Haven’t you heard? Acai berries will make you thin, young, rich and popular. They’re the purple-hued, nutrient-rich key to happiness in 2019, and also happen to be taking over Bangkok salad bars and health cafes. But who blends the best acai smoothie bowl in the land? We find out.

 

 

 

In our bowl: Banana, strawberry, blueberry, goji berry, honey, granola.
We say: Topping-tastic. Forget smoothies, this thick wallop of purple pleasure feels more like eating ice cream. It’s nicely textured, not at all sugary and has the sweet-sour balance just right. 
Verdict: Thick and natural.
Price: B160-360

 

 

In our bowl: Banana, granola, chia seeds, coconut chips
We say: Berry nice indeed! Yes it’s super-sweet but you don’t get that lingering tartness, plus it sings with the most intense flavor of acai berries. We topped ours with generous sprinkles of granola, cacao nibs and fresh fruits, and the results were better than most desserts. Healthy? Ummm... Tasty? Definitely. 
Verdict: Extra-rich, extra-delicious.
Price: B220-275

 

 

In our bowl: Granola, blueberry, banana, strawberry, chia seeds.
We say: With absolutely no sugar added, this smoothie bowl has the most powerful tang of berry, but also the most watery texture. Conceivably the only actual health food in this roundup it’s also the most boring. 
Verdict: Refreshing, but not indulgent.  
Price: B250

 

In our bowl: Granola, chia seeds, nuts, strawberry, banana.
We say: Forget the mundane acai smoothie (loose in texture, light in flavor) and take in the awesomeness of their chunky granola instead, packed with seeds, whole almonds and other superfood goodies. 
Verdict: Grains of promise.
Price: B260

 

 

In our bowl: Cacao nibs, almonds, shreded coconut, nut butter, banana.
We say: The ratio of toppings (two thirds) to smoothie (one third) means what you’re really eating here is  fresh fruits and granola. What smoothie there is tastes thick and luscious with a decent whack of acai. We just wish there was more of it.
Verdict: Topping stuff.  
Price: B135-B235

 

 

In our bowl: Blueberry, banana, chia seeds, dried fruits, nuts, granola.
We say: More toppings wanted. Though the hearty portion of smoothie (bigger than any other bowl we tasted) means your mouth will be numb before you’re halfway through, there’s barely enough banana, granola and berries to make it past the first few mouthfuls. At this price point we think they can do better. 
Verdict: Smooth criminal.  
Price: B250