Bamboo Chopsticks Restaurant Express — Restaurant in Kelowna

I’m a frequent customer and someone who regularly leaves reviews, so I don’t write this lightly. I’ve always tried to approach situations with understanding, but this experience left me feeling unheard and disrespected.

During my recent visit to Bamboo Chopsticks, I was asked if I needed anything, and I clearly said, “No, I don’t need anything.” There was only one person at the front—the same woman who has been there during multiple visits—so there was no confusion about who heard my response. Yet when I got home, chopsticks and a spoon were included anyway.

This has happened to me several times before, always with the same person at the front. At this point, it no longer feels like a mistake—it feels like disregard. Even if someone else had packed the bag, it's basic respect to double-check when a customer says they don’t want something. That didn’t happen.

I rarely throw out chopsticks and spoons (as that's not kind to the environment), WHICH I didn’t ask for—SO THEN I’m just left to deal with them somehow. This time, I brought them back. I shouldn’t have had to. What adds to the frustration is that I even left a tip—which obviously wasn’t warranted, especially since this was only a pickup order, and all she had to do was listen to what the customer wanted. I understand mistakes happen, but this is a repeated issue, and it’s beginning to feel like a lack of care. To top it off, the woman at the front didn’t even acknowledge the tip. She simply told me to have a nice day, but it didn’t come across as genuine. I know these words may seem strong, but I believe it’s important to acknowledge the energy that goes into customer service. When you’re packing someone’s food, you’re not just handing them a meal—you’re sending them the energy behind it. And when that energy feels dismissive or thoughtless, it leaves a lasting impact. I’m sharing this feedback because I care about the experience I have as a customer. Listening to customers and honoring their needs should be a priority, as it creates more than just a meal—it builds trust. I hope this feedback is taken to heart because, honestly, this is why I don’t come as often as I used to—I no longer feel listened to or respected. Ratings 2 (Poor): Service was lacking basic attention to customer needs, and repeated mistakes made the experience frustrating. Also: 1 (Absolutely Horrible): The service was inattentive, and left me feeling...

I visited this restaurant this afternoon as a male customer. I often come to Kelowna on trips and usually look for good local restaurants. This place was recommended to me by a friend who used to live here, so I was looking forward to trying it.

I ordered two of the signature dishes, but honestly, the food was disappointing. The noodles in the soup lacked the chewy texture I was expecting — they felt broken and overcooked. The broth didn't have a deep or rich flavor; it reminded me of a standard, mass-produced broth you'd get from a chain restaurant.

However, the main reason I’m leaving this one-star review is because of the service. I went in with high hopes, but the overall experience lacked warmth or attentiveness. The restaurant was not particularly busy at the time, but I didn’t feel taken care of. Because of the underwhelming food and service, I left a modest tip.

What made me feel even worse was what happened as I was leaving. I overheard someone — possibly a staff member — making a comment about the small tip, loud enough for me to hear. That was very uncomfortable and disappointing. If there had been a genuine effort to understand or ask about my experience, I would have appreciated it and considered giving the place another chance. But to comment on a customer’s tip behind their back is unacceptable, regardless of whether it was a staff or management issue.

This review isn't written out of anger or spite, but rather to share the honest perspective of someone who came with sincere expectations. I hope this feedback helps improve the experience for...

I haven't been to the regular restaurant, just the express Bamboo Chopsticks. I have enjoyed their BBQ bowl, their beef is amazing. Flavours are great and they are one of the best in Kelowna that I have tried. We came from Vancouver and found it hard to find good Vietnamese here. They don't have some of the great offerings that Vancouver does, but I keep coming back for the BBQ bowl. A downside I would say is not providing 2 fish sauce with the large BBQ bowl. Their sauce is usually half full so it feels like you always need more. I want a full one for regular but since it is never full I always have to order a second sauce and it feels like a rip off for the price when it is only half full. For a large bowl they still only give one sauce half full. I have been disappointed with this on numerous occasions, they should give enough sauce to flavour the full dish. Some people may be fine with it, but you have noodles, lettuce, cucumbers all not flavoured and they need a decent amount of fish sauce. So seems like a small critic, but it is the difference of a flavourful, delicious dish and one that doesn't impress. They should offer another sauce for those who need it or just fill the sauce container full. If I try other dishes I will comment on them, for now their BBQ bowl is fantastic if it has enough sauce. The location is small, not like a restaurant, more like a fast food location. So there isn't a ton of seating, but there still is table and booths, kid friendly. The servers are friendly and the restaurant is clean and a chilled atmosphere. Great place for...