ucla poke bowl 🍚🍣

After my recent experience with the poke bowl at Northern Lights Cafe, I totally get that the hunt for good, quick eats on campus can be tough! While I wasn't thrilled with my particular poke bowl (that dry rice and bland fish really got me!), I wanted to share a few more thoughts and tips for navigating dining at UCLA, especially when you're craving something fresh and customizable like a poke bowl. First off, if you’re at Northern Lights Cafe and poke isn't hitting the mark, don't write them off completely! As I mentioned in my post, their paninis are actually a solid choice. I've had a few, and they're usually warm, cheesy, and satisfying – a much better bet if you're looking for a quick and reliable lunch between classes. They might not be Instagram-famous, but they get the job done when you need comfort food. Now, let's talk about better poke bowl options around UCLA. If you're serious about your poke, then Feast at Rieber is definitely worth checking out. I've heard so many good things, and from what I've experienced, their ingredients tend to be fresher, and the rice is actually cooked perfectly. You can usually customize your bowl with a great selection of bases, proteins like salmon and tuna, and various toppings such as seaweed salad, avocado, edamame, and even masago. The quality difference is pretty noticeable, and for me, it's worth the slightly longer walk or planning ahead. It feels more like a proper poke bowl experience, rather than just a quick grab-and-go that misses the mark. What about that specific query I've seen, like a 'forbidden rice bowl with shrimp'? While I haven't specifically found a dedicated 'forbidden rice bowl with shrimp' on the Northern Lights menu, UCLA dining halls often have rotating specials or build-your-own bowl stations that might feature similar healthy options. Sometimes you can find kale & rice bases or other grain bowls that you can load up with shrimp or other proteins. My advice? Keep an eye on the daily menus for different dining halls! Sometimes the best finds are the unexpected ones. Also, if you're venturing off-campus slightly, there are a few poke places in Westwood Village that offer a wider variety of specialized bowls, including those with different rice types and exotic toppings. It's a bit more effort, but if you're a poke connoisseur, it might be worth it for that perfect crispy onions crunch or specific sauce. Overall, my biggest tip for eating well at UCLA is to explore beyond your first impression. Every cafe and dining hall has its strengths and weaknesses. Don't be afraid to try different things, and definitely ask your friends for their recommendations! What might be a miss for one person could be a hidden gem for another. And remember, sometimes making your own quick meal in your dorm kitchen or even packing a lunch can be a game-changer for your wallet and your taste buds. Happy eating, Bruins!