Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Bamboo Asia – San Francisco
Bamboo Asia - San Francisco
Photo from Bamboo Asia
Bamboo Asia at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🥢 Fusion Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 7 of the guests
#1754 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#10 Fusion Restaurant out of 14 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
358
Reviews
67.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh ingredients
- Diverse concept
- Efficient service
- Clean space
Frequently criticized
- Crowded lunch
- Catering issues
- Flavorless dishes
- High cost
The restaurant Bamboo Asia is a vibrant fusion restaurant located in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling Transbay neighborhood. You’ll discover a culinary journey that blends diverse flavors, perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.
This spot offers a unique dining experience, inviting you to explore its organic dishes and vegetarian options in a welcoming setting.
Overview: Introducting Bamboo Asia
Bamboo Asia offers a unique culinary experience, bringing together diverse Asian and Indian flavors under one roof. Many appreciate the fresh ingredients and the convenience of a quick, inexpensive lunch.
However, some find certain offerings to be pricey, and the dining area can become insanely crowded during peak hours, which might impact the overall experience for some patrons.
Good
6.9
out of 10
358
Reviews
67.9%
Satisfaction
75
negative
40
neutral
243
positive
Bamboo Asia earns a solid 6.9 overall, indicating a generally positive experience for many diners. Customer satisfaction stands at 67.9%, suggesting a mixed but leaning positive reception.
This assessment is drawn from 358 customer opinions, with a notable 243 positive remarks against 75 negative ones, providing a robust foundation for these scores. Delving into specifics, Food leads with a strong (7.2), often praised for its quality and authentic flavors.
While Ambience scores a respectable (6.8), both Service (6.1) and Value (6.1) hover in the average range. This suggests that while the food is a highlight, aspects of the service speed or perceived cost might occasionally fall short of expectations for some.
What people like
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Diverse cuisine concept
- Efficient service
- Clean, inviting space
What people don't like
- Crowded lunch times
- Inconsistent catering
- Some dishes lack flavor
- Perceived high cost
For those seeking a diverse and flavorful meal, Bamboo Asia is often a good choice, particularly if you prioritize fresh ingredients and a unique multi-cuisine concept. The Recommendation Score of 7.3 suggests many find it worth a visit, especially for its culinary offerings.
However, be mindful of potential crowds during peak lunch hours and consider ordering online to bypass lines. While the food generally satisfies, some find certain items less flavorful or the overall value inconsistent.
It’s a place with clear strengths, but also some areas where expectations should be managed.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Fusion Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
290
92.8%
- $$
- Little Saigon
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fusion Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
482
88.2%
- $$
- Little Saigon
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fusion Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
344
85.8%
- $$
- Transbay
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fusion Restaurant
8.3
out of 10
out of 10
386
87.8%
- $$
- South of Market
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fusion Restaurant
7.9
out of 10
out of 10
671
78.7%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Fusion Restaurant
7.8
out of 10
out of 10
253
79.8%
- $$
- Union Square
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Bamboo Asia
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.2 score and a solid 73.7% customer satisfaction. Many diners, across 171 positive comments, rave about the incredible variety of Indian, Japanese, and Vietnamese dishes. You'll find fresh ingredients, healthy options, and customizable bowls, with favorites like the crunchy eggplant chips and the flavorful Bhangra bowl often mentioned.
However, based on 39 negative comments, there are some areas for improvement. A few guests have noted concerns about inconsistent quality, with some dishes described as tasteless or having low-quality meat. Occasionally, issues with freshness or smaller portions have also been brought up, suggesting that while the concept is strong, execution can sometimes vary.
Food
232
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
39
negative
22
neutral
171
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Diverse Asian cuisines
- Fresh, healthy options
- Customizable bowls
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Occasional small portions
- Some dishes tasteless
Often praised
- foodHannah was awesome and absolutely amazing with setting me up. Great hospitality and great food. Really enjoyed it.
- eggplant chipsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially with their eggplant chips. I love the eggplant chips that they add to everything in the Vietnamese section. That thing is definitely fried in butter or something else decadent cos it tastes so darn good.
- Indian foodOverall, I'd go for the Indian food!!
- ingredientsingredients were all good, cooked well, and tasted fresh
- Indian rice bowlThe food, including Indian, Japanese, and Vietnamese options, is prepared in the morning and served all day. The Indian rice bowl is a good option for a daytime meal.
- Japanese foodThey offer three different types of Asian food: Japanese, Vietnamese, and Indian, all served at their own counter. They are all bomb, but my favorites are the Japanese and Vietnamese. Watch out for the Japanese section, as the line can get pretty long.
- Japanese sectionThe Japanese section serves sushi rolls, salads, and rice bowls.
- eggplantbasmati rice bowl with chickpea + eggplant + eggplant chips + paneer
- flavorsThe flavors are authentic Asian
- portionpacked full with good proportion of each ingredient
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food doesn't taste good
- portionsportions now are so small
- 5 spice chickenthe 5 spice chicken in the Vietnamese stand had a bit of underwhelming tastes
- Asian ingredientsThis is a very interesting place with three different food stations: Vietnamese, Indian, and Japanese. While the restaurant claims inspiration from street foods of these countries, it honestly feels like a rip-off of Chipotle bowls with Asian ingredients. I tried the Vietnamese noodles bowl and absolutely loved it.
- Chipotle bowlsit's just a rip off of chipotle bowls
- Indian Rice bowlThe food was tasteless
- Indian cuisineThe flavors of the Indian cuisine were underwhelming
- Indian masala bowlwhile it was a lot of food it was flavorless
- Japanesehis was flavorless too
- Tamarind sauceThe Tamarind sauce was too sweet for my taste buds
If you're looking for a place with a wide array of Asian-fusion options and healthy choices, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many dishes are praised for their flavor and freshness, some experiences suggest a bit of inconsistency in quality or portion sizes.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot often gets kudos for its speed and efficiency, especially during busy times. Many appreciate the quick turnaround time and the assembly line style that keeps things moving. Ordering online is a popular tip to skip lines, and the friendly staff often gets a shout-out for their helpfulness.
With a score of 6.1, the service is generally seen as average, leaning towards good, based on 67 total experiences, with 38 positive and 23 negative. However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 56.7%, indicating some bumps in the road. Some folks have encountered long queues, especially at peak hours, and the ordering process can sometimes feel clunky.
There are also mentions of staff issues, like a lack of menu knowledge or problems with mixed orders for larger groups, leading to frustration.
Service
67
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
23
negative
6
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick, efficient service
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Easy online ordering
What people don't like
- Long lines, wait
- Inconsistent staff quality
- Order errors, negligence
Often praised
- serviceThey offer multiple cuisines under one roof, specifically all Asian and Indian. The choice was good and the service was fast. Be prepared for lines during lunchtime.
- staffFantastic and really friendly staff
- quick lunchWhat's notable is that they share the same type of ingredients across these diverse culinary styles. The service was quite fast, making it an ideal option for a quick lunch or takeaway.
- HannahHannah was awesome and absolutely amazing with setting me up
- Order OnlineOrder Online through Yelp which is a really nice way to skip the lines
- assembly linechipotle assembly line going
- assembly line styleIt is an assembly line style, so you can also create your own.
- deliveryAnd they deliver to my office.
- food assemblywatch as they assemble your food before your eyes
- great serviceThis is your place. I experienced great food and great service. Enough said.
Frequently criticized
- staffEven if you don't like eggplant, still get the chips! Be a bit wary if you come for dinner, as the staff are all new and still practicing. To make sure they get your order right, I would suggest not ordering online and instead moving through the process with them at the counter.
- linesExpect lines during lunchtime
- Lines get longLines get long after 12
- cateringMy experience with their catering was disappointing. For larger orders, they seem to frequently forget items and mix up orders.
- churn and burnChurn and burn, coupled with low quality
- closing timeMy experience at this restaurant for dinner was disappointing. Although the place closes at 8 PM, there was not much to eat when we arrived at 7 PM. It might be an okay place for lunch.
- difficult to navigatekind of difficult to navigate when there’s a lot of people
- large ordersthey seem to frequently forget items on large orders.
- lineThey are all bomb, but my favorites are the Japanese and Vietnamese. Watch out for the Japanese section, as the line can get pretty long. My suggestion is to skip the line by ordering online.
- long queueslong queues on any counter you visit
If youre looking for a quick, efficient meal, especially by ordering ahead, the service here can be a real win. However, be prepared for potential lines and some inconsistencies, particularly if youre dining during off-peak hours or placing complex orders. It's a decent option for speed, but manage your expectations for flawless execution.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a delightful experience, boasting a good score of 6.8. Customers frequently praise its three distinct ambiances and cool atmosphere, often highlighting the natural light and inviting interior. With 17 positive remarks out of 26 total, many find it an amazing place with plenty of seating options to enjoy.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 65.4%, largely due to concerns about crowding. Several comments, including 4 negative ones, point out that it gets very crowded and insanely packed during lunch hours, sometimes leading to minimal seating. This can make finding a quiet spot a challenge during peak times.
Ambience
26
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
4
negative
5
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Distinct ambiances
- Ample natural light
- Inviting interior
What people don't like
- Gets very crowded
- Limited seating
Often praised
- conceptI like how they have dishes from India, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand. Nice concept and great location too!
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a good and clean place with plenty of seating options, including seats for individuals. The menu was easy to see and order from.
- amazing placeAmazing place
- atmosphereCool atmosphere
- enjoyable placeits an enjoyable place
- inside the restaurant renovatedThe inside the restaurant renovated recently
- interiorwell lit, clean, and inviting inside!
- locationI like how they have dishes from India, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand. Nice concept and great location too!
- menuEasy to see and order menu
- natural lightglass wall ensures enough natural light
Frequently criticized
- crowdedinsanely crowded during lunch hours
- crowded between 12 - 2:30 PMgets quite crowded between 12 - 2:30 PM
- minimal seatingutilize the minimal seating in the middle
- packedgets way too packed
If you're looking for a place with diverse and interesting vibes, especially outside of peak lunch hours, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared for it to get quite busy and potentially crowded if you visit between 12 PM and 2:30 PM, which might impact your experience.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 51.5%. Many customers appreciate the affordability, often calling it good bang for your buck and an affordable Indian food outlet. They find it reasonably priced for a quick, inexpensive lunch, with some noting the price is right for fresh ingredients, based on 17 positive remarks.
However, the value isnt universally loved, with a score of 6.1 suggesting its just average. Some find it pricey or pricey for the quality, especially the Japanese section. There are also concerns about being cheat[ed] or deceptive billing, leading to feelings of it being expensive' for what you get, as noted in 9 negative opinions out of 33 total.
Value
33
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
9
negative
7
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good bang for buck
- Affordable Indian food
- Quick, inexpensive lunch
What people don't like
- Pricey for quality
- Expensive Japanese section
- Billing concerns
Often praised
- priceThe price is reasonable because the ingredients are very fresh.
- $8 price tagespecially for the $8 price tag
- Ritual appYou can also go to Japan and India haha. And using the app, Bamboo Asia gives you 25x points to earn cash back faster.
- affordable Indian food outletfinding an affordable Indian food outlet in downtown
- good bang for your buckGood bang for your buck!
- good valueGood value for quality food
- price pointGreat price point
- pricesThe prices are low
- punch cardGrab a punch card which is good for any lunches over $10
- quick, inexpensive lunchMy experience at this restaurant was for a quick, inexpensive lunch. They offer a cafeteria-line setup with Indian, Asian, and Japanese bowls.
Frequently criticized
- pricethe price is a little higher
- $12So $12 later and I feel sick
- Japanese sectionThe Japanese section is more expensive
- added dollarsthey added 3 more dollars on my bill
- billThe bill was deceiving
- cheat youThey cheat you
- priceyToo pricey for so little
- pricey for the qualityFood is a bit on the pricey side for the quality
If you're seeking an affordable Indian meal or a quick, inexpensive lunch, you might find good value here. Just be cautious with the Japanese section, which some find pricey, and always double-check your bill to avoid any surprises.
How are the prices at Bamboo Asia?
On average, you’ll spend around 15 per person – from 7 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Fusion Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range.
Looking at the numbers, most diners are spending right around this average, so prices are pretty consistent. Since we only have 7 reviews, this is a good indication, but more data could refine it.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 7 reviews. Since we only have 7 reviews, this is a good indication, but more data could refine it.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Fusion Restaurant, especially in a city like San Francisco. It seems like a solid choice if you’re looking for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bamboo Asia
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food, Highly Recommend!
First time finally eating at this place and OMG! The food is amazing. Had the lamb rice bowl from India.
It’s amazing. Absolutely recommend this place🫶
- food10
- lamb rice bowl10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
8
Pleasantly Surprised by Bamboo Asia
I came here through the Ritual app and was pleasantly surprised. I got a bowl from Vietnam and it was pretty tasty and filling. You can also go to Japan and India haha.
And using the app, Bamboo Asia gives you 25x points to earn cash back faster.
- bowl from Vietnam8
- Ritual app9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Delicious Tempura Crunch, Portions Could Be Bigger
My experience at the restaurant was centered around the Tempura Crunch, which was absolutely delicious 😋. However, the portions could have been bigger. I only post reviews if I can give at least 4 stars.
- Tempura Crunch9
- portions4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Tasty Variety and Cool Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was great! I enjoyed the tasty and fresh food, with a good variety of options including Japanese, Indian, and Vietnamese cuisine. The atmosphere was cool, and I highly recommend it.
The main dishes are around $12, and it's a self-service setup.
- food9
- variety9
- atmosphere8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Tasty Vietnamese Bowl at Food Hall
My experience at this food hall, which features Indian, Japanese, and Vietnamese sections, was positive. I tried the Vietnamese bowl and found it to be tasty. They offer various options for the base, such as rice, corn, and salad, along with a couple of meat choices and about six different toppings.
The pricing was moderate, not very expensive but not cheap either.
- Vietnamese bowl8
- options for the base7
- meat options7
What Bamboo Asia offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Salad bar
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Delivery
FAQs
What dining options are available at Bamboo Asia?
At Bamboo Asia, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. You’ll find delicious choices for lunch and dinner, with comfortable seating available. They also offer catering services for your events and a selection of desserts to complete your meal.
Is Bamboo Asia accessible for all guests?
Yes, Bamboo Asia is designed to be fully accessible. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy access for everyone. Inside, there is wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom is also available for your convenience.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Bamboo Asia?
Bamboo Asia holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.9 and a Customer Satisfaction of 67.9%. Customers generally appreciate the Food (7.2) and Ambience (6.8), while Service (6.1) and Value (6.1) are considered average.
Is Bamboo Asia a good option for a quick and affordable meal?
Many customers find Bamboo Asia suitable for a quick, inexpensive lunch due to its cafeteria-style setup and fast service. However, it can get insanely crowded during peak lunch hours, and some items are perceived as pricey.
What kind of food can I expect at Bamboo Asia?
Bamboo Asia offers a diverse range of Asian and Indian food, including Japanese, Vietnamese, and Indian options. Reviewers often praise the fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, though some specific dishes have been noted as lacking flavor.