ordered larger sizes.

Something else that made us really happy was the menu. Bondi Bowls have made a huge effort not only on a clearly written menu with images of the food, there is also macro amounts per portion such as protein, carbs, fats, calories/kj. So for those of you who watch their calories for the gym or health reasons, we found it would be a perfect option for a takeout that is easy to consider in your food plan.

Would we order again? Definitely.

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📍Bondi Bowls...

WORST POKE BOWL I'VE EVER HAD! I don't say this lightly as I didn't think it was possible. I have them wherever I can get them and make a lot myself as it's one of my fave ways to eat.

Firstly the place is clinical in atmosphere, blindingly so and not warm and inviting. Not even a hello upon entry. You have a set selection with a few add-ons on the touch screen order stations. The menu doesn't state what's included in each segment i.e. Slaw has cabbage, onions, edamame etc.

After spending £14.95 and I realised they were making mine because again no communication or even a look/smile, I had to stipulate no onions or spring onions to a response of the slaw has it, but there are only a few you can pick them out. No question of allergy or preference - DANGEROUS! And let's be honest it wasn't a few, it was swimming in them.

The Korean bowl was mediocre in freshness, veg starting to brown, it was lacking in sesame and gochujang, the wakame was just rehydrated with no dressing and the whole thing was drowning in an unpleasant pickling liquor/vinaigrette.

This place needs to do better if it's going to try and compete in this market because as soon as the likes of Nala Poke hit this area bondi bowls will be out...

They recently opened their Kampus location and we visited on opening day and also today, after a week ish. We had poke bowls in the first day and smoothie bowls today.

The atmosphere of the place is built superbly. There's a mural of the eponymous Bondi Beach on the main wall, healthy plants decorate the overhead shelves and some tables, and music with a nice vibe gently fills the space.

The poke bowls were tasty, but the smoothie bowls are definitely the highlight. We tried both the açai and the chocolate bowls. We have been missing them since we left Bali last year, and were looking for proper smoothie bowls until now. Finally found them! The density and consistency is just right, and the toppings work well.

The smoothie drinks were pretty good, I prefer the golden one personally.

The staff are very friendly and helpful and approachable, with positive attitude. That works well with the vibe of the place.

I think it would be nicer for them to open a bit earlier so we can have the smoothie bowls for breakfast too! Currently it seems to be opening at 11am.

Update in November: they started to open...