The salad bowl geniuses of Newcastle celebrate two years of business

In November 2022, Newcastle’s freshly developed East End Village welcomed the salad bowl craze to town – two years later we check in with owners of Banana Blossom Salads, Emily and Andrew, to hear all about their journey and their newly launched Friday nights, Sunday opening hours, and their growing in popularity catering services.   

Emily & Andrew

In just two years, Banana Blossom Salads has made a significant impact on the local community, combining their fresh and vibrant food with a sense of belonging that keeps office workers and local residents coming back.

As they mark their second anniversary this November, the duo are expanding their offerings to align with the city’s evolving needs – especially with the warmer months on the horizon.

In line with their 2nd birthday, as of Friday, November 1, Banana Blossom Salads in Newcastle’s CBD will be extending their hours for Friday night dinners (open until 8pm) and introducing Sunday lunches (11am-3pm).

The anniversary brings exciting updates for Banana Blossom fans. The Friday night hours will give downtown dwellers and evening strollers an extra chance to enjoy Banana Blossom’s flavours well into the evening.

Additionally, the Sunday lunch service offers a convenient option for weekend visitors and locals looking for a fresh flavourful meal on a day when many of the CBD businesses are closed.

“We’ve had so many people tell us it would be nice to be able to pick up their salads on a Sunday whilst they’re out and about. So, we thought, let’s just give this a go,” Emily said.

For those yet to experience the goodness and greatness that is Banana Blossom Salads, let us tease you with a little snippet. Gone are the days of giving salads a bad rap or thinking of bland boring flavours, because Banana Blossom has upped the ante with its Asian-inspired flavours paired with fresh and local ingredients.

The menu features a delicious selection of salads, rice bowls, and rice paper rolls with protein options including chicken, tofu, beef, pork, and pure vegan greatness! The true heroes of their mouth watering flavours are their top-secret dressing recipes.

Newcastle’s warm, welcoming community has certainly made the journey for this couple easy; not just the customers, but the surrounding retailers as well.

“If something’s not right, or deliveries rock up when someone’s not here, everyone is willing to help. It’s really beautiful and something you wouldn’t get in other cities.”

For busy office workers, the introduction of Banana Blossom’s skip the queue option has already proven to be quite the game-changer.

“We know that people have only fifteen minutes sometimes. So, the skip the queue option means they can order before they leave the office, and we’ll have it ready exactly when they need it.”

The CBD foodie spot has also seen increased interest in its catering services. Each order is completely customisable and is as fresh as their in-house options.

“We make sure everything is put together so it stays fresh, and people can add their own dressing when they’re ready.”

This level of customisation, freshness, and healthy eats has made Banana Blossom the go-to for events, team lunches, and workplace gatherings.

The Friday nights and Sunday hours are also part of the venue’s seasonal approach, providing more opportunities for customers to enjoy their offerings during the warmer months. Matching Newcastle’s coastal laid-back dining scene, offering a more relaxed meal experience perfect for heading straight to the beach and making the most of daylight savings.

For Andrew and Emily, running Banana Blossom Salads in Newcastle is as much about the relationships they’ve built as it is about the food they serve. As they move forward with their expanded hours, Banana Blossom remains dedicated to bringing freshness, convenience, and a little touch of personal warmth to every order.

Whether you’re a lunchtime regular, a corporate catering client, or a new visitor looking to enjoy a fresh Friday night dinner, Banana Blossom invites you in to experience their salad bowls.