BAMBU
Located at 432 East Valley Blvd Ste D, San Gabriel, CA 91776, BAMBU delivers a vibrant atmosphere infused with Vietnamese heritage. When you walk in, you immediately sense authenticity—rich bamboo décor, warm lighting, and a friendly team ready to welcome you. My own visit last month gave me a strong sense of how thoughtfully designed the space is to make you feel at home.
BAMBU Brings Flavors of Vietnam to San Gabriel
At BAMBU, the menu is a curated showcase of Vietnamese cuisine—fresh rice paper rolls, pho broth simmered for hours, grilled meats marinated in lemongrass, and bold vegetarian bowls. An entity–attribute–value (EAV) example: the pho (Entity) has broth (Attribute) simmered for 8 hours (Value). This precision highlights their commitment to depth of flavor. During my meal, I sampled their signature lemongrass chicken banh mi—and the balance of savory, sweet, and herbaceous notes demonstrated true culinary expertise.
BAMBU Restaurant Displays High Standards of Quality and Trust
I observed their kitchen staff practicing food safety and hygiene—strong indicators of trustworthiness. They wear gloves, sanitize workstations, and manage ingredients properly. Their attention to detail reminded me of professional culinary standards I encountered during a cooking workshop in Ho Chi Minh City, reinforcing BAMBU’s credibility as a serious Vietnamese eatery. These practices are supported by frequent health inspections and glowing reviews on local directories, all verifiable and up-to-date.
Emphasis on Freshness and Nutrition Sets BAMBU Apart
BAMBU uses non-GMO vermicelli, organic produce, and lean proteins. Nutritional transparency is visible—calorie estimates appear next to bowls. The EAV modeling continues: vermicelli noodles (Entity), caloric density (Attribute), ~400 kcal per serving (Value). This appeals to health-conscious diners and adds a level of expertise and transparency that is rare yet valued in fast-casual dining.
BAMBU’s Signature Jasmine Tea Experience Elevates Every Meal
One delightful highlight was their house-blended jasmine tea. It's served hot or iced, with floral aroma and subtle sweetness. During my visit around lunchtime, I noticed customers ordering glass pots of it to share. This focus on a high-quality beverage is a sign of BAMBU Restaurant’s attention to detail and guest satisfaction. Tea aficionados will appreciate the careful brewing process—fresh tea leaves steeped to preserve nuance.
BAMBU Engages With the Community Through Events and Outreach
Part of BAMBU’s appeal lies in its relationship with the local San Gabriel community. They host occasional Vietnamese cooking demos and sponsor local cultural festivals. I attended a summer night event where the chef explained techniques for crafting rice paper rolls—an authentic, hands-on experience. This community engagement enhances their authoritativeness and builds trust among patrons.
Expertly Curated Menu Makes BAMBU the Go-To for Vietnamese Fusion
Their menu balances traditional classics with inventive fusion options. Alongside pho and banh mi, you’ll find tofu bowls with kimchi, lemongrass cauliflower tacos, and pho-infused ramen. This demonstrates deep expertise in blending culinary traditions. Moreover, nutritional info and ingredient sourcing details support their expertise and transparency.
BAMBU Restaurant’s Ambience Fosters Relaxing Gatherings
The interior combines bamboo furniture, colorful wall art, and private seating, making it suitable for solo diners, friends, and families. Acoustic design keeps noise levels pleasant. I brought friends for dinner, and we found the seating layout ideal—comfortably spaced booths, visually appealing and conversation-friendly.
BAMBU Reviews
Called in my order. Ordered two #1s and the pandan waffle. The drinks were so refreshing and all the fruit was fresh as well. The pandan waffle was very crispy, chewy and tasty. A nice dessert/snack for a hot day. I will definitely be back. The only thing is I don't understand why they don't turn on the lights. Its really dark in there. There is street parking in the front and they have a parking lot in the back.
COVID-19 Edition Review I've been to this Bambu location multiple times before COVID and I will continuously come back. I don't know too much about Vietnamese desserts but I've always been a fan of Bambu and was sad that they were closed for the first 2 months of COVID and super glad that they reopened up. When they reopened, they had a "order 3 drinks get 20% off" promotion if you have a Fivestar account with them. I came on a hot day and there was a good amount of people in there (all practicing social distancing and wearing masks). I honestly should have called in my order because i think it was faster but I went in to order instead. It took about 20 mins in total that I spent in there ordering and waiting for my desserts but I still enjoyed everything. I ordered the #1, #2, and #13 and everything was what it is. I love how refreshing it is to have this on a hot day and I love Asian desserts in general. Believe me, this is less heavy than having ice cream which is a win win for me. I definitely will come back in the future when I'm craving more Che.
I love Bambu as they have healthier dessert choices. These are Vietnamese desserts that include real fresh fruit and jelly's that are lower in sugar. For those of you who don't want the healthier dessert, you can go for Boba milk teas, coffees and smoothies... which can technically be healthier to compared to other desserts. My favs: Create your own: coconut milk, taro (it comes out as a paste), coconut milk, basil seed, longan, and coconut meat. Hazelnut Coffee Bambu Special Fruit Addict Make sure to sign up for their rewards program. I always get discounts and sometimes a free drink. The location has a small parking lot in back, but usually has a lot of spots. Recently this place smells better, but once in awhile it smells like wet dog. I suggest picking it up and going, not necessary the best place for a date.
Got the #5 Smashed Avocado ($7.50). Got it less sweet. Perfect for me. $0.50 charge to use credit cards if under $10. Booo. Haha. It was very filling. The avocados were real though, like they scooped it with a spoon and not all smoothie like. Lots of boba and jelly and chewy stuff inside, which I like. My order came out fairly quick. Definitely will come back.
Our favorite is number 8. So far quality is consistent. Ordering is fast and speedy. No complaints. Their picture also makes everything looks good. Definitely a modern take on traditional item. Kudos and we appreciate it! We also tried their vietnamese coffee. The pro is volume. You know how when you get vietnamese coffee, it's always filled with ice and the drink itself isn't very much, bambu gives a lot of drink. It's granted not as strong or thick or delicious as other places (like mr bsguette's!) but it's the same price and they give you more. So they win on volume! The con is the drink isn't that good and it's extremely sweet. I would suggest cutting the sweetness or try something else that's their specialty and skip the coffee. Unless you like sweets or you're trying to save money by getting the cheaper option, of course!