COCONUTS HOT SPOT — The new kid on the block—the twisty Jl. Raya Pengosekan block, that is—is all about Asian (mainly Thai and Vietnamese) comfort food in bowls.
Buddha Bowl’s Vietnamese pho noodles have a fragrant broth and fresh herbs toppings, while their Northern Thailand style curry noodles come complete with chicken, coriander, and spring onion, served with mustard cabbage, shallots, chili paste, and fresh lime. Every slurp from these two favorites of ours feels like a warm hug.
Even though they also come in bowls (in line with the restaurant’s name), there are also non-soupy dishes for those diners who aren’t patient enough to wait for hot steamy broth to cool down. Buddha Bowls’ Ka Na Moo Krob—the wok fried crispy pork with kale leaves, chili, and garlic served with omelet and steamed rice—is really Asian home cooking at its simple best.
Ka Na Moo Krob
We also love their Pad Kee Mao—spicy fried noodles with squid, prawn, chicken, basil, baby corn and green beans—for that signature slightly burnt flavor you can only get from a seasoned well-used wok.
Pad Kee Mao for the win!
And from the grill, the Vietnamese baguette sandwich Banh Mi with grilled lemongrass pork and fresh veggies is perfect for a light lunch.
Aside from the bowls, there are of course the strikingly fresh Thai salads and Vietnamese spring rolls that are also available for appetizers. Since Buddha Bowl is actually the sister restaurant of the legendary Thai hot spot, Warung Siam on Jl. Gootama, there’s absolutely no question about the quality of their dishes. And speaking of their Thai sister restaurant, another thing that has us squealing with delight: they also serve the heavenly decadent Thai Tea Cake from Warung Siam at Buddha Bowl!
Appetizing appetizers, indeed
The stylish yet simply decorated Buddha Bowl, dominated by hunter green decor, is located around the busy corner next to Taco Casa. Traffic can get pretty heavy at times, but we think it makes the spot perfect for single solitary lunch. Just pick one of the many bar-style single seats provided, put your sunglasses on, and munch away as you indulge yourself in purely fun and harmless people-watching. There’s definitely never a lack of colorful characters passing by!
FIND IT
Buddha Bowl
Jl.Raya Pengosekan (next to Taco Casa)
Ubud
082144844353
Photos at the top: Instagram @Buddha.Bowl
