Noodlebox — Restaurant in Waterloo

After making the unfortunate mistake of trying NOODLEBOX yesterday, I'm spending a lot of this morning on the toilet.

I'm a little angry with myself because I knew from the moment I started the Peanut Bowl that I was in trouble: it was absolutely drowning in sauce, and the oil was either cheap or old. I am blessed with a very strong digestive system: I regularly enjoy spicy, dynamic food and can order just about anything. When my stomach is upset after a meal, it's because there was either something bad in the food, or it was just of poor quality.

But what bothered me even more yesterday was that I paid $1.45 for double (yes DOUBLE) broccoli, and found four TINY pieces of it. This was after me asking them how much brooccoli was included, my being told a "normal " amount".....and getting the feeling that I'd better order double.

There was a reasonable amount of tofu in the bowl, but even the noodles were so buried in sauce that they were strangely indistinct, I was hardly aware of eating any. There was not enough of any other ingredient that I could actually identify it, just tiny bits of something or other.

Given that I could've made a much better bowl like that at home for about a third of the price with organic ingredients and good-quality oil (!), at $20 I thought it was hideously over-priced.

However, since we often choose to eat restaurant food in exchange for being lazy, $20 is OK as long as it doesn't make you sick!

NOODLEBOX is not the only restaurant to do this, but I will also take the opportunity to say that they do something I really resent: When you pay with a card, you are prompted to leave a tip. Not that many years ago, you left a tip for table service, NOT counter service or takeout, and for very good reasons. My belief is that this practice is increasingly common because it allows owners to underpay their employees rely more on tips.

But the reason I really resent this practice is because you haven't even tried your food yet. How do you know it's not crap?

Also, it obviously puts you in the uncomfortable position of choosing to Not Tip, and having to wonder about the quality of food/service you're about to receive since you're obviously such a cheapskate.

NOODLEBOX is the kind of place that kills my enthusiasm for trying new restaurants. Yes, costs are high these days, but this degree of cheaping out and poor quality has me hoping that they're among the majority of restaurants that tanks in...

Fellow students will agree that noodles are the easiest, most convenient dish to snack on when work gets busy. On a hunt for a great bowl, I came across Noodlebox (655 Parkside Dr Unit F-03, Waterloo, ON N2L 0C7). A newly opened Asian fusion eatery that's just a bus ride away from both, UWaterloo and WLU, this eatery is best known for its noodle bowls that are easily customized for dietary restrictions and preferences.

In a culinary adventure that spanned continents, my taste buds went on an unforgettable journey through a selection of 6 noodle boxes. The Spicy Peanut Box tantalized with its rich, creamy sauce, complemented by the satisfying crunch of peanuts. Meanwhile, the Teriyaki Box transported me to the streets of Tokyo with its sweet and savory glaze, perfectly coating each tender morsel of protein. The Butter Chicken Box, a beloved classic, delivered a comforting embrace of aromatic spices and velvety sauce, while the Crispy Shanghai Chicken Box elevated the humble chicken to new heights with its irresistible crispiness and bold seasoning. Next, the Pad Thai Box showcased the vibrant flavors of Thailand, marrying sweet, sour, and spicy notes in perfect harmony, leaving me craving more with every bite. Finally, the Cambodian Jungle Curry Box whisked me away to lush rainforests with its fragrant blend of herbs and spices, offering a taste of exotic authenticity that lingered long after the last spoonful.

The noodle boxes were perfectly complemented by the side dishes - a sweet and spicy dish of coconut shrimp and a deliciously savoury set of spring rolls that left me wanting more despite being full. We ended off the meal with a heavenly dessert spring roll, combining the convenience of a spring roll with the sheer sweetness of the Nanaimo Bar. Noodle-licious!

Should you find yourself in the Waterloo region craving a great box of takeout noodles, Noodlebox is sure to be your go-to! Be sure to check out their extensive menu for your preferred noodle flavour!

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Walking into Noodlebox in Waterloo felt like a breath of fresh air 🍃. Right off the bat, the staff greeted us with smiles 😊 and were super friendly. They seemed genuinely excited to share their menu with us, answering our questions with ease and making recommendations based on our preferences. It's not every day you find a place where you feel welcomed and taken care of so well 🌟.Now, let's talk food because, honestly, that's what we're all here for, right? The menu is like a playground for foodies 🍜. They've got this cool customizable noodle box option, which is perfect for someone like me who likes to try a bit of everything 🌈. And for my friends who are vegan or vegetarian, this place is a gem—so many choices without having to settle for just one or two dishes 🥗🍲.The Bombay Cheeseballs were something else. Imagine biting into these cheesy, rice-filled balls of goodness—just wow 😍. But the real game-changer for me was the Spicy Peanut Noodle Box with crispy tofu. The mix of coconut milk and Indonesian peanut sauce? Heavenly 😋. It's like they managed to pack an explosion of flavors into one box, and I couldn't get enough of it.I did try the Cambodian Jungle Curry Box too. It's got this tangy flavor with mango mixed in, which wasn't entirely my cup of tea 🥭. My partner, though, was all over it, proving that there's really something for everyone here ❤️.And just when I thought I couldn't be more impressed, along came the Nanaimo Spring Rolls for dessert. Who knew you could put chocolate in a spring roll and make it taste like the best thing ever? 🍫🌯 It was the perfect sweet note to end on.In short, Noodlebox Waterloo isn't just a place you go to eat; it's an experience. From the warm welcome by the staff to the last bite of dessert, everything feels personal and thoughtful 🌷. Whether you're a noodle fanatic, a vegan, a vegetarian, or just someone looking to try something new, this place has got you covered. And trust me, you'll leave planning your next visit—I know I...