Humbowl, a play on “humble” and “bowl,” opened earlier this year in downtown San Rafael. It quickly developed a reputation as a lunch and dinner restaurant for fast, casual, healthy meals made from exceptional ingredients. Fast food that's actually good for you and tastes terrific. Yes, please!
“I grew up in Novato,” says co-owner Eric Wright. “I’m really big on shopping at locally-owned and operated businesses.” He notes the distinction between ‘organic’ and ‘certified organic’ as it is because of this difference that he can offer high-quality meals at an affordable price.
Diners flock to the Rancheros Bowl ($14.25) which includes a choice of two fried eggs or organic tofu atop a bed of corn tortillas, black beans, scented jasmine rice, and avocado, and topped with a swirl of pasilla pepper sauce, salsa fresca and almond cream. Pro Tip: you can always order more sauce!
Wright notes that all bowls, including the best seller, Thai Curry Bowl, are $14.25 and include one protein choice. Additional proteins, like chicken and shrimp, or a legume mix of garbanzo beans, French lentils, and black beans, can be added.
Of course, you can always add more protein or customize your bowl to your taste.
There’s always a Collab Bowl, too, which changes seasonally. Wright is currently developing the All-Around Bowl with UC Berkeley Men’s Gymnastics. (Humbowl works with many sports teams as their bowls offer optimal nutrition – complex carbs plus high protein and vegetables – for athletes and anyone even a little bit interested in their health.) “They’ve requested barbecue sauce,” Wright says. He’s working on a smoky and spicy flavor profile to keep sugar minimal. It will also be $14.25. Repeat customers the Minnesota Grizzlies basketball team, love the food as it hits all their pre-game nutrition requirements.
For winter, look for a the Seasonabowl ($14.25) to switch from green beans and sweet potatoes in the base to wild rice, brussels sprouts, and apples.
The same healthful approach that makes Humbowl a hit with professional and amateur sports teams makes the choice of Humbowl for office catering an easy one. “It’s the perfect meal choice as we hit all the allergy and dietary requirements,” says Wright. Need individual compostable box meals dropped off or buffet style? How about staffed service with full set up and breakdown? “We can make it work, no matter what your restrictions are,” Wright says. “And after eating, you’ll feel energized and ready to go and not in a food coma.“
Bonus for anyone who orders from Humbowl: they bring labels with full ingredient lists so it’s clear what is inside. Wright suggests reaching out for more personalized customer service.
A proud member of the San Rafael community, Humbowl runs a neuro-diverse hiring program. The goals of the program are two-fold: to provide meaningful employment to those who may otherwise have trouble finding it, and to provide exposure and further inclusion and acceptance in our society to the neuro-diverse community. “Most people have never met someone who is autistic or has turrets or other neuro-diversity issue,” Wright says. “Let’s normalize the behavior and make it ok for everyone to experience.” His bigger goal is to make the world a better place for his autistic son. ”It’s a normal part of the human experience and it helps build community,“ he says.
Fundraisers for groups such as Best Buddies, Kids and Nutrition, Glass Slipper Initiative, and Berkeley Law Disability Justice Coalition, appear regularly on order screens. Humbowl then donates 10% of sales for the day, online and in store. Most recently, Humbowl offered free food for SNAP recipients during the government shutdown.
While Humbowl is not a vegan restaurant, it is very thoughtful in its approach to ingredients. The restaurant offers no cow or pig products and is vegan, except for the chicken, shrimp or eggs that can be added to any bowl. (Vegans: different spatulas and cooktops are used for all non-vegan ingredients.) “Any dishes with tofu and legumes are vegan,” says Wright. Any dish with eggs is vegetarian.
Though it was not intentional, Humbowl is also gluten-friendly. No wheat ingredients are used in the restaurant – no breadcrumb fillers or soy sauce. Just whole foods, thoughtfully prepared. It’s a great find for all your omnivore friends.
