You would have seen these beautiful acai (pronounced “ah-sigh-ee”) bowls take over your Instagram feed by now. What exactly are they, you ask? This deep purple superfruit has been around for thousands of years, once used by the tribes of the Amazon jungle as a cure for various ailments. However, it was not till recent years that it was introduced to the Western world.
You would have seen these beautiful acai (pronounced “ah-sigh-ee”) bowls take over your Instagram feed by now. What exactly are they, you ask? This deep purple superfruit has been around for thousands of years, once used by the tribes of the Amazon jungle as a cure for various ailments. However, it was not till recent years that it was introduced to the Western world.
The acai berry has one of the highest antioxidant levels found in foods – up to 10 times more than blueberries, and 50 times more than red wine – and is high in fibre and omega-3, -6 and -9. Ideal for fighting free-radical damage and high cholesterol levels, it helps with heart health and delays signs of ageing. Its high concentration of amino acids also makes it a wonderful aid for muscle recovery. Haven’t had your first taste of acai? It’s about time you start.
1 PROJECT ACAI ORIGINAL FLOWER BOWL, from $6.80
Project Acai: 27 Lorong Liput / #B2-32A Takashimaya Shopping Centre
Project Acai only uses a premium brand of organic acai products, and doesn’t believe in holding back on toppings. Dishing up a maximum of 13 per bowl, expect a lovely crunch and surprising burst of flavour with every bite. What’s more, it has two outlets, so your nearest acai bowl shouldn’t be too far away.
2 AFTERGLOW BY ANGLOW ACAI BOWL WITH RAW BROWNIE, $15
Afterglow by Anglow: 24 Keong Saik Road, tel: 6224-8921
Acai for dessert? Healthy-living cafe Afterglow by Anglow is all over it. Its spin on this berry bowl features the acai berry in a refreshing sorbet, accompanied by a raw walnut brownie, dehydrated coconut crackers, raw granola and a raw salted caramel drizzle.
3 ABSOLUTE ACAI THE BRAZILIAN BOWL, from $5.90; The Signature Bowl, from $7.50
Absolute Acai: #01-38, Nankin Row, tel: 6224-4088
Absolute Acai’s frozen Acai puree from Brazil is served blended with fresh fruits and coconut water. Its punchy Signature Bowl comes with a generous heap of granola, fruit, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, bee pollen, goji berries and cacao nibs. Prefer fewer ingredients? Try the pared-down Brazilian Bowl instead.
4 SUPER LOCO ACAI SUPER BOWL, $15
Super Loco #01-13 The Quayside, tel: 6235-8900
If you think Mexican food and acai don’t seem to go hand in hand, here’s where Super Loco proves you wrong. Its version of the acai bowl is frozen and loaded with sweet mango, blueberries, chia, granola and crispy coconut quinoa. Pair it with a cold-pressed juice for even more antioxidant kick.
5 HAAKON CLASSIC ACAI BOWL, from $7.90
Haakon Superfoods & Juice #01-03 Raffles Holland V, tel: 8399-2450
When one of the clever minds behind Haakon is a practising cardiologist, you know the right nutrients are at the heart of it all. This delectable treat is packed with the highest concentration of acai and a chia seed parfait for added protein, fibre and omega-3.
