The açai bowl, as we know it, is a dish that has become very popular in recent years. It comes from açai na tigela, a typical Brazilian dish made from a frozen, mashed fruit that grows on palm trees in the Amazon region. This fruit looks a lot like blueberries, but differs from them in its high nutritional value. It contains fiber, plenty of protein and antioxidants.
The version adopted by our country and many others is to prepare it as a sweet dish, mixing açai with yogurt or some fruit—usually banana, as it adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess—and topping it with toppings such as sliced fruit, cereals like granola or nuts.
It is generally eaten for breakfast because it is very filling, highly nutritious and usually low in calories. For this reason, it has also become very popular in models’ and athletes’ diets before they go to the gym.
Where can you try one in Madrid?
Today, Madrid has a large number of restaurants focused on healthy, vegan or vegetarian food, and many of them now serve delicious açai bowls. Here are the best places to try one:
1. Fit Food
These venues are mainly known for their delicious fresh juices , but açai bowls are also a must on their menu. One of them is called “the favorite” and is made with açai, banana, cashew milk, honey, nut crumble, fresh seasonal fruit, cashews and shredded coconut.
They have opened several locations throughout the capital, all of them central and welcoming. You can find them at:
- Calle Serrano, 98
- Calle Augusto Figueroa, 28
- Calle Monte Esquinza, 1
- Calle Génova, 25
2. Magasand
Magasand is definitely one of the trendiest places in Madrid to relax while enjoying a coffee and reading one of the many cool magazines they have. They also serve açai, so it’s perfect.
They don’t have much variety, but what we do know is that the one they offer is absolutely delicious! It’s made with açai, banana, organic granola, sliced strawberries and smoothie.
You can find their locations at:
- Columela Street, 4
- San Mateo Passage, 16
- Tomás Bretón Street, 52
- Ayala Street, 28 (Mercado de la Paz)
3. Raw Coco Green Bar
They emerged as a creative, committed and healthy space for interaction, offering an extensive menu of healthy products, including an açai bowl.
Its décor has a Caribbean aesthetic which, combined with its long list of organic products prepared to order, makes the place appealing to everyone.
You can find this location at 21 General Pardiñas Street.
4. Beleeza Açai Bar
It was the first to bring this concept to the city, and it gives you the option of buying açai to prepare your own at home or choosing from the wide variety of recipes they offer.
If you’re eager to try them, you can find them at two locations in Madrid:
- Velázquez Street, 120
- Fernando VI Street, 21
5. Frutas Prohibidas Bar
Here you can discover a different way to eat healthily. They specialize in freshly made, refreshing juices, smoothies, açaí bowls and antioxidant drinks such as Matcha tea. They offer a wide variety of bowls, including some more exotic options made with dragon fruit or Matcha tea. They also give you the option to buy açaí or pitaya pulp to prepare them at home.
You can find them at:
- Libertad Street, 37
- Luna Street, 2
You can now try this incredibly Instagrammable dish at any of these locations!