From açaí to charcoal-infused: Shanghai's best smoothie bowls
Photographs: Annie Lin
Avocado toast isn't the only pre-2015 health trend that's thriving in Shanghai. Smoothie bowls (why did we ever drink smoothies out of a cup, anyway?) are still going strong in this city where the superfood and fitness crazes aren't showing any signs of slowing down. From classic açaí to mermaid-blue infusions, here are Shanghai's best bowls to dig your spoon into.
Bowl'D
‘Dayuuummmn' is definitely what you'll say when this flawless açaí bowl (32RMB small, 45RMB regular) from Bowl’D graces you with its presence. The feel-good treat gets its all-natural sweetness from frozen açaí berries imported from Brazil and frozen bananas as the base. In the last decade, açaí berries blew up globally as a ‘superfood’ for their high levels of antioxidants. Do we believe it? If it tastes this good, sure.
The smoothie
Frozen açaí berries, frozen banana.
The bling
Strawberries, blueberries, banana, coconut flakes, chia seeds, edible flowers, house-made granola (oats, almonds, cashews, dried fruits, agave syrup).
📍1386-1 Yuyuan Lu, near Changning Lu.
Modern Farmer
This oh-so-photogenic bowl (78RMB) belongs to rustic, European-style brunch spot Modern Farmer. Not all looks, it tastes just as good with a summery, tropical fruit combo topping off the simple yogurt-berry base. If a smoothie could be dolled-up, this is how it’s done.
The smoothie
Low-fat yogurt, choice of raspberries or blueberries.
The bling
Banana, dragon fruit, blueberries, strawberries, honeydew, passion fruit, granola (oats, raisins, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, macadamia nuts), edible flowers, lime slices.
📍B1-12B, Ruihong Tiandi, 188 Ruihong Lu, near Tianhong Lu.
The Flow Cafe by VCLEANSE
The Flow Cafe by VCLEANSE takes smoothie bowls to the next level, literally, amidst the clouds on the 38th floor of HKRI Taikoo Hui. Marketed as ‘for chocolate lovers who also want to fit in their skinny jeans’, the chocolate peanut butter bowl (48RMB) comes served on a chic marble tray with a golden spoon – it’s probably the trendiest smoothie bowl on this list. Great for Instagram, but if you don’t love the bitter bite of cacao, skip this one and go for the green smoothie bowl (48RMB) filled with kiwi, spinach, wheatgrass powder, bee pollen, bananas, toasted coconut and house-made cashew milk.
The smoothie
Raw cacao powder, peanut butter, house-made cashew milk, maca powder, bananas, medjool dates, cinnamon.
The bling
Banana, almonds, raw cacao nibs, freeze-dried raspberries, coconut flakes, peanut butter.
📍38th Floor, HKRI Taikoo Hui, 288 Shimen Yi Lu, near Nanjing Xi Lu.
Lizzy's All Natural
Transporting you to an island somewhere far away, the mystical turquoise colour of Lizzy’s All Natural ‘Mermaid Bowl’ (48RMB) comes from spirulina powder mixed with pea protein, frozen cauliflower and a bunch of other good stuff (see below). Another worthy mention is the açaí bowl (48RMB) made with all your usual smoothie suspects and the superfood in powder form. Head over to Lizzy’s Zenergy Wellness Center afterwards for a yoga or meditation class to feel completely rejuvenated.
The smoothie
Spirulina, pea protein, frozen cauliflower, spinach, avocado, banana, coconut water, vanilla, honey.
The bling
Banana, house-made granola, dried coconut, chia seeds, bee pollen.
📍More Than Eat, 758 Julu Lu, near Fumin Lu.
Seenewtree
A totally goth smoothie bowl (49RMB) from Seenewtree – this charcoal-infused blend doesn’t only look like it came straight out of the witch’s cauldron, it’s also got some badass magical powers. Activated charcoal is said to detoxify, reduce bloating, aid digestion and a whole list of benefits. If charcoal isn’t your thing, try one of the shop’s 11 other bowls.
The smoothie
Activated charcoal, blueberries, pineapples, peaches, oranges, lemon juice.
The bling
Seasonal fruits (dragon fruit, peach, watermelon, pineapple, golden kiwi), mixed nuts and grains.
📍238 Danshui Lu, near Zizhong Lu.
SmoothieBowl
Lookin’ like something straight outta Atlantis, ‘Blue Ocean’ (42RMB) is SmoothieBowl’s bestseller for obvious reasons. Tasting more like a dessert than a healthy smoothie, the electric blue comes courtesy of an all-natural blue spirulina powder. If you’re looking for a boost to wake you up, the brain freeze this gives definitely will.
The smoothie
Frozen bananas, frozen pineapples, yogurt, blue spirulina powder.
The bling
Bananas, chia seeds, fresh cranberries, dried cranberries, raisins, almonds, oats, cornflakes, mint.
📍115 Wukang Lu, near Hunan Lu.
Tartine
Set on tree-lined Jianguo Xi Lu, cosy café Tartine offers a delicious, nutrition-packed superpower bowl (48RMB) that keeps you feeling full and gives you the energy you need to power through the day. Each bowl is topped with a single edible flower, a delicate touch that makes every bowl slightly different from the other.
The smoothie
Frozen bananas, frozen raspberries, raw organic protein powder, raw cacao powder, coconut water, coconut flakes.
The bling
Chia seeds, raw cacao nibs, goji berries, coconut flakes, vegan homemade granola (oats, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, raisins, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon).
📍406 Jianguo Xi Lu, near Yueyang Lu.
TRIBE
This no-fuss smoothie bowl (58RMB) from TRIBE is thick and creamy, falling more into yogurt bowl territory (a fine line, we know) but fruity and delish enough to sneak into the list. A recipe easy enough to whip up at home, we’re tempted to try it, but TRIBE’s chill atmosphere and outdoor terrace keeps us coming back for that breakfast smoothie fix.
The smoothie
Yogurt, blueberries, raspberries, banana, dragon fruit.
The bling
Strawberries, blueberries, banana, dragon fruit, coconut chips.
📍291 Fumin Lu, near Changle Lu.
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