6 of the most deliciously messy lunch bowls to order in Cork right now
If it comes in a bowl, it’s gonna be good
There’s a kind of primal comfort in eating from a bowl, isn’t there? Like the world could be falling apart around you but if you’ve got something warm and slouchy in a bowl, you’re basically okay.
You can plate up something fancy on a square slate and fool people, sure. But a bowl is honest. A bit of rice, a splash of sauce, maybe some charred veg and a lazy swirl of yoghurt on top if you’re feeling fancy. It’s relaxed, slightly messy food that says, “We’re not pretending here. This is just good.”
And maybe that’s why we’re obsessed. Here are six bowls to try next:
1. The Curry Bowl at The Village Deli
Granted, this was a special, but there’s always something wildly tasty in a bowl on the menu at the Village Deli in Kerry Pike. Vibrant curry, fresh warm naan, creamy raita, rice and roasties with some fresh salad and house pickle; perfection.
The Village Deli is in the Ravenscourt Garden Centre, open Monday to Friday 9am- 5pm and Saturdays 9am-4pm.
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2. Bibimbap at HANA
A proper Korean feed, this bowl’s got it all – marinated meat, fresh veggies, a crispy fried egg, and a kick of gochujang sauce. Mix it up and enjoy the unreal flavours together; “bibim” means mixing, and “bap” means rice, so it’s literally a mix-it-yourself feast.
Order a bowl at HANA Korean Street Food in the Marina Market. The feather blade steak special is €15.
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3. The Hippy Bowl at Proby’s Kitchen
The Hippy Bowl is an ever-changing, and always flavourful, nutritious and delicious staple over at Proby’s. You can make it vegan, add some pan fried organic tofu or order some oven-warmed free range chicken breast to put on top. Either way, the base is an interesting mix of roasted and pickled veggies, couscous, hummus, nuts, grains and salad.
Served for lunch, Monday to Friday (€12.50) 11am-3pm at Proby’s Kitchen on Proby’s Quay.
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4. The Pork Bun Cha at Sonny’s Deli
Hot-foot it to Albert Road on Friday’s for the Sonny’s Deli Summer Special: Vietnamese Pork Bun Cha.
A Hanoi lunchtime favourite, the lemongrass and white pepper infused pork meatballs are seasoned with fresh mint and coriander and served with pickled carrot and daikon do chua, cucumber, and crushed peanuts on rice noodles with a chilli and lime juice dipping sauce.
You can order ahead here too.
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5. The Teriyaki Chicken Bowl at Happy Days
Just the thing when you’re craving a takeaway but trying your best to keep things fresh and nutritious, the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl at Happy Days Deli on Penrose Dock is *the one*.
House teriyaki chicken with Asian stir fried vegetables, shaved cabbage, wasabi and black sesame aioli on a bed of jasmine rice. Available in the Penrose Wharf spot weekdays ’til 3pm.
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6. The Nádúr Bowl
Nádúr Deli’s namesake dish is a treat you can enjoy in-house or grab to go at Nano Nagle Place on Douglas Street.
In the bowl you’ll find almond satay, Toonsbridge Dairy halloumi, pickled carrot, quinoa salad, cucumber, pickled red onion and Horizon Farm leaves.
