Portland, Oregon, a city known for its vibrant culinary scene, offers a myriad of unique dining experiences. Among its culinary gems stands the beloved Whole Bowl restaurant, a haven for those seeking wholesome, flavorful meals. In this post, I aim to recreate the iconic dish that has captured the hearts and palates of Portlanders AND VISITORS– the Whole Bowl.

I first had a Whole Bow, when visiting my daughter who lives in Portland. She was introduced to it by a friend and that friend by a friend and so on. Whole Bowl is incredibly popular and so good that word of mouth travels far. And so Mikayla exposed me to this chain of beautiful, healthy and literally fast food that stuck in my mind long after my return home to California. Were I to live in Portland I don’t think I would bother as it’s well priced, convenient and worthy of full monetary support in the form of paying customers. But sadly I do not and so this is my attempt at it.

Fair warning if you do attempt this - it is indeed quite a bit of prep. Nothing too crazy but just more items than most so I wholly recommend that you envision filling your fridge with a few extra pre-portioned servings. I find if I make this batch then I have a few lunches for the week and this is truly a beautiful thing to have. I find a large mason jar is perfect to hold the ingredients until ready to eat and then I just pour some sauce on it before eating. NOTE: You’ll want to not add the avocado until the day of consuming to avoid them turning brown. So essentially a bit more prep but worth it, honestly. PLUS it is so wholesome and nutritious AND vegetarian it’s just a win win win in my opinion.

History of Whole Bowl:

Whole Bowl is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary institution that embodies the spirit of Portland. Founded by Tali Ovadia in 2001, the concept emerged from the idea of providing nourishing, satisfying meals made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. What began as a humble food cart quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in the city's food culture. Whole Bowl's success is rooted in its commitment to simplicity, sustainability, and community, making it a cherished spot for both locals and visitors alike.

VISIT WHOLEBOWL!

There are several locations in the Portland area - never much of a line or wait. If you’re there do try! Here is a link for their locations so you can experience the original if you’re in Oregon.

Nutritional Profile:

At the heart of Whole Bowl's menu is its signature dish – a wholesome bowl brimming with nourishing ingredients. Packed with a variety of nutrients, the Whole Bowl offers a balanced meal that fuels the body and satisfies the soul. Its key components typically include:

1. **Brown Rice:** A complex carbohydrate that provides sustained energy and is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

2. **Black Beans:** An excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate.

3. **Fresh Avocado:** Loaded with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, avocado adds creaminess and flavor while contributing to heart health.

4. **Salsa Fresca:** Bursting with the vibrant flavors of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime, salsa fresca adds a refreshing zing to the bowl.

5. **Tali Sauce:** The secret weapon of Whole Bowl, Tali Sauce is a savory, tangy blend of nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, and spices that ties the ingredients together, elevating the dish to new heights.

Recreating the Whole Bowl - copycat Whole Bowl recipe:

Without further ado, here is the recipe:

Yield: 4

Author: Celeste Duffy

Whole Bowl Dupe

Prep time: 30 MinTotal time: 30 Min

While nothing can replicate the experience of dining at Whole Bowl itself, recreating the dish at home allows us to savor its flavors and pay homage to this Portland icon. Here's a simple recipe to recreate the magic of Whole Bowl in your own kitchen

Ingredients

BOWL

2 cups cooked brown rice
1 can black beans
1 can kidney beans
1 avacodo
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can sliced black olives
1/2 onion
1 large tomato
Hand full of cilantro leaves, fresh
1 clove garlic
1/2 c sour cream

DRESSING

1/4 c olive oil
1/4 c water
1/4 c nutritional yeast or to taste
1 lemon, juiced
3 cloves garlic
1/3 cup chickpeas
1 tsp mustard
1 tsp cumin
1/5 tsp turmeric

Instructions

prepare a pico using the fresh tomato, cilantro, onion and one of the cloves of garlic
in a bowl assemble your rice, beans, pico, avocado, cheese etc
in a blender - combine all the ingredients of your dressing and process until smooth
drizzle a generous spoon of your dressing on top of your bown
top with a dollop of sour cream

Whole Bowl Portland’s Easy Copycat Recipe - conclusion.

Whole Bowl is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary phenomenon that embodies the essence of Portland's food culture – simple, sustainable, and satisfying. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, recreating the Whole Bowl at home allows you to experience a taste of Portland's culinary magic wherever you are. So gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and indulge in the flavors of Whole Bowl – a true ode to good food and community.