Noodlebox — Restaurant in Red Deer

Honest review: I missed Noodlebox when the old location closed. I found out about this location thanks to a Facebook ad.. It's amazing that they're open pretty late.

Now, a couple things about what I ordered (the Thai chow mein). The noodles seemed kind of mushy. Almost like a ramen noodle style... Maybe it was because it was 8pm on a Sunday night. Not sure. Also I felt the amount of chicken in there may have been lacking. But that wasn't really on my mind, as the flavour was so damn good.

I will say this, and I hope it had nothing to do with judging a book by its cover (some people look like they can't handle spicy food): I asked for Hot, which is the second highest heat setting. The girl behind the counter asked me if I was sure (I had already said I missed this place, so I wasn't new). I said yes. Well, if I were to guess the heat level on their chart, it might have been mild/medium, or medium. I'm not sure how they determine how to make something hotter (count the peppers they use?), but it didn't impact my sinuses at all. I was well aware that heat consistency was an issue before at the old location, and that asking for Hot sometimes meant "too Hot." I wasn't expecting "Where's the heat?". Did they look at me and think I was full of it, and really couldn't handle the heat? I hope not.

Like I said, I'll try it again soon, and see if there's any difference. I want to be a regular visitor again.

EDIT: So I had it again tonight. Tried beef instead of chicken. The chunks of beef are nice, but not a lot of them for I think an extra $4. From now on, if possible, no meat. I'll add it at home.

Flavour was excellent as usual, and the noodles weren't mushy.

Also, I asked for Hot. There was a bit of a pause from the girl behind the counter, but she didn't ask if I was sure. However, if that was "Hot" then I can definitely handle the next (and final) level of heat. If you truly enjoy "heat" in your food, order the hottest level. Unless someone can prove otherwise, they seem to have changed their practices to be "less hot," likely because someone complained. (because accountability is a hard one for too many...

Disappointed :( I was so excited to try the food because the reviews are really good, but what I got was.... not great. I ordered the honey garlic chicken with the jasmine rice. When you get honey garlic chicken you're obviously expecting a sweet salty flavor which I am totally down for, but it what I got wasn't a nice mix of sweet and savory; it tasted like straight up candy. It was such an overpowering sweetness that you couldn't taste any of the other flavors. The chicken, vegetables, garlic and rice were totally drowned out by the sweetness, and there was absolutely no hint of salt to balance it out. The chicken was also not crispy, and honestly a lot of it was really chewy. I hate wasting food but I couldn't finish it. (Also got a milk tea but no straw which normally would be a non-issue if it weren't for the fact that it's boba, but honestly still not that big of an issue.)

I want to note that I ordered this delivery late at night, about an hour to closing time without realizing, so that could've impacted the quality of the food. I understand that good food takes time to make. That's my bad. Maybe in the future if I'm in the area I'll come in and give it a second chance.

(P.S I put a five star on service because whoever made/packed my food put a cute handwritten note on the bag thanking me for my order, and I'm a sucker for...

Previously had great experiences- however, me and my friend went last week and I don’t know if the cashier was having a bad day or if she hates her job or what’s up. My friend stated after the fact that the last few times she has gone it’s been the same girl taking her order, and that she has a horrible attitude every time.

I ordered the teriyaki box (which I’ve ordered every time), but this time barely any sauce was included. I had to douse it in sauce at home for any kind of flavour. Paid for extra broccoli, and even checked it before leaving the restaurant- I opened the box and saw no broccoli so I asked and was assured it was in there “in the middle”. When I put it into a bowl to eat it at my friends house, there was the minimal amount of broccoli in it. Completely disappointed.

My friend paid extra for an egg that was partially raw as well. Had to put it in the microwave for 3 minutes once we got back to her place in order for it to be edible.

Overall, the food was lacklustre, the service was horrible, but the shop was clean and the art on the walls is nice. Going to opt for a local...