Build-Your-Own Bowls in Atlanta: How to “In-Joy My Bowl, My Way”

If you love international flavors and the freedom to customize every bite, Atlanta is a great place to “enjoy my bowl, my way.” Across the city, you’ll find build-your-own bowl options inspired by Asian, Latin American, Mediterranean, Caribbean, African, and fusion cuisines—from quick lunch spots to sit-down restaurants.

This guide walks through how the bowl trend works in Atlanta, where to find it, and how to get the most out of your custom international bowl, whether you live here or are just visiting.

What “My Bowl, My Way” Means in Atlanta

In Atlanta, “my bowl, my way” usually refers to:

• Customizable, build-your-own meals served in a bowl
• Internationally inspired bases and toppings (rice, noodles, grains, greens, stews, curries, grilled meats, plant-based proteins, and sauces)
• Fast-casual or casual dine-in formats, often with counter-style ordering
• Options ranging from budget-friendly quick bites to more chef-driven, global fusion experiences

You’ll see this style across many neighborhoods: Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, Decatur, Duluth, Chamblee, and along Buford Highway.

Common Styles of International Bowls in Atlanta

Most Atlanta bowl spots use a similar structure, even when the cuisine is different. You typically:

1. Pick a base
2. Add protein
3. Choose toppings and sides
4. Finish with sauces, garnishes, or extras

1. Asian and Pan-Asian Bowls

These are some of the most common international bowls in Atlanta.

You’ll often find:

• Bases: white rice, brown rice, fried rice, lo mein, udon, rice noodles, salad greens
• Proteins: grilled chicken, crispy or grilled tofu, bulgogi-style beef, shrimp, pork, sometimes salmon
• Toppings: kimchi, pickled veggies, cucumber, shredded carrots, seaweed salad, scallions, sesame seeds
• Sauces: soy-based sauces, spicy mayo, gochujang, teriyaki, ginger-garlic, citrusy ponzu-style dressings

These styles are easy to find along Buford Highway, around Doraville and Chamblee, and in dense food areas like Midtown and Emory/Decatur.

2. Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Bowls

Atlanta has a growing number of Mediterranean-inspired bowl options.

Typical setup:

• Bases: saffron rice, herbed rice, couscous, quinoa, mixed greens, or a half-and-half combo
• Proteins: chicken shawarma, gyro meat, grilled lamb, falafel, kebabs, grilled fish
• Toppings: hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, cucumber-tomato salad, olives, pickled vegetables, feta
• Sauces: tahini, garlic sauce, tzatziki, spicy harissa-style sauces, lemon-herb vinaigrettes

You’ll spot these bowls in Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, and Decatur, and in mixed-use developments like Atlantic Station and Avalon in nearby Alpharetta (just outside Atlanta but popular with locals).

3. Latin American and Caribbean Bowls

Latin- and Caribbean-inspired bowls are especially popular for lunch and casual dinners.

You may see:

• Bases: white rice, yellow rice, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, pinto beans, plantains, shredded cabbage or lettuce
• Proteins: pollo asado or grilled chicken, carnitas or slow-cooked pork, ropa vieja-style beef, grilled steak, shrimp, sometimes sofritas or seasoned tofu
• Toppings: pico de gallo, corn, diced onions, shredded cheese, pickled onions, jalapeños, cabbage slaw, avocado
• Sauces: salsa verde, salsa roja, mojo, chimichurri, citrus-garlic sauces, creamy spicy sauces

You can find these bowl styles in Downtown, Midtown, West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and along Buford Highway, plus pockets of Sandy Springs and Norcross.

4. African, Caribbean, and Diaspora-Inspired Bowls

Atlanta’s Black culinary scene has led to more Afro-Caribbean and African-inspired bowls, sometimes at pop-ups or smaller restaurants.

These might feature:

• Bases: jollof rice, coconut rice, rice and peas, spiced grains, or hearty stews poured over rice
• Proteins: jerk chicken, curry chicken, oxtail, grilled fish, suya-style beef, stewed beans
• Toppings: cabbage slaw, plantains, sautéed greens, peppers, onions, fresh herbs
• Sauces: pepper sauces, curry gravies, jerk marinades, tomato-based stews

You’re more likely to encounter these bowls in neighborhoods like West End, Southwest Atlanta, Stone Mountain area, and in pop-up markets across the city.

5. Fusion and “Global Bowl” Concepts

Some Atlanta restaurants combine elements from several cuisines in one bowl-focused menu. You might see:

• Ramen-style bases with Southern toppings
• Bibimbap-style bowls with Latin slaws and sauces
• Grain bowls with Japanese, Mediterranean, and Mexican toppings all on one menu

These hybrid options are common in West Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and along the BeltLine, where newer concepts tend to test creative bowl ideas.

How Bowl Ordering Usually Works in Atlanta

Most bowl restaurants in Atlanta follow a similar, easy-to-navigate flow.

Step 1: Choose Your Base

Common base options:

• Rice (white, brown, jasmine, basmati, yellow, cilantro-lime)
• Noodles (lo mein, udon, ramen, rice noodles, glass noodles)
• Grains (quinoa, couscous, bulgur)
• Leafy greens (romaine, spring mix, kale, cabbage)
• Mixed (half rice, half greens is widely available)

If you’re in a hurry during lunch in Downtown or Buckhead, rice and noodles tend to be fastest, while greens-based bowls are common in wellness-focused spots.

Step 2: Pick Your Protein

Across the city, standard options usually include:

• Grilled or roasted chicken
• Beef (bulgogi, steak strips, braised beef, gyro, etc.)
• Pork (carnitas, roasted, or marinated)
• Seafood (shrimp, sometimes salmon or fish of the day)
• Plant-based (tofu, falafel, beans, lentils, or marinated vegetables)

Many Atlanta restaurants also offer double-protein or half-and-half choices if you want more variety in one bowl.

Step 3: Layer on Toppings

Toppings vary by cuisine, but you’ll commonly see:

• Fresh vegetables (cucumber, carrots, cabbage slaw, lettuce, tomatoes, onions)
• Pickled items (kimchi, pickled onions, pickled radish, pickled jalapeños)
• Hearty add-ons (black beans, chickpeas, roasted vegetables, corn)
• Cheeses (feta, shredded cheese, cotija in Latin-inspired spots)
• Crunchy elements (crispy onions, tortilla strips, sesame seeds, nuts)

Many counter-service places in Midtown, Sandy Springs, and along Peachtree Street will let you add several toppings without extra cost, but premium items (avocado, extra cheese, extra hummus) might carry a small upcharge.

Step 4: Finish with Sauces and Garnishes

Sauces are where “my way” really shows up. Atlanta restaurants usually offer multiple levels of spice and styles:

• Mild: garlic yogurt, tzatziki, soy-ginger, light vinaigrettes
• Medium: chimichurri, citrusy or herby sauces, sesame dressings
• Spicy: gochujang, hot chili oil, jerk sauce, spicy mayo, pepper sauces

Many places will drizzle more than one sauce, and you can often ask to have sauces served on the side if you want more control.

Where in Atlanta You’re Most Likely to Find Bowl-Focused Spots

While new concepts open and close regularly, some areas reliably offer multiple build-your-own bowl choices within a short drive or MARTA ride.

Central Bowl Hotspots

• Midtown Atlanta

  • High concentration of international and fast-casual restaurants, especially along Peachtree Street and near Tech Square.
  • Good if you’re working or staying near Georgia Tech or Midtown office towers.

• Downtown Atlanta

  • Many quick lunch options around Peachtree Center, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Government District, often catering to office workers and convention visitors.

• West Midtown & Howell Mill area

  • Home to several modern, chef-driven concepts with global bowls and fusion menus, plus food halls.

Food Halls and Markets with Bowl Options

Food halls are a convenient way to sample bowl-style dishes from different international cuisines in one place:

Food hall vendors change over time, but bowl-style meals are a recurring theme in these spaces.

Buford Highway and Nearby

While technically stretching beyond city limits, Buford Highway is central to Atlanta’s international dining culture, easily accessible from the city.

Along this corridor through Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville, you can find:

• Korean barbecue spots that offer rice bowls with marinated meats
• Vietnamese restaurants with vermicelli bowls (bún) and rice plates
• Chinese, Thai, and pan-Asian spots with stir-fry and noodle bowls

If you’re staying in North Atlanta, Buckhead, or Doraville, Buford Highway is a key area for authentic international bowls.

Practical Tips for Ordering Your Ideal Bowl in Atlanta

1. Consider Time of Day and Traffic

Atlanta traffic can affect where you realistically want to go for a bowl:

• Weekday lunches: Look for spots near MARTA rail stations (Midtown, Peachtree Center, Five Points, Arts Center) or inside/near office districts.
• Evenings and weekends: BeltLine-adjacent areas (Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland) and West Midtown are popular, but parking can be tighter.

2. Ask About Customization

Most Atlanta bowl spots are used to tailoring orders. You can typically:

• Swap rice for greens
• Request lighter sauce or sauce on the side
• Add extra vegetables instead of extra meat
• Ask for less spice, or extra spice on the side

Counter staff are often familiar with common preferences and can suggest pairings that match what you like.

3. Take Advantage of Takeout and Delivery

Many Atlanta residents rely on takeout and delivery for bowls:

• Densely populated areas like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, Buckhead, and West Midtown have a wide delivery radius from international restaurants.
• If you’re staying in a hotel Downtown or near the airport, check what’s realistically available for delivery during your hours; late-night options are more limited outside core zones.

Takeout-friendly bowls typically travel well, especially rice- and grain-based ones.

4. Parking and Access Considerations

Some Atlanta neighborhoods have limited street parking or paid decks:

• Downtown and Midtown often rely on paid decks or lots.
• West Midtown and BeltLine areas use a mix of free and paid parking; walking from one destination can be easier.
• Suburban-style areas (Perimeter, Cumberland, certain parts of Buckhead) usually offer more surface parking.

If you’re picking up a bowl to-go, calling ahead to ask about curbside pickup can save time in busier districts.

How to Use “My Bowl, My Way” When Exploring New Cuisines

Atlanta’s bowl culture is a useful way to explore new international foods without committing to a full, unfamiliar entrée.

Some practical ways to do that:

• Start with a familiar base (rice or greens) and add just one or two unfamiliar toppings or sauces.
• Ask staff which sauces are mild vs. spicy if you’re cautious about heat.
• Try half-and-half proteins (for example, half chicken shawarma, half falafel) when that’s allowed, to compare flavors.
• Use bowls as a sampler for a cuisine—if you like the flavors, you can return for more traditional plates later.

This approach works well in international-heavy neighborhoods like Buford Highway, Decatur, and West End, where menus may be broad and vary in familiarity.

Helpful Local Resources If You Want to Explore More

If you want to go beyond one or two restaurants and really explore international bowls and cuisines in Atlanta, you can use:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau

  • Office: 233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • General info phone: 404-521-6600
  • They can provide visitor guides and neighborhood overviews that highlight dining districts.

• City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

  • 233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: 404-546-6815
  • While not a restaurant guide, they often highlight cultural festivals and events where international food and bowl-style dishes are sold by local vendors.

Community boards, neighborhood associations, and local social media groups focused on Midtown, Decatur, West End, and Buford Highway can also point you toward smaller, family-run restaurants that offer customizable bowls even if they don’t advertise them that way.

Whether you’re commuting to an office in Midtown, staying near Centennial Olympic Park, or exploring Buford Highway on a weekend, Atlanta offers many ways to “in-joy your bowl, your way” with international flavors tailored to your own taste, pace, and budget.