When you think of Australia, what comes to mind? Besides miles and miles of beautiful beaches and lush hinterlands, hopefully refreshing acai bowls made the list. I’m sure most of you are familiar with this food trend but for those who are not, these healthy bowls are made from frozen acai berries blended with fruit and pure goodness to give it a smooth and creamy texture.
It gets better… Toppings anyone? There are endless options from fruit and granola, to even chocolate and peanut butter. It’s like having dessert for breakfast or a midday treat, but is still guilt-free, delicious and quite refreshing. Australia has truly mastered the art of acai – here is where to find some of the best bowls on the Gold Coast.
Cardamom Pod (Broadbeach, Southport)
If you are into food photography, this café is calling your name. The Cardamom Pod is by far the best at creating good-looking acai bowls. Not only are they eye catching, they’re delicious too! The vegetarian café tops their bowls with tropical fruit, house-made granola, cacao nibs and a fluffy turmeric whip that looks just like whipped cream, but yellow and with a nice earthy flavor to it. Everything at Cardamom Pod is too beautiful to eat but, trust me, once you dig in, you will not want to stop.
The Salt Mill (Currumbin)
This cute hole-in-the-wall café has much to offer besides beachfront views – they are the acai specialists. With a limited menu, of course I tried ALL of their acai bowls and was not disappointed. Berries and coconut make a mouthwatering combo, but the chocolate granola? That is surely an all-time fave. Order your bowl to go and enjoy it on the beach.
Down 2 Earth Organics (Palm Beach)
Get your money’s worth of acai at this grocer/bulk food store/café. Bowls are served heaping with toppings. With over 10 flavors/combinations, you will always find something to curb your acai cravings. Not keen on waiting in lines? Call in your order, pick it up and enjoy it across the street at the beach. (Make sure your toppings don’t fall off on your walk there!)
Helen’s Heavenly Wholefoods Café (Burleigh Heads)
If you are looking for love at first bite, Helen’s is where to go. The acai base on its own is delightful. Add on your fave granola or muesli, and you are in for a huge treat. Once you’ve tried the bowls, go back for the CocoWhip soft serve, or one of their raw vegan desserts. Healthy, delicious and nutritious.
Jenna Kobata is a TEAN Alum and student at California Lutheran University. She studied abroad with TEAN on the Gold Coast, Australia.
