Jake Harper
The Flame Broiler is a fast-food restaurant in California that serves healthy rice bowls, comparable to Chipotle or Qdoba. They offer a variety of proteins, including chicken and beef, that can be added to bowls or plates. The chicken is served plain, allowing customers to control the amount of teriyaki sauce, while the beef is lean and marinated. The restaurant also provides Healthy Modifications for every meal, such as no bread, low-calorie, paleo, and low-carb options. The quality of the food and customer service at Flame Broiler has been praised by some, while others have found it disappointing, with overcooked chicken and small portions. The price of the meals has also been a point of contention, with some considering it expensive for the quantity served.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price | Flame Broiler's beef is more expensive than chicken |
| Health | Flame Broiler offers lean beef and chicken with Healthy Modifications like no bread, low calorie, paleo, and low carb (no rice) |
| Taste | Flame Broiler's chicken is served plain, allowing customers to control the amount of teriyaki sauce. Waba Grill's chicken is considered more authentic and tasty. |
| Variety | Flame Broiler offers less variety than Waba Grill |
| Quality | Flame Broiler's meat quality is considered better than Waba Grill and Yoshinoya |
| Gluten-Free Options | Flame Broiler offers gluten-free chicken options, but not beef due to marination |
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What You'll Learn
- Taste: Flame Broiler's chicken is plainer, Waba Grill's chicken is saucier
- Customisation: Flame Broiler lets customers control sauce amounts
- Nutrition: Both provide nutritional info online, catering to dietary needs
- Price: Flame Broiler is pricier, with bowls costing up to $14
- Quality: Flame Broiler's meat quality is better, with a smokier flavour
Taste: Flame Broiler's chicken is plainer, Waba Grill's chicken is saucier
Waba Grill and Flame Broiler are two California-based restaurants that serve healthy rice bowls with comparable menu options and branding. Despite their similarities, some customers claim that there are distinct differences between the two.
When it comes to taste, Flame Broiler serves its chicken plain, allowing customers to control the amount of teriyaki sauce they add. This option appeals to those focused on nutrition and customizability. In contrast, Waba Grill's chicken comes with a dollop of teriyaki sauce, resulting in a saucier and, for some, a tastier experience. The chicken skin is removed, and the food is cooked fresh upon order using low-calorie options. Waba Grill's chicken is described as more authentic, whereas Flame Broiler's chicken has been likened to "coming out of a bag."
Both restaurants offer rice bowls with a variety of proteins, including chicken and beef. Flame Broiler's beef is lean, and they offer "Healthy Modifications" for every meal, such as no bread, low-calorie, paleo, and low-carb options. Waba Grill caters to paleo dieters as well, with rice bowls that can be paired with proteins like shrimp, beef, or salmon.
While some customers prefer Flame Broiler for its quality and customer service, others prefer Waba Grill for its perceived authenticity and flavour. The bowl at Waba Grill is wider and appears to be loaded with more chicken and rice than Flame Broiler's bowl. Additionally, Waba Grill's hot sauce can add a smoky, Tapatio taste to the bowl, which is a unique flavour profile compared to Flame Broiler's tangy and vinegary hot sauce.
Ultimately, the preference between Waba Grill and Flame Broiler may come down to individual taste preferences and specific dietary needs. Both restaurants offer similar rice bowl options, but with distinct differences in taste, portion sizes, and customizability.
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Customisation: Flame Broiler lets customers control sauce amounts
Flame Broiler is a fast-food chain based in California, serving healthy rice bowls with a range of proteins, including chicken and beef. The chicken is served plain, allowing customers to customise their meal by controlling the amount of teriyaki sauce they add. This is an appealing feature for health-conscious diners who want to monitor their nutrition.
The ability to customise the amount of sauce added to a dish is a unique offering, as many similar restaurants, such as Waba Grill, apply a standard amount of sauce to their dishes. While Waba Grill offers customers the option to add more sauce if desired, Flame Broiler allows customers to start with a blank canvas and add as much or as little sauce as they like. This level of customisation puts the control in the hands of the customer and ensures that the dish is tailored to their specific tastes and preferences.
The option to control sauce amounts is especially appealing to those who prefer a less saucy dish, as they can add a small amount of sauce to their chicken bowl, creating a lighter and healthier meal. For those who enjoy a more generous sauce portion, the option to add a larger amount creates a tastier and more indulgent experience.
In addition to the teriyaki sauce, Flame Broiler also offers a Triple Hot Sauce, providing an even spicier option for those who enjoy a kick of heat. This hot sauce is comparable to Sriracha and packs a punch in terms of flavour. Customers can add this sauce to their chicken bowl, creating a unique and personalised flavour profile that suits their taste buds.
The customisation offered by Flame Broiler, specifically the ability to control sauce amounts, is a key differentiator for the restaurant and sets it apart from its competitors. It empowers customers to create a dish that aligns with their preferences and dietary needs, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience.
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Nutrition: Both provide nutritional info online, catering to dietary needs
The nutritional information available online for both chicken and beef options at Flame Broiler is a useful resource for customers with specific dietary needs. The website outlines how the restaurant caters to a range of dietary preferences and requirements.
For those watching their calorie, carb, or cholesterol intake, the nutritional information provided by Flame Broiler is a valuable tool. The website details how customers can make "healthy modifications" to their meals, such as removing bread, reducing calories, or choosing paleo and low-carb options. This level of customisation means customers can make informed choices to align with their dietary goals.
For gluten-free diners, Flame Broiler offers guidance on how to order a meal that suits their needs. The website advises that while their meats are cooked on the same surfaces, a gluten-free meal can be requested by ordering chicken with no sauce. However, it is noted that due to the marination process, beef items cannot be made gluten-free. This transparency around gluten-containing ingredients is helpful for those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.
In addition to the online nutritional information, Flame Broiler also offers a range of options for customers to customise their meals according to their preferences. For instance, customers can choose between regular or sticky rice, and can adjust the amount of teriyaki sauce added to their chicken. This level of customisation allows customers to tailor their meal to their tastes and dietary needs.
The availability of nutritional information and the range of customisation options at Flame Broiler demonstrate a commitment to catering to a diverse range of dietary needs and preferences. By providing this information online, the restaurant empowers customers to make informed choices and adapt their meals accordingly.
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Price: Flame Broiler is pricier, with bowls costing up to $14
The price of a bowl at Flame Broiler can be a bone of contention for some. While Flame Broiler is often regarded as a reasonably priced lunch option, some customers have noted that the prices have increased over time, with bowls now costing up to $14. This is a notable jump from the $6-7 price point that some patrons recall from previous years.
The price variation may be influenced by the specific items selected. Flame Broiler offers a range of bowl sizes, including mini, regular, and plate options. Each size comes with different prices, providing some flexibility for customers' budgets and appetites. For example, a mini chicken bowl is priced at $6.65, while a plate of chicken costs $11.25. Similarly, the angus beef options range from $7.75 for a mini bowl to $12.95 for a plate.
In comparison to similar restaurants, such as Waba Grill, Flame Broiler's pricing may be considered slightly higher. Waba Grill is often mentioned as a direct competitor to Flame Broiler due to their comparable offerings of healthy rice bowls. While the specific prices of Waba Grill's bowls are not readily available, the visual perception is that their bowls appear to be loaded with more chicken and rice, potentially offering a better value proposition.
However, it is worth noting that Flame Broiler's pricing may vary slightly between different locations, as the restaurants are independently owned and operated. Despite the price increases, some customers still consider Flame Broiler a "cheap, fast, and healthier" option compared to other nearby choices.
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Quality: Flame Broiler's meat quality is better, with a smokier flavour
Flame Broiler is a fast-food chain based in California that serves healthy rice bowls with a choice of chicken or beef. The chicken is served plain, allowing customers to control the amount of teriyaki sauce, while the beef is marinated.
Some customers have praised the quality of Flame Broiler's meat, particularly the chicken. One customer noted that the chicken had a smokier and more authentic flavour than similar restaurants, such as Waba Grill and Yoshinoya. The same customer also observed that the meat quality at Flame Broiler was better than at other nearby options.
Another factor that contributes to the meat's quality is the cooking method. Flame Broiler's meat is flame-broiled, giving it a charbroiled BBQ flavour that some customers prefer over the taste of grilled or fried meat.
However, opinions on the quality of Flame Broiler's meat vary. Some customers have criticised the chicken, claiming that it looks like it came out of a bag and tastes dry and overcooked. The beef has also received mixed reviews, with some customers expressing disappointment over the portion sizes and price.
Ultimately, the perception of meat quality can depend on individual preferences and expectations. While some customers appreciate the smokier flavour and charbroiled preparation of Flame Broiler's meat, others may prefer the taste and presentation of alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, to order a gluten-free meal, ask for chicken with no sauce. However, please remember that Flame Broiler meats are cooked on the same surfaces, so there may be trace amounts of gluten.
No, all beef is marinated, so it is not possible to order a gluten-free beef item.
Flame Broiler's chicken options are generally cheaper than their beef options.
Flame Broiler serves the chicken plain with teriyaki sauce on the side, allowing customers to control the amount of sauce. Waba Grill's chicken is considered more authentic and flavorful, but Flame Broiler's chicken allows for more nutrition customization.
