Bambusa Asian Bistro

How I heard of this place: Enjoying season tickets to several downtown theaters encourages one to investigate new and neighboring dining establishments throughout the years, which is how we stumbled upon Bambusa, formerly Bambuza.
Type of cuisine: Initially serving Vietnamese fare, the restaurant now offers Asian cuisine, including Vietnamese, Chinese and Thai-​inspired cuisine.
Ambiance: The restaurant is open, two sides covered in windows, making for a beautiful spot to sit and take in the hustle and bustle of downtown life on a cold, wet, holiday-​season evening. Upon entry, one enters a calm and easy space space, with minimal furnishings, decorations and the like. A small host table and screen separates the entryway from the restaurant, where chairs and tables as well as booth seating is available to diners. The bar area at the back leads to the kitchen, where food is slowly prepared for patrons. Quiet music plays in the background of the orange and yellow walls, and faux wood furnishings in the space.
What I ordered: At our table, four of the seven in our party arrived early enough to enjoy happy hour appetizers and cocktails. When the last three of us arrived, dinner was ordered. At our table we had one order of salad rolls ($ 4.90), fresh rolls wrapped in rice paper with shrimp, vermicelli noodles, shredded carrots, lettuce, and basil served with peanut dipping sauce and two Thai iced teas ($ 2.95 each) to start. For the main entrée, we had the honey glazed chicken ($ 7.90), grilled chicken fillets marinated with savory honey and soy and the crispy spring rolls ($ 7.50), rolls filled with ground shrimp, pork, taro root, and carrots and the lemongrass beef ($ 7.90) grilled beef infused with lemongrass ginger marinade, each served over jasmine rice and mixed greens with shallots and roasted peanuts. Another of our dining companions ordered the drunken crispy chicken ($ 10.50), marinated overnight in rich chardonnay and finished with tangy caramelized soy glaze served with steamed jasmine rice and broccoli. To his left, we had an order of Phad Thai, and finally a ginger chicken claypot ($ 9.50), chicken simmered in a claypot with fresh ginger and caramelized shallot soy served with jasmine rice. For dessert two orders, and seven spoons, were placed for the fried bananas ($ 6 each), wrapped in dough and fried, then doused in cinnamon and sugar and delicately placed atop a plate with toasted coconut and two scoops of vanilla ice cream.
What I loved: Of the three items sampled (the honey glazed chicken, crispy spring rolls and the ginger chicken), I most enjoyed the tender and delicate flavor of the honey glazed chicken. The pungent ginger and sweet lemongrass in the claypot offered an abundance of overpowering taste. Most of all, I enjoyed the sweet, toasted coconut, shredded and aplenty as a base for the vanilla ice cream.
Why I loved it: Although the service was slow, water glasses lacking replenishing, the food was tasty and the portions large enough to serve two meals, or feed a very hungry person in one go!
Cost: Low to average ($ 6-​$ 12 per dinner entrée)

Conferencing nearby. This is a pretty good place to get a quick lunch. The prices are all around $ 10 +/​-​2, a little high for the quality of the food, but I think just a reflection of its location. I would actually give it 3.5 stars.
I had the bibim bap which was good. It was nice of them to put the sauce on the side so you can mix is to your level of spicy. Companions got shrimp fried rice (the shrimp was decent sized), lemon grass beef with rice noodles (looked good), and honey glazed chicken (ok-​looking).

Decent express lunch option. The food was served with a smile, which saved a star.
Minus one star for sticker shock: I spent three years at the UW eating a bowl of phở for $ 5; here, you get the same thing for $ 8. Minus a star because they gave me a bowl of phở without a spoon or toppings (you know, the bean sprouts, basil leaves and lime wedge). As John Madden might say, the server didn’t execute like she needed to. Also, the menus are displayed on flat screen monitors behind the counter and I thought they were a little hard to read.
However, I really like the atmosphere and I like the fact that they offer both table service and counter service at lunch.

My Phở experience has always been the Vietnamese version of fast food: sit down, order, served, eat, and out. I love Phở. But never associated it with leisure dining.
Then there is Bambuza, a nicely décor’ed restaurant in downtown Seattle that has a full bar, and the phở at $ 8.
It was nicely made. The ginger chicken clay pot was a bit too intense on ginger, but delicious never-​the-​less.
Guess I will come again to fix my Phở craving once in a while.

Lunch on a typical Seattle week day, right across from the convention center. Not much to say, the place was busy, but not crowded, most people probably work around the area.
Order wonton noodle from a Vietnamese place is like going to your family doctor to get your teeth fix. But the wonton at some «other» Vietnamese place was good, so I thought, why not?
It was a bit of a disappointment, with only three or four dumplings, and the egg noodle was too soft. Would not recommend, maybe I’ll try something else next time.

It was late, I had a craving for Vietnamese, I was in a city I didn’t know and had my two feet to get me around from my room at the Sheraton.
Cue the lifesaving Unilocal app.
A quick search showed the closest spot still open with a menu viewable online was Bambuza. A quick phone call later I had an order of vermicelli with pork, chicken, beef and shrimp placed and I was out the door.
To get the same thing from my usual spot in Dallas would run me around $ 15 so to get a dinner portion for $ 8.50 was a pleasant surprise.
The food itself wasn’t anything mind blowing, but I’ve come to regard ordering bun as a safe option much like ordering a California Roll from a sushi joint or General Tso’s chicken from a Chinese spot. There are slight variations, but it takes an epic screw up to mess the dish up completely.
The pork and beef were tender and juicy, the chicken and shrimp were a little on the overcooked side and the noodles were a little underdone for my preference. The nuoc cham was a little sweeter than usual, but I really enjoyed it that way.
Nothing stood out as bad, but nothing stood out as great. I’m sure there are better spots in the area, but if you’re a stranded traveler and need a quick fix, Bambuza definitely does the trick.

Unimpressed.
Came downtown to see a play at ACT Theatre (across the street and a block away). It was reported that Bambuza would be a good option for us.
We walked in to a near half-​full restaurant — a good sign, generally. The gentleman who would be our waitstaff (let’s call him «Barney») asked us «how many,» and we responded with a count of two. Easy. He said he’d have to wipe off a table. No problem… until another twosome came in directly behind us and a female took them directly to another table ahead of us (no, no reservations).
That was my first «WTF?!» moment.
So, Barney did a half-​assed job at cleaning the table and sat us down — though we had to finish the job and wipe down the chairs as well. I generally like my lettuce on food… that I order… after I sit down.
Five minutes later… water.
Eight minutes after that… we order. We tell him that we’d like the cheque with the meal, not to bring peanut sauce with the appetizer (due to allergies), and we’d like noodles with the main dish.
When the meal arrived (appetizer at the same time), there was peanut sauce on the plate. He took it away, remembering our directions. No problem.
But he didn’t leave the bill.
And it wasn’t until we got into the meal that I noticed it contained rice instead of the requested noodles.
Three strikes, yo. Or was it four by this point? If he would have caught his own mistake quickly instead of leaving us there… wondering if he’d return… I’d have been good to go.
The food was okay, the price was okay, but the service and attentiveness was amazingly lousy. Sorry, but there are far more options for dining in downtown Seattle for me to give Bambuza anything greater than one star.
The only possible way this restaurant is a «gem» (as some Unilocaler sees it) is if you get a rock star serviceperson from the get-​go.
«Bamboozled» is more like it.

Ate here with the buddies during PAX as it is right across the road from the Convention Center, actually it is in the basement of the Convention Center annex.
The food was decent but not at the level that I would expect it to be in downtown Seattle, I have high expectations for Vietnamese and Thai food, well any asian food actually, when I am in Seattle.
Another slight disappointment was that when I went there at about 7PM there were these Flat Panel display’s in the window with rotating menus.
I figured out what I wanted from these menu’s and ordered based on that when I got to the table.
Afterwards my bill was $ 4 – 5 dollars more than the prices in the flat Panel Menus and interestingly enough $ 1 – 2 higher than the printed menu’s.
Lesson learned, clearly this place charges a unmentioned premium during a big convention. O — well …

I had lunch at Bambuza nearly two weeks ago and I’m still thinking about their cabbage chicken salad. While the dish may not sound exciting, it was surprisingly good. I want to find out where I can get their lime vinaigrette as it was tangy and delicious.
The restaurant itself is divided into two halves to cater to your needs. Express or dining in. I was there for a lunch meeting, so we chose to dine in. The service was mediocre and I felt a bit rushed towards the end even though there didn’t appear to be anyone waiting for a table.
They do have a full bar which, if my office were closer, could be worth checking out for happy hour and appetizers.

I really like the idea of «express lunch» at Bambuza but today they got my order wrong…
I ordered the spring roll noodle bowl but they gave me the rice platter. I didn’t bother telling them because I was fine with just sticking to the rice. Speaking of which, the rice was actually kind of sticky which I don’t like at all when eating with veggies and meats.
This joint is really popular at lunch though because it is quick and easy, and you’re basically in and out just like that. Lunches are affordable, probably close to about $ 9 after tax for an average meal unless you get a Vietnamese sandwich which are about $ 5 after tax.
I had come here before with two friends for dinner and I remember their dinner entrees being pretty unique for a Vietnamese restaurant so that’s a plus. But to be honest, I’m surprised at all the stickers on their door, «Zagat-​rated» and all. It’s a good restaurant but not THAT spectacular…

Finally came here for dinner over the weekend, and enjoyed the food maybe just as much as I enjoy their lunch. Maybe.
Had the salad rolls w/​peanut sauce (nice balance of fresh ingredients), cognac luc lac beef (tender cubes of filet, savory but not overly salty sauce), and drunken crispy chicken (good cuts of non-​fatty/​gristly meat, perfect amount of breading, delicious sweet glaze).
The portions were generous, and the service was great. Minus a star for two sets of dirty silverware. My drink was also way too sweet, but I wasn’t there to get hammered, so I’ll know better next time just to stick with the food.
I’m back working in downtown starting this week, which means Bambuza for lunch. A LOT! Grilled beef banh mi and papaya salad here I come!

Great lunch option downtown, for these reasons:
–Many gluten free options (they will even cook it separately if requested)
–Express lunch menu/​option for quick food without high touch service
–Delicious!
This restaurant is safe for those who need gluten free options (I am just embarking on this journey now).
Also– nice atmosphere, pretty décor, very friendly staff.

The Claypot Catfish was the bomb! Oh it was soooo delicious! But the yellow curry was… meh. Really bland, didn’t have much flavor, just didn’t taste like anything. The service was pretty good, very fancy compared to some of the Vietnamese restaurants we have been before.
Overall, the food was good, thought the price was a little high.

We were always iffy about this place based on the name. There I said it, it’s a stupid name for a restaurant. Now that I have that off my chest, I can give my PAX-​related review… which is tardy!
In late August, we attended the video game convention that overtakes WSCTC for three days. The days are long and the mediocre food choices can be counted on one hand: steam tables food at the convention centre itself, pizza or Mexican food from the lobby or overpriced sandwiches. Yeah, Subway, that last comment is directed right at you.
In the neighbouring area however, there are more choices. We wanted something fast between our panels so we nipped over for some Vietnamese food. Since we were quite hungry, we ordered several starters before our entrées. For five of us, our order was:
— Bambuza salad rolls — rice paper rolls with shrimp, ham, basil, noodles, carrots + lettuce with peanut sauce.
— Fried crispy spring rolls — minced shrimp, pork, carrots + taro root, served with fish sauce.
— Lobster tail wonton — crispy fried, filled with minced lobster + shallots, sweet chili dipping sauce.
— Garlic glazed pork loin with garlic glaze served with jasmine rice, mixed greens, crispy roll, pickled carrots + fish sauce.
— Coconut curry — tofu, sweet potato, carrot, broccoli, onion in yellow curry.
— Cognac luc lac beef — cubed filet mignon wokked with red onion, butter, finished with French brandy.
Our food was well made and arrived hot. The portions were perfect for our hunger level + price point. My only complaint was the speed of the service. There were two other tables in the restaurant and I had to wave down someone for water refills.
My final verdict is that if we haven’t eaten before a Paramount show, we might swing by here for something quick. But if their speed of service is the same, whether sparse or packed, we’ll skip them altogether.

I went before a weeknight show at the Paramount with three friends and had an overall good experience. The waitstaff was friendly, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was relaxing.
The only disappointment was that my vegetarian phở arrived 10 minutes after the rest of my party’s food. But the waitstaff kept reassuring me it was coming, so I didn’t feel forgotten about.
The phở was the best I’ve had – clear, perfectly seasoned broth, big chunks of tofu, delicate noodles. Others in my party had the drunken chicken, vegetarian curry, and shrimp noodle boat, and all the dishes were excellent. I’d definitely go back.

Just got back from lunch at Bambuza. Bamboozled seems to be more fitting.
My friends and I obviously made a mistake by deciding to sit on the self-​service, order at the counter and have your food delivered to your table side. At Bambuza, self-​service seems to mean not even basic service, which translates to getting your appetizer and drinks after your entrees.
The vegetarian spring rolls appetizer (which tasted pretty good) was the very last dish of food brought to our table. My friends had to remind the server about the Thai iced teas they ordered, then he returned with regular iced teas that had to be sent back. I should also mention that this was an early lunch — before noon, when there was hardly anyone there.
I had the coconut curry with tofu. It could have used more flavor, but it was decent. The Vietnamese iced coffee was the best thing I had, but wasn’t worth dealing with the bumbling service.
If you’re going to try it out and don’t want to leave annoyed, DEFINITELY sit on the waiter service side. I remember eating here a few years ago before you had to pick a side, and don’t recall getting bad service. But I also remember the food being better back then.

This was just down the block from my hotel on Pike and with attractive signage with a descriptive style of cuisine ‘Vietnamese Bistro’, we decided to give it a shot for our party of five. You can select table service or express once you enter, we opted for table and spent time going over a rather extensive selection of appetizers, phở, rice and other tasty picks. We had to start with the fresh spring rolls (vegi & chicken) and they came nicely presented, 4 cut rolls standing tall with the tasty peanut sauce… very well done.
I chose the combination noodle bowl which is the cold rice noodles with thinly sliced pork, beef and shrimp… rice noodles on a bed of shredded lettuce… I will say they don’t skimp… very healthy portions, I had to struggle to get to the bottom of my phở bowl ($ 9.50).
The décor was modern and more on the trendy side but fit a more fast paced and energetic eatery. Centrally located and a nice place to take a break from nearby shopping.

Overpriced, but in a good location for foot traffic. I had walked past this place several times before I finally stopped in for dinner.
It’s spacious and somewhat upscale inside. You walk right in and you’re at the host/hostess’s station. From there, my experience went downhill.
Staff took a long time to get to the table. A drink order was taken but the drink never showed. Food was ordered, simple items that were pretty tasty. Unfortunately, I had no utensils and a second request was made when the food arrived. Staff was asked about my beverage ordered 20 minutes ago and she went back to check with the bartender. She comes back with my beer and no utensils.
Finally, I get up and track down the hostess to find some utensils for myself. No apologies, no comments at all. Thank goodness we were not on our way to an event.
The food rates three stars but the staff was barely a one. It’s not a place I’ve been to since.

WHAT WAS I THINKING?!
I’ve passed it a few times while driving thru downtown and I wonder how good it is. I walk it 30 minutes before closing time. And the first thoughts I had (not in any particular order) pan-​asian or not? zagat rating! has to be busy during lunch hours especially being near the convention center, business people. Nice bar!
I asked for a menu to order to-​go. The wait staff were super nice! I tried to see what the cooks looked like but couldn’t see them from the distance that I was. I figured this was an upscale Vietnamese restaurant because I do not see the type of people who eat at the vietnamese restaurants I eat at. Once I was handed the menu I browse thru it and weren’t too thrilled. Overpriced for items I know I can get much cheaper at other restaurants. And I don’t know if I want to spend some money not knowing if the dishes are actually good. I was tossed between if this place is good or not, nice venue does not always mean good food but zagat reviews are always on point.
I ordered small dishes, the fresh mango — goi xoai and bambuza salad rolls — goi cuan man. The fresh mango salad was eh-​okay. Something about it kept making me want to eat it but it was bitter sweet. The bitter part threw me off and figured it was the jicama added in the mix. Then it became more bitter and bitter each bite and I put that salad to waste. The salad rolls were okay. I’ve had better and I’ve had worst. Thought their prawns were sliced in three’s instead of in half. Don’t be shy with the prawns if your charging for that price.
I’m all about prices matching the portion and taste.
Maybe I need to go back again and try other dishes. But I don’t have much to stay about this place but they have great service, nice ambiance and décor, and a cute bar in the back. As for food… i dont know what to say.

During a lunch break from the Penny Arcade Expo happening across the street, this place caught our eye. Ideally, I don’t like eating at chains when traveling because hello, where is your sense of adventure and diversity? We love us some Asian fusion restaurants so we hit this joint up.
Living in the bay area, I regularly dine at the hole in the wall places. These are the places that serve only the most authentic, I don’t wanna know what goes on in the kitchen, just as long as it’s good food type food ;)
Bambuza, is not hole in the wall at all. The kitchen is open and presentation is a part of what you pay for. It was a nippy cloudy day in Seattle so a big old bowl of Phở sounded soo good! I wanted the fatty stuff. Ya know, straight raw slices of meat, along with pieces tendon, tripe and all that fatty goodness. This place is so kosher, that they didn’t include any of those questionable ingredients. Oh well, it was still a delicious meal. We started off with the «Bambuza Roll» aka… Vietnamese Spring Rolls. We finished off with iced coffee.
It was all in all a fancy good meal. Although a lil pricey to what we’re used to paying for a great bowl of soup, the service was excellent, and the dining atmosphere pleasant.
If you’re curious yet hesitant to try Vietnamese food, definitely come here. They will ease you in. Bambuza offers, friendly dishes that won’t freak you out if you’re a picky eater.
Bona petit!