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    Bowlba Cafe

    4.5 (66 reviews)
    ModerateThai, Bubble Tea, Noodles
    Closed Closed
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Kellie R.

    I absolutely LOVE Bowlba and constantly recommend it to people. Bowlba is strategically placed in a neighborhood and can be easily missed if you're not using GPS. There's adequate parking which is nice. Bowlba is cutely decorated with Shiba Inus and boba plushies. It's a comfort cafe for us and I specifically love visiting on rainy days. We've eaten here numerous times and have never had a meal we didn't like. The boba and specialty tea drinks are all delicious, especially the Thai Tea and the Taiwanese Milk Tea! Our favorite go-to dishes are the Pad Thai, Drunken Noodle, Massaman Curry, and the Tom Kha Kai Ramen. Do try the Karaage, Crispy Duck Buns, or the Chashu Buns to start! If you prefer tofu instead of meat, you can request it even though it's not on the menu as an option, no upcharge! There is something for everyone here and you will not be disappointed!

    Pad thai, boba, chicken
    Sonam S.

    I got the chicken pad thai and it was so fresh, I would definitely come back and get this again. I always try brown sugar bobas wherever I go and this was pretty good.

    Tom kha kai ramen
    Sydney H.

    We've been here before for drinks and love their oreo milk tea slush and yuzu matcha. we decided to get food and ordered the tonkatsu ramen and tom kha kai ramen. Compared to other ramen restaurants in the area, i would say the portion is a little smaller. I was disappointed that neither ramens came with an egg and seaweed, as that's usually one of my favorite parts of ramen. also there were only 3 thin pieces of pork for the tonkatsu. Not sure if the meal was worth $17 a bowl. otherwise, the ramen was ok but not sure if we would come back for their food. However, we got a yuzu matcha on the way out and it was delicious as always! Highly recommend their drinks.

    Fried rice with chicken
    Barbara B.

    We ordered takeout for the first time. I had Bowlba ramen noodles which had pork slices, egg, seaweed and a tasty broth. My husband liked the Thai fried rice with chicken. We will come back. Notice that tbe "front" door is on the courtyard side of the shopping center and not on the street side where I would have expected it to be.

    Tonkotsu ramen

    Very great atmosphere, amazing food, very quality service, I was definitely pleased with my first visit!!

    Very cute spot.
    Charlotte B.

    I was searching for either ramen or boba tea and Bowlba popped up - I had no idea it was there! I know there have been a few businesses come and go in this semi hidden area; I hope they do well! It's a quick service style, order then sit down. Very cute, Instagramable for sure. I ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen, Goyza and a Taiwanese Milk Tea with boba. The ramen was quite good! I didn't find it overly salty nor bland. The noodles were well cooked, fresh sprouts and kikurage mushrooms. The goyza was also good, steamed and served with sauce. My friend ordered the Pad Thai and said it was very good. Everything was enjoyable, food came out quick and it's just overall fun. Saw many teens and young ones come in just for a tea. They do offer some soft drinks in cans as well. Even though it's order then sit down, the staff was attentive and kind. Was clean, easily found parking. Certainly worth a visit!

    a man sitting at the counter
    Kathy W.

    I'm not impressed. Presentation is all good. But to me personally. it way too salty. I don't think I will come back. I order the Bowlba noodles - presentation is great - with the pork on top, and seaweed sheets - but the soup itself was super salty, w/o noodles i would not be able to eat it. My hubby's and my son's entrees were also very salty.

    Thai fried rice with chicken

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    2 months ago

    Great food especially the curry! The service is friendly and knowledgeable about their menu!

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    4 months ago

    Hidden gem for sure. Excellent and authentic flavors. It looks like they are mostly known for their teas but the food is fantastic too!

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    8 months ago

    Ate at Bowlba Cafe yesterday for the first time and I cannot wait to go back! I got the garlic shrimp and it was fantastic!

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Food was fabulous. Service was attentive. Great artistic ambience. We had the ramen and pad Thai and Bowlba drinks.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Love their boba tea and pad Thai. Cute place and a great to go option. Recommend the milk tea.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    The duck was really good ... the pad Thai was also excellent! Definitely try the Boba tea

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    1 year ago

    Love the Crispy Duck Buns!!! I get them every time. Everything has been delicious and service is very personal.

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    10 months ago

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    Bida Manda

    Bida Manda

    4.5
    (1.9k reviews)
    11.3 mi
    $$

    Bida Manda mean "father and mother" in Sanskrit. This restaurant was started by siblings (a…read morebrother and a sister), and they named their restaurant to honor their parents. What a great idea! I like to come here for one dish: the squash curry or the pumpkin curry. It's either vegetarian or vegan, so yeah, it's pretty much the highlight of the menu as far as I'm concerned. It's called the Manda Curry or Mom's Curry: Slow-cooked house coconut curry with fresh root vegetables, jasmine rice, and pumpkin. It reminds me of Vientiane Palace's Squash Curry. Upscale ambience!

    I have not been to Bida Manda in years. It is a classic in downtown Raleigh and highly regarded as…read morethe predecessor to Brewery Bhavana. We came in with some friends on a Monday to celebrate a birthday. My friend has a gluten and dairy allergy, which was actually no problem here. So if that is a dietary concern for you or a loved one - this is a great spot to bring them! We were all able to enjoy a majority of the food. My partner and I both enjoyed a mocktail version of the roselle freezy - it was amazing! Either as a mocktail or a cocktail, you should try this drink. For starters, we had the crispy chicken wings, spring rolls with veggies, and the lettuce wraps. We all enjoyed the chicken wings so much that we got a second order of them. I enjoyed the spring rolls much more than the lettuce wraps as they had more flavor to them. For dinner, we shared an order of the Manda Amphone's Curry and the chicken pad thai. I originally did not expect to be blown away by the pad thai - boy, was I wrong. This is hands down the best pad thai I have ever had. If you love pad thai, you need to try theirs. I also thoroughly enjoyed the curry. Both dishes were rich and flavorful and came with enough to share between 4 adults. Overall, not having been to Bida Manda in 10+ years, I was impressed and will definitely return.

    Photos
    Ice shaver
    Ice shaver
    Crispy Rice Lettuce Wrap Dinner
    Crispy Rice Lettuce Wrap Dinner
    Digestive shot (lemon, lime, pineapple, sugar)

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    Digestive shot (lemon, lime, pineapple, sugar)
    Chuan Cafe

    Chuan Cafe

    4.2
    (270 reviews)
    10.7 mi
    $$

    Chuan cafe is a cozy hidden gem in North Raleigh. The shopping center it's in is definitely in an…read moreunassuming strip mall, but trust me the food and the service are worth It! I came right before a show at the Alamo Drafthouse around the corner, which makes it the perfect night out for dinner and show. It looks like a lot of people order takeout here, but they have ample tables and do offer an excellent dine in service. I loved their green beans and eggplant. All their food felt more authentic and homestyle than your typical run of the mill Chinese place. The food had flavor, and it wasn't overly greasy either! I'll definitely come back next time in near north Raleigh.

    I used to love this restaurant and was a loyal customer for years, which makes this experience…read moreespecially disappointing. I ordered the lo mein, bamboo flounder fish, and a side of fried rice. Unfortunately, the lo mein was extremely greasy, the fried rice was overly salty, and the shrimp was hard, overcooked and not fresh. When I informed the waiter that I would not be eating the lo mein due to its condition, I was told that I would still have to pay for it and that it did not matter whether I liked it or not. He initially refused to remove the dish from my bill. After eventually taking it off, he told me that he never wanted to see my face again as I was leaving. What disappoints me most is that I genuinely enjoyed this restaurant and had been a repeat customer. The decline in food quality combined with the way my concerns were handled has left a very negative impression. Unfortunately, I will be taking my business elsewhere.

    Photos
    Chuan Cafe
    P1. Dry Fried Eggplant @Cereus_eats
    P1. Dry Fried Eggplant @Cereus_eats
    Toothpick Lamb

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    Toothpick Lamb
    Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi

    Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi

    4.4
    (564 reviews)
    24.5 mi
    $$

    Osha Thai is an elevated take on iconic Thai, Sushi, and Japanese dishes. You can find it on the…read morecorner of Holly Springs' charming downtown. A nice perk of this spot is that it's just a stone's throw away from free and plentiful lot parking. I'd make a reservation if you plan to come here on a weekend for dinner. The place was bustling, with almost all the tables full. It's bright, airy and modern looking inside. Which makes it the perfect place for a date night or celebration spot. At the same time, it's not stuffy or overly fancy. The menu is comprehensive with Thai favorites like Pad Thai and Pad See Ew with a large number of Japanese and Sushi items on the back. My friends tried the Thai Spicy level and I will say it was pleasantly hot without burning your tongue off. I ordered the bento box and was really happy with the quality of the sashimi and nigiri. Everything was tasty, and the portions were more than satisfying. If I had to make a nit on something that I didn't love (it's hard!), I'd say that the rice texture wasn't my favorite. It was a little dry. But other than that, I would definitely consider it for another night out.

    Holy!! We had expectations from all of the recommendations, but what a complete disappointment…read more First let's start with the only positive-- the waitress and her service was perfect. She was so kind and was the absolute best part of our visit. She gave a range recommendations, very professional, and made sure we had everything we needed to enjoy the meal. We are coming from the Irvine, CA area so we VERY familiar with top tier Asian food and possibly that impacted our standards vs others in the review section. Now on to the rest, there were so many flies that I ended up having to smash them on the window with a napkin--just gross! Then, my son's food was not flavored well at all and had HAIR in his noodles! The Pad Thai was really bad! It was a lighter color first of all, so maybe they added an ingredient that isn't standard in traditional Pad Thai, but it did not make it better at all; I could barely stomach it. Then, there was a huge egg shell in the dish that somehow the cook let come out and served to us. The sweet and sour chicken portion was outrageously small for a dinner portion, and the dish was smothered with sauce but somehow the chicken was dry as if it was day old or several days old chicken. The cashew chicken, the same, dry chicken that was being covered up with the sauce and we had to chew a great deal. The sweet tea, it just tasted like they put a bunch of sugar packets in and was worse than a McDonald's sweet tea. Their white rice was not moist at all and we could've just done without it. Out of the sushi we ordered, the spicy tuna was good, but the rest was grocery store quality sushi and extremely small portion. In my opinion, people rave about this place because it is 'different' and plays into an upscale restaurant as you can see with their overpriced items. This place doesn't hold a candle to shopping center Thai fusion in California. I have lived in many states and am not a snotty Californian, but man oh man I can tell you this one is a fail. The only star for this visit goes to the waitress (she was a 5) but if I could give this a zero for the food, I would. Don't waste your time or money.

    Photos
    Sushi bar
    Sushi bar
    Plenty of Fish the nigiri and roll portion
    Plenty of Fish the nigiri and roll portion
    Plenty of Fish the sashimi portion

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    Plenty of Fish the sashimi portion

    Bowlba Cafe - thai - Updated July 2026

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