One of my friends highly recommended this place for authentic chè drinks, so I decided to give it a try.
I had never heard of chè before, and it seems like it is not easy to find a spot that serves authentic versions in the Seattle area.
The store is located in the same complex as Ranch 99, which makes parking very convenient since there are plenty of free spaces available.
There were a few people ahead of us in line, and it took us some time to decide what to order. My friend suggested either #1 Bambu Special or #2 Bambu Combo, and specifically advised not to get a boba drink here.
I chose the #1 Bambu Special since it was listed as one of their top-selling drinks and had fewer calories than the #2 Bambu Combo. I selected the regular sweetness level to get a more authentic taste of chè.
The drink came out quickly, but after taking a sip, I was not quite sure what I was drinking. It had large chunks of ice, floating basil seeds, pandan jelly, longan, and coconut. Tbh, it was very disappointing. The drink was not cheap. It cost $8.50 before sales tax and tip, bringing the total close to $10.
Is it worth driving all the way to Edmonds and paying almost $10 for this drink at Bambu? Personally, I don't think so. There are only about five small tables, so it is not the kind of place where you would want to sit and hang out, either. I feel like I could find a better drink and better experience somewhere in Bellevue or Seattle for a similar price. read more