Boul in Aleja has been around for a while. I reviewed them back in 2020, but things change and it felt like time for a second look - this time with work colleagues. The concept is simple: fresh ingredients, colorful combinations, house-made sauces. Bowls, smoothies, and bagels.
What we ate
The chicken bowl came with rice, teriyaki chicken, and turmeric aioli. It looked well put together and ate cleanly enough - but the flavour was reserved where it should have been bold. It didn't quite convince me.
The prawn bowl was a different story. Ponzu marinade, kimchi mayo, and crispy chickpeas added freshness and just enough heat at the finish. The most lively of the three - though it still landed at "good" rather than great.
The pulled beef bowl was the one I'd go back for. Sweet potato, feta, and sunflower seeds made for full, well-rounded flavours. The safest choice on paper, the best result on the plate.
The experience
Service was fast despite the lunchtime crowd, which matters when you're eating in a shopping centre on a time limit. Portions are reasonable - I wouldn't have said no to slightly more protein in my bowl, but nothing to complain about seriously.
The ingredients tasted fresh throughout, even if the flavours didn't always connect equally well across every bowl.
The verdict
Boul is a genuine alternative to the burger-or-pizza loop that most shopping centre food courts offer. Not every bowl lands perfectly, but the pulled beef is worth the trip alone. Good for lunch, easy on the conscience, faster than it has any right to be.