Health-conscious people may have already tried Brunch Bowl's delivery service, enjoying their set meal plans and handmade cold-pressed juices since 2014. Owner Kornbongkoj "Paang" Thongthew has taken the next step in expanding her business -- a Brunch Bowl Happy & Healthy cafe, launched in March. The cafe ensures that their already fresh ingredients are even more, well, fresh especially when served at the source rather than through delivery.
The location, however, is a tad bit too hidden as it's on the second floor of an office complex behind the Mercedes-Benz showroom at MRT Lumphini. Though there is a sign for Brunch Bowl at the front of the showroom, we had to ask a security guard where it was as it doesn't seem to be in visible distance. But once found, you are greeted to a small cafe that stands out in an industrial area with its garden-like setting.
After playing hide and seek, we hit the cafe's drinks first, which range from coffees, juices and smoothies. We ordered their cold-pressed juices, which seem to be the best-sellers. Paang has created a multitude of flavours -- 25 to be exact -- which she creates by mixing a combination of at least three fruits and/or vegetables. All juices come in two sizes -- 250ml (B100) and 500ml (B180) -- with an option to add chia seeds for B15, and contain no sugar or preservatives.
The Melon Twist's mix of watermelon and lime is enhanced by mint, which gives it a cool and refreshing aftertaste. Whether it blasts our body fat is up for debate, but the Fat Blaster is a fruity detoxifying mix of pineapple, passion fruit, orange and lime. Of the cafe's homemade yoghurty smoothies, the Citrus Twist (B80), which is apples and oranges, literally, was naturally sweet. Its texture is thick and frosty and guaranteed to give you brain freeze with the first sip.
The Baked tofu with salted honey (B80) was a surprising delight -- each piece is covered in honey with the right balance of salt and sweet. For desserts, their Banana Choco ice-cream (B60) is highly recommended. Topped with granola, the chocolate was chunky and not overly sweet. For the Smoothie Bowl (B100), you can choose any of the smoothies and blend it into a large bowl of yoghurt with chia seeds, bananas and granola thrown in for good measure. Our tummies were happy with the Happy Berry, however, we couldn't say the same for the Orange & Mango Sorbet (B60), which was standard and sour.
On Sundays, a special suki happy and healthy hotpot is the highlight. Choose between the Happy Veggie (B190), Happy Pork (B290), Happy Seafood (B390) or the Happy Combo (B790) for large groups. Paang said it is meant to attract families with healthy comfort food. It wasn't anything special and the inclusion of suki seems out of a place for a cafe.
The delivery menu remains the same as the cafe. The ingredients are flavourful and palatable as far as food delivery services go. However, overall portions may be small.
Brunch Bowl serves as a good choice with affordable prices and the cold-pressed juices are a definite highlight. g
Brunch Bowl, 1024 Rama IV / Open Mon-Fri: 7am-3pm, Sun: 11.30am-7.30pm / Order through LINE, Facebook, Instagram, Lineman, Foodpanda, Grab Food or call 095-536-1997 / Visit www.fb.com/brunchbowl.
