The Essential Layers of the Original Yumm! Bowl
At its core, the Cafe Yumm bowl is a simple yet flavorful combination of nourishing ingredients. It's a testament to the fact that wholesome, healthy food can also be incredibly delicious. While the original version is the most common, understanding its basic structure provides a blueprint for all other variations.
The Foundation: Rice and Beans
Every standard Yumm! Bowl begins with a generous base of organic brown rice and organic black beans.
- Organic Brown Rice: A nutrient-dense, fiber-rich grain that provides a hearty and satisfying base. Cafe Yumm also offers Thai jasmine rice as an alternative for a different flavor profile.
- Organic Black Beans: These legumes add plant-based protein and additional fiber, contributing to the bowl's overall satiety and nutritional value.
The Signature: Original Yumm! Sauce
The secret ingredient that ties the entire bowl together is the proprietary Original Yumm! Sauce®. This creamy, tangy, and savory condiment is a defining feature of the Cafe Yumm experience. Made with a vegan base, it features a unique blend of:
- Almonds
- Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
- Nutritional yeast
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Oil (such as canola)
The Freshness: Deluxe Toppings
The Original bowl is completed with a vibrant and fresh array of "Deluxe Toppings." This layer adds texture, color, and more flavor complexities.
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Fresh avocado slices
- Sour cream
- Black olives
- Cilantro
Deconstructing the Legendary Yumm! Sauce
The Yumm! Sauce is the heart and soul of the bowl, and its unique umami flavor is what keeps customers coming back. It's important to note that this is different from the mayo-based 'Yum Yum Sauce' found in many Japanese steakhouses. Cafe Yumm's version is naturally vegan and full of savory depth. Its distinct cheesy flavor comes from nutritional yeast, a deactivated yeast product rich in B vitamins. Many copycat recipes attempt to replicate this magic at home, with blended mixtures of almonds, garbanzo beans, lemon juice, oil, and spices like garlic, curry, and oregano. For an authentic experience, however, the official sauce is also available for purchase in many grocery stores.
Cafe Yumm Bowl Variations and Customizations
Part of the brand's appeal is the ability to customize your bowl to your liking. The menu offers a variety of specialty bowls, while also allowing customers to make substitutions and add-ons.
Specialty Bowl Examples:
- Hot 'n' Jazzy®: Features Thai jasmine rice, organic red beans, and Jalapeño Sesame Yumm! Salsa®, along with the Original Yumm! Sauce and Deluxe Toppings.
- Smoky Yumm! Bowl®: Built with organic brown rice, Chipotle Chili, and mild red salsa, plus the Original Yumm! Sauce and Deluxe Toppings.
Customization Options:
- Veganizing Your Bowl: The Original Yumm! Sauce is already vegan. To make the entire bowl vegan, simply request to substitute the cheese and sour cream with extra avocado, carrots, or cabbage at no extra charge.
- Alternate Bases: In addition to brown and jasmine rice, you can choose organic quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Protein Additions: While satisfying on its own, you can bulk up your bowl with organic seasoned tofu or all-natural chicken breast.
- Extra Toppings: Enhance your bowl with extra veggies, crispy noodles, almonds, pepitas, or nori seaweed.
Building Your Own Cafe Yumm Bowl at Home
Creating a copycat version of a Cafe Yumm bowl at home is an achievable and rewarding experience. It allows for full control over ingredients and saves money. While it's difficult to perfectly replicate the proprietary Yumm! Sauce, many excellent copycat recipes exist. The process involves layering ingredients strategically to create the optimal flavor and texture in every bite.
Step-by-Step Assembly
- Prepare the Base: Start with warm, cooked brown rice and black beans at the bottom of your bowl. Warm the beans separately for a better experience.
- Add the Sauce: Spoon a generous amount of Yumm! Sauce or your homemade copycat sauce over the rice and beans.
- Arrange Toppings: Arrange the diced tomatoes, avocado slices, black olives, and shredded cheese (if not vegan) around the bowl.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Add dollops of salsa and sour cream (if not vegan) before sprinkling with fresh cilantro. Add any optional extras like almonds or pepitas.
Table: Homemade vs. Restaurant Yumm Bowl
| Feature | Homemade Yumm Bowl | Restaurant Yumm Bowl |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Much lower, especially when buying ingredients in bulk. | Higher per bowl, includes restaurant overhead. |
| Customization | Unlimited; total control over ingredients, proportions, and extras. | Limited to menu options, add-ons, and substitutions. |
| Yumm! Sauce | Use a copycat recipe, which is very similar but not identical to the original. | Features the proprietary, authentic Original Yumm! Sauce®. |
| Convenience | Requires preparation and assembly time. | Ready-to-eat; simply order and enjoy. |
| Ingredients | Use high-quality, fresh ingredients from local stores. | Uses certified organic and proprietary ingredients. |
Conclusion
What is in the cafe Yumm bowl is more than just a list of ingredients; it's a carefully crafted flavor experience built on wholesome, real food. The combination of organic rice and beans, fresh toppings, and the iconic vegan Yumm! Sauce makes it a satisfying and healthy meal. Whether you enjoy it from a Cafe Yumm restaurant or replicate it at home, the layered texture and tangy, savory flavor profile are guaranteed to delight.
For more information on the official products, visit the Yumm! Sauce website.
