At my workplace, I’m well-known for tucking into lunch from a tin or wrapper.
My desk drawers overflow with instant noodles, cous cous, rice packets and canned fish, with a coworker dismissively calling them emergency food supplies.
Channeling that same resourceful attitude, I make do – yet my midday meals at work could certainly be more exciting.
This is where Tortilla steps in, having rolled out a selection of well-balanced rice bowls intended to restore energy and excite the palate, without adding inches to the waistline.
I was given the chance to sample all three – and arranged them according to my personal taste.
The protein bowl (Image: NQ)
The Protein Bowl
What does Tortilla say about it?
This dish aims to energise busy lifestyles and provide a filling, protein-rich meal. It starts with Mexican rice and black beans, includes a double helping of Tortilla’s signature asado chicken marinated and seasoned for a smoky taste. Roasted sweetcorn salsa, fresh pico de gallo made with diced tomatoes, onion and coriander, and vibrant pickled red onions offering a sharp contrast to the richer elements sit on top. A blob of sour cream gives a cool, creamy element, while a splash of salsa ranchera adds gentle, smoky warmth that brings everything together.
Nutritional information
Around 870 calories with 75 grams of protein
My verdict?
As someone who goes to the gym and has been pushed by my trainer to consume more protein, the fact that this covers a substantial portion of my daily needs is attractive – and it tastes superior to several cans of tuna or a massive portion of eggs. The combination of salsa, sour cream and chicken worked brilliantly; I would have preferred a touch more heat but that’s down to individual taste. It kept me satisfied throughout the afternoon with minimal urge to snack on other treats in the office. Perfect for gym enthusiasts wanting variety beyond boring meal preparation.
8/10
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The plant-based bowl (Image: NQ)
The plant bowl
What does Tortilla say about it?
This is a colourful plant-based choice that showcases punchy ingredients and naturally wholesome eating. Beginning with coriander rice and black beans, the dish pairs sweetcorn salsa, fresh pico de gallo and Tortilla’s hand-smashed guacamole for multiple layers of freshness and texture. Smoky vegan chilli, slow-simmered with beans and spices to create a filling, robust topping that delivers depth without sacrificing plant-based principles, crowns the bowl. Pickled red onions complete the dish with a bright, sharp crunch.
Nutritional information
Approximately 773 calories and 26 grams of protein.
My verdict?
Though a bit more protein would be welcome, I found this thoroughly enjoyable and a generous portion for the calorie count. Being someone who loves sauce, there was plenty here to satisfy my palate and the guacamole elevated the entire dish.
Flavour-wise this was my top choice, though my trainer’s voice was ringing in my ears when marking this.
7.5/10
I tried the new nutritional bowls from Tortilla (Image: Tortilla)
The Balance Bowl
What does Tortilla say about it?
This dish was developed as a daily all-purpose option, mixing protein, carbs and beneficial fats in amounts that help sustain steady energy while still delivering strong flavour. The bowl features coriander rice and black beans topped with asado chicken, sweetcorn salsa and fresh pico de gallo. A generous helping of Tortilla’s freshly made guacamole, crafted with ripe Hass avocados, lime and coriander, provides creaminess and healthy fats, while pickled red onions contribute brightness and acidity.
Nutritional information
Roughly 798 calories with 54 grams of protein.
My verdict?
Having tried this one last, I was beginning to lose enthusiasm at this stage; it turns out even good things can become too much. But I won’t hold that against it too heavily, as the decent protein punch combined with that excellent guacamole means on any other day this could have been my favourite. The optimal combination of both other bowls.
7/10