Best açaí bowls in Singapore

Originating from the Amazon rainforest, the humble little dark purple açaí (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berry brims with antioxidants, amino acids, high fibre, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and contains 10 times more antioxidants than its blueberry cousin. Given the fact that it was almost unheard of a few years ago in Singapore, the açaí berry has exploded in popularity, thanks to the trend of healthier eating options. What better way to try the Brazilian superfood than through açaí bowls, perfect as a healthy kick-start to 2018 after all the indulgent Christmas feasting?

The Cafe BY HIC

Using only açaí berries and bananas (no fillers or syrups), The Cafe by HIC’s serves a full-bodied and fruity base and a dose of toothsome house-made coconut gula Melaka granola with almonds and sunflower seeds. There’s great texture and a caramelly, nutty flavour in each spoonful. Topped with banana slices, coconut flakes, chia seeds and goji berries, the Classic Açaí is a satisfying, guilt-free dessert fix. #01-104 The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road. Tel: 8223 6766

Strangers’ Reunion

It’s akin to having a dessert, except that the Açaí Smoothie Bowl at Strangers’ Reunion is completely guilt-free. The creamy, frozen superfood base of açaí, mixed berries and coconut water, is topped with honey granola, pepitas, coconut flakes, goji berries, and fresh seasonal strawberries and blueberries, making it a rainbow fiesta. The granola and seeds add a right amount of crunch, while the other toppings balance the sweetness of the berries perfectly. This is one açaí bowl we will happily have again and again. 33-35 Kampong Bahru Road. Tel: 6222 4869

Coocaça

A perfect pick-me-up is the Sao Paolo Super Bowl. The cacao and soy milk give the blackberry-like flavour of açaí an addictive nutty and bitter aftertaste, complemented with generous toppings of strawberries, blueberries, bananas, chia seeds and homemade granola. A dollop of house-made almond butter, made from freshly roasted American whole almonds and sea salt, adds a delectably savoury note and a boost of good fats. #01-03 Orchard Building Singapore, 1 Grange Road. Tel: 8511 9923

Parallel 

From the folks who brought us Common Man Coffee Roasters comes Parallel, a kiosk serving everything from speciality coffees and smoothies to açaí bowls in the bustling business district. We like that the Antioxidant is devoid of added sugars or sweeteners and comes with a delightful array of strawberries, dragon fruit, toasted coconut flakes and dried goji berries for an added crunch. Ask for a complimentary swirl of Australian raw organic honey if you prefer it sweeter. #B1-34, 1 Raffles Place. Tel: 9750 8997

Project Açaí

This Top 10 round-up will not be complete without Project Açaí – Singapore’s first dedicated açaí café. Using the world’s first and only Fairtrade verified and certified organic açaí from the Amazon rainforest, these antioxidant-rich berries are blended throughout the day to achieve the freshest batch of açaí base – thick and creamy in texture with hints of graininess. We like their picture-perfect Original Flower Bowl, which is a wholesome combination of banana, granola, strawberries and chia seeds, topped with a heaping amount of bee pollen, cacao nibs, goji and coconut shavings. Holland Village, 27 Lorong Liput.

Seed and Soil

This cold-pressed juice and smoothie bowl joint tucked within Tanjong Pagar Plaza doles out a thoroughly nutritious and textural açaí creation, topped with dragon fruit and strawberries. The drupes are procured through Selva, a supplier that sources the best organic, Fairtrade and sustainable açaí from the Amazon jungle. What gives this bowl a nourishing boost is the addition of Seed and Soil’s Superfood Sprinkle, comprising a protein-, fibre- and omega-3-rich mixture of homemade Rawnola (oats, dates and coconut), pumpkin seeds, goji berries and buckwheat. This is what we would reach out for post-workout. Available in Grab, Regular and Large sizes. #01-22, 1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza. Tel: 9644 0752

Park Bench Deli

We normally wouldn’t peg gourmet sandwich purveyor Park Bench Deli as a healthy food establishment, but surprisingly their açaí bowl is as wholesome as it is delicious. The refreshing organic Sambazon açaí concoction is balanced with apple juice and bananas for a rounder flavour, then punched up with chopped fresh fruits such as berries, grapes, and stone fruits – whichever is in season – and their homemade honey almond granola. The mix was inspired by Andrei Soen’s (one of Park Bench Deli’s founders) go-to breakfast after a surf session while growing up in California. 179 Telok Ayer Street. Tel: 6815 4600

Daily Acai

If you’re looking for something more indulgent, try the Chocolate option. Rich with a velvety mouthfeel, the açaí base is complemented by dark chocolate notes and a crunch of cacao nibs and almonds. They also serve a refreshing, fruity Classic bowl topped with blueberries, mangoes, red dragon fruit, and chia seeds. 1 Lower Kent Ridge Road. Tel: 9829 6888

The Good Boys

The new kid on the block in the Tai Seng industrial hub, The Good Boys serves a hearty açaí bowl that will also satisfy your sweet tooth. Bananas, strawberries and coconut water join organic, raw pasteurised açaí to create a delightfully creamy açaí base. Teeming with toppings, there truly is a play of textures in this bowl, with chewy honeyed dates in the açaí base and a house-made toasted muesli and seed mix. Throw in coconut flakes and fresh berries and you’ll have yourself a super-sized breakfast-dessert. #01-26 The Commerze Building, 1 Irving Place. Tel: 8130 1083