BAMBU

I frequent the one in San Jose so I’m a little biased toward that one. But what a difference the same franchise makes depending on the location. This store gives more ice and less dessert — they don’t fill the whole cup. I get way less dessert by paying a lot more than the San Jose location here.

It’s aiite. The drinks are pretty average and the service is mediocre. Only go here because there’s no where else to get my Bambu fix.

This is my go to place whenever I need my iced coffee fix. Friendly cashier. Order came pretty quick. Minus 1 star because parking can be an issue.

I’ve been here a couple times since it’s the only Bambu that’s closest to me.
I’ve ordered inside and made phone orders as well and each time I’ve never had any mishaps with them.
This Bambu is pretty small but has plenty of seating as well as a big TV playing music videos. There’s also a restroom.
Customer service wise; the cashier is nice and they made the drinks pretty quick.

I’m really not sure why this place only has 3 stars? Don’t tell me it’s because it’s on International Blvd…
That said, I’m so glad I took my friend here the other day because this Bambu turned out to be just as good as the other ones I have been to (compared to the ones in SoCal, the one in Alameda, etc.)
I ordered the # 9 (coconut milk with grass jelly and pandan jelly) and I absolutely chugged that dessert. It was simple and delicious — just the way I like it. My friend got the # 1 special and he definitely had a great first encounter with Bambu.
I have nothing but positive vibes for this place. Even though it’s small and it’s located in the part of Oakland that I’m not sure why people wouldn’t venture to… this place hits the spot. I would go as far as to say that it’s probably just as good (at least from first impressions) as the one in Alameda (which is rated higher).
I’ll come back and try their other items!
Eat well and prosper,

I do not know why people like this place so much. It’s very typical and boring. If I do go here I only order the strawberry banana smoothie. Yes, it’s boring but I don’t like any other things on the menu and yes I know I can get a better less pricey strawberry banana smoothie elsewhere.

If you are like me and don’t like Asian beans in your desserts, then get the #1 or #6! #1 is made with coconut juice and #6 is made with coconut milk.
All ingredients that go into the desserts are super fresh!

Today was a hot 89 degrees outside and I thought Bambu wild be great. Came to Oakland Bambu to order two number 1 and a number 10 desserts. I paid about $ 13, but was happy to do so. Got into the car and took my first sip of dessert #10 and it had a funny smell. Once my taste bud kick in, I realize the coconut milk taste old and spoiled, the green jelly were not chewy, but soggy. I figure maybe it was just this one drink. So I pick the dessert #1 (no coconut milk in this one) and was hoping this would be better. I was wrong. I end up having to throw all three drinks away. I am not upset about the money, but more disappointed that even after this long they have open, they can not perfect the drink as how it is suppose to be. I will have to go to Alameda Bambu in the near future if I am craving for it. I am sorry to the oakland store, but I really hope this will help you improve so you can be successful. Please take this as a positive criticism. I will come back when your drinks improve. I want to give it a two stars today, but I did remember a time when I was here and it was good so I am giving it a three stars.

I love the desserts! The avocado in the #5 is delicious! Also recommend the #1 with the basil seeds! Yum!!!

Last time i ordered a drink and it was a cup full of ice, after a few sips my drink was gone. This time I ordered the drink with no ice because I didn’t want it to melt and dilute my drink, but they only gave me ¾ full of the drink to make up for the space for the ice. Hella stingy! Why can’t they just fill it to the top?

Che BAMBU special #1. Coconut, pandan jelly, longan, basil seed is our favorite. You can drink this with a large straw specially made for boba drinks. The slide coconuts and longan will need to be eaten with a spoon. Though I wish it can fit through a straw. LOL. Orders are taken right away and quickly made. It’s not as busy as most San Jose store but it’s clean and never a wait. Rating 5 star.

Strong Vietnamese coffee! It will keep you up all night, no lies! They’re known for their Che, Vietnamese desserts.
Recommended: #10, #3 and Vietnamese iced coffee!
Tip: CASH ONLY
Update: As of 7÷22÷15 most of the drinks have increased .50 due to the minimum wage.

Whenever I go to Bambu, I always stick to my safety drink, which is The Bambu Special (#1). It is not too sweet and very refreshing! I’ve tried the avocado drink a few times and it’s not my favorite.
The people who work there are very nice and accommodating.

I am completely biased because I go to San Jose and get che for cheap. Also my mom and aunts make these regularly.
I got some to-​go and I don’t understand the hype. there was too much ice, it wasn’t sweet enough, and I think it’s made to just look pretty. I understand what they are going for and I think it’s smart of them, but still the taste should still be there.

In a sketchy part of Oakland but service is excellent and Che is always yummy.
My go to Che drink is #10 which consists of pandan jelly, coconut milk, grass jelly, and red tapioca.
If you ask for to go, they can bag ice for you separately so it doesn’t dilute your drink.

Located inside a shady lot along with other stores site BAMBU. I was going to give this a 3 stars but decided to give them 4. The only reason is because they open at 8 a.m. Out of all the Bambu locations This is the only one that opens this early. I only come here when I’m craving BAMBU in the mornings before heading to work. This early in the morning the service is fast.

I don’t understand why this place has such low ratings, it’s a fairly nice establishment, the lady that takes orders is very nice and the drinks aren’t too sweet which is good for a lot of people. And for some reason I am starting to prefer things that aren’t as sweet. Maybe I’m just getting old and my tastes are changing.
I can tell you however the small blurb I just wrote doesn’t do this store justice. I’m a fan of drinks, I’m a fan of different types of jelly and when I told my cousins that I’ve never been to Bambu before right after our lunch at Thanh Ky, they were like, «What is wrong with you?»
So we went and at first I didn’t know where the hell it is and when we got there, I was like ooooh. It is on International in this little I guess you could call strip mall with one of the crappiest parking lot in the entire world. Yes I’ve been to that mall before, the restaurant on that corner? Probably changed like 20 times since the buildings were built.
Anyways its on other end of the building attached to the restaurant across from a Laundromat and you could say it’s a small place. Majority of it goes to the kitchen to make the many types of jellies and drinks and then there’s a small amount of seating. First impressions was that its fairly clean, furniture and decorations look decent.
We looked over the drinks menu, then saw the jelly/​filling drinks picture and I was like 0 – 0, «such an expansive amount of jellies/​fillings, awesome!»
When we were ready we ordered from the cashier and she was very nice, and she got our drinks quick. I was skeptical at first but when I started drinking it, I loved it. The different types of jellies/​fillings are so awesome, each has its own taste and texture.
I came back another time and again the drink was fantastic.
You have better luck finding parking on the streets than risking your car getting bashed in the parking lot. Also its cash only.
Now why have I not come to Bambu before?

Cannot get over the location… difficult to park.
#s 9&10 Che =$ 7, which then = a bliss indescribable.
Can order the ice to be bagged separately for those who have a drive to go before nirvana onset.

Location: Inside a mini plaza. Barely visible from International Blvd.
Parking: Private lot. But better luck finding street parking.
~Grand Opening Weekend~
#3 Che 3 Mau is my go-​to drink. It was on-​point. Nothing to complain about.
On the other hand, it was unfortunate that the location hasn’t got their system down yet. The crowd was about the same size as other locations, but it was obvious that the staff was overwhelmed. The place was super packed since orders were taking a long time to come out!
During my 20-​minute wait for my order, I saw a total of 9 – 10 staff working. 5 of them made drinks in the front cashier area. Another 3 – 4 more in the back. Then another one made an ingredients-​run probably from the grocery store next door. It was ridiculous how many staff members there were and the place was still such a mess! People ran back and forth. Containers of fruits stacked all over the counter and stools. Cans were being opened right then and there for everyone to see.
Granted, it was the 2^nd day of opening. But still, the experience made me a bit hesitant to go back. I think I’ll wait a couple weeks. Anyway I wish you luck, Bambu Oakland!
Promotion: $ 3 all Che (dessert drinks) until June 24^th.
Cash only.

*CASH ONLY.
Bambu made it to Oakland. Couldn’t be happier that there’s finally one near Berkeley! The quality of the drinks are the same as all of the other Bambu locations. It’s opening weekend so there’s a special deal: $ 3 for every drink!
What to order:
+Milk Tea: get the jasmine milk tea if you’re a boba fan. Even though this place is mostly for desserts, the milk tea will not disappoint. Don’t forget to add boba & coffee jelly for a nice combo!
+ Bambu Special (#1) Get this drink if you’re looking for something refreshing. It’s not heavy because there’s no coconut milk. It’s the most expensive drink on the menu but it’s pretty good.
+Combo (#2) and Che 3 Mau (#3): these two are definitely the popular ones on the menu if you like beans. I am personally not a beans person but all of my friends loveee these drinks. The only difference between these two is that #2 has pearl and rainbow jelly in it.
+ Bo Dam (#5): Avocado lovers, this is for you (and the avocado smoothie!) This is crushed avocado with pearl and jelly. It’s really on the heavy side because of the avocados. This is one of my favorite drinks.
+ Che Trai Cay (#6): If you’re in the mood for something fruity then get this one. It’s basically all fruits with jelly.
+Hat Luu Suong Sao Banh Lot (#10): This one is my favorite one! I love grass and pandan jelly so this drink is perfect. If you want to try something new and different then definitely get this one.
The rest of the menu varies according to your preference in beans ans jelly! Everything is worth trying :)
There is a small parking lot in front and plenty of street parking around. This place will definitely be crowded since it’s the grand opening week but they’re really fast with their service. Overall, I am a very happy customer :)