Buddha bowl

Young Buddhist monks walked in a single file through the town center carrying empty bowls each morning. Local villagers would line the streets, filling each bowl with rice, veggies, and leftover bits and pieces of food, sharing what little they had. This would become the monk’s main meal for the day. It was such a beautiful ritual to watch, truly moving and rich with tradition, trust, and community; I’ll never forget it.

In essence, a Buddha bowl is a one-bowl meal, typically vegan, consisting of rice (or whole grains), fresh or cooked vegetables, plant proteins like beans, legumes, or tofu, leafy greens or herbs, seeds or nuts, and a flavorful sauce. Buddha bowls are typically served cold, but some versions are served with a warm base.