Noodlebox - Nanaimo

They forgot to include the extra egg I ordered for my noodles, but they did add it later. The dish was tasty, but not extraordinary. The portion size was generous, though. The restaurant is spacious, which gives it a nice airy feel, and there’s a cute station where you can help yourself to some water.

I had the peanut noodles at medium spice with grilled chicken, and they were fantastic! I probably should have stuck with mild, as the medium was a bit too spicy for me. The portion was large and really satisfying.

Noodlebox has been a fixture on Vancouver Island for approximately 20 years, starting as a street vendor and now operating as a franchise. The food is consistently fresh and delicious, so you won’t be disappointed. If you prefer milder flavors, be sure to order accordingly as some dishes can be quite spicy. You can enjoy your meal either by dining in, taking it to go, or opting for delivery and pickup services. The staff is friendly, and the restaurant is well-maintained and clean.

I followed the recommendation and tried the teriyaki Hokkien noodles. The mix was decent, but I wasn't very impressed with the meal given the price. It cost just under $20 for a box with chicken and a side. The flavors were quite bland, with no spice at all, and some of the broccoli was still raw, just warmed through. There were only two people ahead of me, and I was happy to eat in about 8 minutes, while those who arrived after me had to wait 10 to 15 minutes. Overall, I don't see myself returning, especially considering the price and the potential wait for food that seemed a bit lackluster.

Great concept, but poor organization. We were drawn in by the menu displayed outside, which seemed helpful—at least at first. We knew exactly what we wanted and had the right amount of money for food and drinks. However, the trouble began when the prices turned out to be wrong—about $4 off. I asked why, and the manager was called over, interrupting his cooking. As he approached, his smile faded, and I could sense that some of the staff found it amusing. They claimed it was the old price, and while mistakes happen, it felt off. We questioned whether they really expected us to dine under such circumstances. It felt like a bait-and-switch. In the end, we decided to leave, and they missed out on our business.