Hello, fellow foodies! Let me share a little story about why I was five minutes late to my first PRV class — because Toast x Bowl food was definitely worth the wait. Now, I don’t recommend doing what I did — debating where to eat right before class, then nervously lingering by the order pickup counter, anxiously waiting for my BBQ chicken slider to arrive. Luckily, the kind lady at the counter bumped up my order when I explained I had class in ten minutes. She even reminded me about the student discount and applied it automatically. The service was incredibly kind; this level of customer care was exceptional, setting the expectation for what Toast x Bowl is all about — great food and genuine hospitality. While the times can be a bit longer than shown on GrubHub—likely due to the number of online orders and in-person pickups—the quality of the food more than makes up for it. My BBQ chicken slider arrived in an insulated thermal, reusable bag with their adorable logo — a smiling, blushing slice of toast holding a tiny bowl. Not only was the packaging sustainable, but it also kept my sandwich warm until I could finally dig in after class. As I sat in class, the air was filled with the aroma of smoky barbecue sauce, making the wait in class feel worthwhile before even taking a bite of the sandwich.
After class ended, I ran to a nearby boba shop with friends to devour my order. The BBQ chicken slider was smaller than I had expected, especially considering the price, but after one bite, I forgot all about the portion size. The sandwich had perfectly tender chicken slathered in barbecue sauce, a little slice of lettuce, and warm toasted buns with a toothpick speared through the middle with a tiny flag—that had their adorable toast logo on it—an extra charming touch. Not only was the food exceptional at Toast x Bowl, but so was the place itself — as soon as I walked in, I was captivated by the vibe: the vibrant murals, greenery near the seating area, and the sunlight pouring through the large glass doors. The atmosphere was chill, with soft indie songs playing in the background, which made Toast x Bowl seem like an even cozier space. The aesthetic of this shop is curated perfectly from the word “hello” boldly printed near the door to their enormous funky sandwich art mural.
I believe what sets Toast x Bowl apart is the wide range of authentic Asian flavors and fresh ingredients. You can hear the grill sizzling and the clinking of pots and pans, creating a lively and homely atmosphere. I especially appreciate that the food is prepared freshly in the kitchen. If you order in person, the portions for other food items are more generous, the food is hot, and the plating is always picture-perfect. I love that Toast x Bowl also offers a separate vegetarian menu, making it accessible to more customers. Known for their fizzy drinks, some people describe the drinks as tasting like a “vacation,” which I’m eager to try in the future, especially the Passion Fruit Pear Fizz! With its flavorful dishes and welcoming atmosphere, it is a place that makes every minute count, even when you are in a rush to class. A wall near the seating area reads “Toasty goodness and a bowlful of joys,” showing their dedication to delicious and comforting food. Just be sure to order ahead because the food is worth savoring, whether you have all the time in the world or have a break between classes.