Rice Bowl — Restaurant in St. John's

I almost never leave a fully negative review, but this experience absolutely deserved one. The service was shockingly poor from the moment I approached the counter. The staff were openly distracted, laughing and chatting among themselves while ignoring customers. When I tried to correct my order—twice—they reacted with visible annoyance, as if serving the public was an inconvenience rather than their job. It genuinely felt like they couldn’t be bothered.

And then came the food… I ordered Combo 3: beef and broccoli, spicy noodles, ribs, and chicken balls. The beef and broccoli was the only remotely decent item on the plate. The chicken balls were clearly frozen, not fresh. The ribs were lukewarm at best. And the “spicy noodles” were nothing more than plain curry noodles—no spice, no flavour, no effort. Everything looked like it had been carelessly thrown together.

Honestly, I hate writing reviews like this, but the experience was that bad. Avoid this Rice Bowl location at all costs. Easily the worst Chinese food...

I suggest you talk to one of your female employees who was in the bathroom stall at Avalon mall today July 7th 2024 at 1.20pm, who clearly did her business and left the bathroom without washing her hands. Not only is this a health violation but to blatantly walk around with a Rice Bowl uniform on while doing it? Yuck.

Beware anyone who eats here that they clearly don't value sanitation.

**EDIT to update this review to respond to their reply. Whether the employee was using the toilet or 'adjusting their clothes' as per the owners reply, they were in a bathroom stall. Everyone else who touches the lock on the stall has probably used the bathroom. It's not rocket science that you should wash your hands after being in there. Anywho, happy Norovirus to anyone who dares...

I'll say it was okay. The beef and broccoli was quite good. The rice was average but decent. The chicken balls need a lot of work -- they're clearly not made on premises, but are frozen.

I appreciate this is a family run business, but would highly suggest improving the chicken balls -- this is Newfoundland, we love chicken balls, and frozen ones aren't gonna cut it when you have Thai Express next door cooking things in front of you, hot in a flaming wok.

Would highly suggest a menu revitalization, but the beef / broc can stay. Service...