Take note, health-conscious Shenzheners: there’s a new restaurant serving up guilt-free Chinese and fusion foods. Green Bowl describes itself as a “diet brand” promoting “healthy organic food with Chinese taste.”
The restaurant is nestled on the eighth floor of a Software Industry Base building aiming to be a high-end apartment complex for the hip, young tech workers in the area. The vibe is appropriate, featuring minimalistic white everything (walls, furniture, signage), cacti and smooth jazz. There’s a short paper menu in English, but the complete menu is available in Chinese only through Green Bowl’s WeChat account, where you place your order and pay on-the-spot.
The menu is true to its Chinese roots, with many dishes designed for a familiar appeal, including Taiwanese-style minced pork (RMB45) and sweet and sour lemon bass (RMB55). You won’t find any kale smoothies or acai bowls here – the food is decidedly “fusion” but leans more toward the local. For vegetarians and vegans, the clearly marked “vegan” menu items and customizable proteins are definite upsides.
The spinach mashed potato puree (RMB58) is truly a “green bowl” – a blend of spinach, potatoes, peas, asparagus and avocados in an attractive forest green. Like most of Green Bowl’s entrees, the dish is served with sides of rice, soup and veggies when ordered as a lunch set. The puree was tasty and light, but took us by surprise with an overwhelming coconut milk flavor.
The Taiwanese-style minced pork fell more closely within Chinese food standards – the flavors resembled what you’d find elsewhere, but with less fat. Sides of pork-based soup and pickled vegetables with fungus were likewise lighter. We rounded out the meal with a berry smoothie (RMB35), which was thin but fresh and free of added sugar or syrup.
For a community where fitness and nutrition are trending, Green Bowl provides a modern take on Chinese fusion cuisine. It’s a solid new choice for people on the hunt for a healthy lunch.
Price: RMB45-80
Who’s going: health nuts, vegans, Software Industry Base workers
Good for: fusion food, lighter local flavors
Nearest metro: Keyuan (Exit A), 14 minutes
See listing for Green Bowl.
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