Burrito Bowl Dubai (Mexican/Mexicano Style)
The Burrito bowl has become a staple in Dubai. People love the flexibility it offers, you get to pick and choose what you put in it.
You get to customize your meal to your preference, go for any protein, add or leave out the spices. And the best part is, you can indulge in that Mexican flavor without any of the extras that tend to come with a traditional burrito.
Now, I’m going to walk you through all the ins and outs of building a mean Burrito bowl, from selecting the perfect protein to avoiding those unnecessary toppings that can really ruin a dish.
What’s the Difference Between a Burrito Bowl and a Rice Bowl?
A burrito bowl is basically a burrito – but without the tortilla – served up in a bowl. You’re still going to find a base, a protein, beans, veggies, and a bunch of classic Mexican sauces and toppings like salsa, sour cream, guacamole – and of course, cheese, and a drizzle of Pico de Gallo.
On the flip side, a rice bowl is what it says on the tin – just a bowl of rice with some extra ingredients on top. This can be anything from all over the world – totally not specific to any one cuisine. That’s what makes a burrito bowl stand out from some other bowls you might get in a restaurant in Dubai. The burrito bowl is a great option if you are after something filling, and you can pretty much make it your own by loading up on the things you like. Plus no tortilla means fewer calories.
Protein Choices : The Building Blocks of Your Burrito Bowl
Your protein is the backbone of your burrito bowl – it sets the whole thing off. It determines the flavors, the calorie count, and just how satisfying the meal is going to be. Mexican-style burrito bowls are all about the well-seasoned meat which is expertly paired with rice, beans, and some of the boldest toppings around.
Chicken – The Top Choice
Chicken – the top pick for burrito bows in Dubai – and it’s easy to see why. Chicken has loads of flavor, it’s relatively lean and pairs perfectly with just about any topping combination you care to throw at it. But what really sets it apart is the way it’s been marinated to perfection with a range of Mexican spices.
Shrimps
If you’re after something a bit lighter then shrimp is a great option. It’s got a sweetness to it that’s really nice and it’s usually cooked with garlic, lime, and a touch of chili for added flavor. At around 85-100 calories and 20g of protein per 100g serving, it’s also a guilt-free option. Perfect for those who want the bold flavors but without the red meat – and it also pairs really well with lighter toppings like Pico de Gallo and corn.
Steaks
For those after something with a bit more substance than a good steak is the way to go. Usually marinated in lime, garlic and spices before being grilled to perfection, it’s got depth and heartiness by the bucket load. It pairs really well with all the big hitters – guacamole, jalapeño and spicy salsa – so if you want a meal that’s going to keep you going for hours, especially if you’re skipping the rice or keeping the toppings to a minimum, then a steak is your best bet.
Paneer and Halloumi – The Meat-Free Options
For our vegetarians, there are two great meat-free options – Paneer (Indian cheese) and Halloumi (Cypriot cheese). Both of these cheeses are perfectly at home in a burrito bowl and can be used to replace meat. Paneer is a bit softer and saltier and it’s great at absorbing all the spices – but Halloumi is a bit firmer, saltier, and pairs really well with fresh toppings like cucumber, corn, and tomatoes. .
Bases & Toppings
Choosing your protein is just the beginning. What really makes your burrito bowl is the base – and let me tell you, it can make or break the calorie count. The base gives your burrito its texture, mouthfeel, and taste – so let’s talk about building a healthy base
Rice vs Cauliflower
Two bases are commonly used for burrito bowls.
Mexican Rice
Traditionalists will tell you this is the only real base for a burrito bowl. It’s got the authentic taste of Mexico with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro and you can even add in some tomatoes for a bit of color. It’s a good option if you want a full-bodied meal – about 200 calories per cup. Best of all, your protein and toppings will get all wrapped up in the rice – making your meal feel more substantial.
If you’re after a proper Mexican experience or need a meal that’s going to give you some energy to get through your day then Mexican rice is the way to go.
Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is the total opposite, it’s light and has a lovely crunch to it. It’s finely chopped cauliflower that mimics the texture of rice, but not the fullness or the calorie load – that’s about 25-50 calories per cup. One of the things I like about the cauliflower is that it doesn’t soak up all the spice flavor of your protein, so each bite is a nice balance of flavors rather than just rice and protein.
If you are watching your calories, trying to cut back on carbs, or following a low-carb keto diet then cauliflower rice is probably a better option for you.
Toppings
So now that you’ve picked your base and your protein you can think about adding toppings. The best way to add them is to layer them in – that way you get to really think about each ingredient and balance out the flavors in each bite. Here’s how to do it.
Layer 1: Bean (Foundation Proteins and Fiber)
Black bean or pinto – the choice is yours for the base layer. Black beans are nice and fine, whereas pinto beans have a bit more cream to them. A sprinkle of cumin and garlic seasoning really brings out the best in both, adding a rich depth and warmth. Honestly, in terms of nutrient profile, they’re pretty much identical, so the main decision is down to texture.
Layer 2: Fresh Vegetables
Adding in some fresh veggies gives that layer the wow factor – crunch, freshness, and a splash of color. You’ve got a few options here :
Corn – nice texture and a bit of sweetness which really helps balance out the acidity in the rest of the dish
Lettuce – an awesome way to get a load of bulk without the weight
Pico de Gallo – easy on the calories, yet still adds that certain ‘zing’ to the bowl. Just a mix of tomatoes, some cilantro, onion and a squeeze of lime.
Peppers – Either use some nice crunchy bell peppers or add a bit of heat with some jalapeños.
Layer 3: Salsa Time
This is where you get to flex your flavor muscles and bring the heat. Salsa options are pretty limitless and most restaurants in Dubai will have a few different varieties. You’ve got choices like
Mild Salsa
Medium Salsa
Salsa Verde
Layer 4: Rich Toppings (Pick Just 1 or 2)
Rich toppings bring a whole new level of creaminess and richness to your bowl , but they pile on the calories fast. You’ve got three options: guac, sour cream, and cheese. Choose all three and suddenly that “healthy” bowl becomes a calorie bomb. So if you’re keeping an eye on the scale, keep your rich toppings to one or two .
Mexicano/Cajun Variations
At first glance, Mexican-style and Cajun-inspired bowls might seem pretty similar – but scratch the surface and they’ve got some pretty distinct differences when it comes to the flavors. Knowing what to look out for will help you pick the one that’ll give you that craving you’ve got.
Mexicano-style bowls
Mexican bowls are all about bold, fresh, well-balanced flavors that are straight out of Mexican cuisine. The key bits are cilantro-lime rice, salsa, guacamole, beans and a bit of pepper. And the best bit is you can build it to suit your mood – from light and fresh to hearty and filling, just by swapping out your base and toppings.
For the Mexican-style bowls the real star is Salsa Verde – although you can use whatever you like. But the tangy, slightly spicy kick really brings the bowl to life and pairs amazing with the grilled or lightly seasoned proteins you choose.
Cajun-Inspired Bowls.
The Cajun-style bowls lean into deep, spicy flavors inspired by Louisiana-style seasoning. The taste is smoky, spicy, and pepper-forward – a real kick in the mouth. At the heart of it are – Cajun-spiced meats served with onions, pepper and a rich, velvety sauce.
The Cajun-style bowls are a real treat for anyone who likes a bit of heat and intense seasoning. Try them if you’re in the mood for something robust. And the beauty is it also pairs well with a few simple toppings and a light drizzle of sauce.
How to Make It Healthy
Burrito bowls can be just as healthy as they are delicious, it all comes down to how you put them together. Here’s the lowdown on making it a nutritious and tasty bowl
Choosing a base that does it for you
Figure out what kind of base works for you. Rice is a good option – it gives you energy boost and helps keep you full for a bit. But if you’re trying to keep the calories in check, then cauliflower rice or a handful of greens is the way to go. Mixing the two is a great way to get a bit of everything on your plate and feel like you’re getting the best of both worlds
Getting Your Protein On
Go for lean protein like well-seasoned shrimp or chicken – it’s filling without weighing you down. And if you’re a veggie fan, you can’t go wrong with beans & veggies as your protein source.
Adding the Good Stuff
Throw in some fresh veggies, salad greens and you’ll add some crunchy texture and a bit of volume to your bowl without adding tons of calories. Lettuce, peppers & pico de gallo are a great combo that will fill you right up without adding extra carbs. Cheese, sour cream & guac can all be pretty tasty, but use them in moderation – a little goes a long way. Pick one of them to go for and balance it out with some of the healthier ingredients. That way your bowl stays nicely balanced and you get to indulge in the good stuff in a way that feels good for you
Don’t Go Overboard on the Sauce
While creamy sauces can be tempting, try to cut way back on them. Instead go for a good old salsa to add loads of flavor without blowing your calorie budget
Conclusion
At Boga Superfood, we take our Burrito bowls and call them balance bowls – because we don’t just serve you up the taste of Mexico, we hand you a healthy plate, too along with the premium Mexican experience.
Our Mexicano Bowl brings a host of deliciousness – choose from chicken, shrimp, tofu, or halloumi as your protein, alongside perfectly aged basmati rice, fresh crisp lettuce, our house made guacamole, black beans, mixed peppers, a dollop of zesty Pico de Gallo, and a dollop of sour cream. And the best part? Every ingredient is made from scratch in-house at our Dubai locations using the best produce available, no shortcuts, no additives – just real, genuine food, freshly prepared every single day.
Want to try our Louisiana Cajun Bowl?
It has Cajun flavors, with a choice of spice-kicked Cajun chicken, shrimp or halloumi, heaps of tomato rice, zucchini, mushrooms, cauliflower and beets all thrown into the mix (the Southern twist on the bowl concept).
We take pride in our super-high quality produce. Come down to any of our locations or order online to get a taste of this for yourself.