It’s always nice when the leaders of the free world open their eyes to our Australian ways.

Flat whites, smashed avo, “Australian sushi” and now, the poke bowl. Quick corporate lunch staple, Fishbowl, is going viral in the US after a flagship store opened in New York City earlier this year – under the name Thisbowl.

Founded by Nic Pestalozzi, Nathan Dalah and Casper Ettelson, Fishbowl launched in 2016 with their first store in Bondi Beach. Since then, the group has grown to 46 stores across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and now, the Big Apple.

Ignoring the fact that poke bowls hail from the US state of Hawaii, the Americans are happily embracing the Australian-style of Asian-inspired salad bowls.

Related story: 4 poke bowls that are fast, fresh and full of flavour

Tiktok food bloggers @sistersnacking boosted Thisbowl’s popularity after posting a video praising the tasty lunch option that NYC was missing. “Picture overflowing bowls of fresh veg, warm sushi rice, salmon crudo, miso eggplant all piled high with tons of housemade toppings,” the duo said in their now viral video.

But while many have been raving about the Aussie restaurant’s arrival in the US, describing Thisbowl as New York City’s “most viral lunch spot”, the new eatery has also been met with some controversy.

The bowls average around $25 each, which is a tall order in what is now the richest city in the world. Sydney is the sixth richest city in the world and you’d have to be if you’re splashing out on $25 salads every lunch break.

Regardless, the Australian company is absolutely nailing it here and at its American counterpart and clearly filling a niche that folks can’t get enough of.

Want to see what all the hype is about? Find your nearest Fishbowl here.

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