If you are looking for an adventure in Asian cuisine like no other than I recommend that you give Bamboo on 2nd a try.
We went crazy ordering appetizers, or "small plates" as they are called at Bamboo on 2nd. The KFC lollipop was a table favorite. KFC stands for Kathmandu Fried Chicken Lollipop.
We heard the Momos were one of the best things to eat in Birmingham, so we couldn't pass those up.
The Fried Green Beans had a nice (and I am going to step on limb here) tempura-ish batter that added to the crunch. As I have stated before, I am all about textures, and these green beans delivered on that note.
Can we just order appetizers everywhere we go and call it a day? I mean seriously. These appetizers are amazing.
I went with the Ramen bowl, although I almost got the Thukpa Bowl. I wanted something close to Pho, and this is definitely in the neighborhood, but on a different street.
It looks like a little smiley face resting in seasoned pork broth when it is sat before you. Unlike Pho the meet was grilled and added after being fully cooked. If you like noodles and mushrooms, and crazy Asian culinary adventures, then Bamboo's noodle bowl is for you. Not something I would normally order to be honest with you, but I am writing a food blog so I decided to try something new for you, my darling readers.
The egg is a soft boiled pickled egg that tasted rich in soy sauce. The savory mix was creamy and satisfying especially as I mixed with the rest of the soup. You get a ton of ramen in this bowl, which reminded me of my younger days of eating ramen in college though much more decadent in flavor and quality. This bowl fills you up, but doesn't leave you feeling heavy.
After tasting it, I am glad I didn't order the Thukpa, although I would be willing to try it another time.
The 2nd Avenue Roll was herald as the best sushi roll in Birmingham by our table. It was a special for the night, but we hope to see it on the regular menu soon!
I saw what I am thinking is a whole fried catfish being tackled at this table family style. They let me take a picture without even telling them I am real life food blogger.
Some art on display near the restroom. This one made me think of sushi.
I do wish we had a little more privacy as we were seated at one of only two long tables with another group. Everyone else sat at the bar or along the wall.
What a great night, but the group definitely made it special. I know it is not professional to be a food blogger and post pictures of your friends, but they all contributed to this post! Fun night!
The birthday celebration for Amy continued with other birthday buddies at Bamboo on 2nd. We decided to meet friends here because Amy loves sushi and it seemed to be a great place to hang downtown.
We went crazy ordering appetizers, or "small plates" as they are called at Bamboo on 2nd. The KFC lollipop was a table favorite. KFC stands for Kathmandu Fried Chicken Lollipop.
We heard the Momos were one of the best things to eat in Birmingham, so we couldn't pass those up.
The Momos are Steamed Nepalese Dumplings with Ground Turkey, Veggies, Spices,
Alabama Tomato Vinaigrette. They reminded me of a sort of ravioli—an Asian ravioli with thinner more stretchy surface, and not as heavy or doughy as a dumpling. The turkey filling tasted less like turkey and more like spicy sausage. The sauce was so delicious that I drank it once the Momos were finished off.
Everyone loves Momos!
The grilled edamame filled the table with a smokey aroma upon their arrival, and had some pretty cool char marks. About halfway through appetizers I accidentally grabbed some edamame from the discard bowl, and I will tell you as real life food blogger that those are not as good as the ones from the serving dish that have not already been sucked on and spit out.
The Fried Green Beans had a nice (and I am going to step on limb here) tempura-ish batter that added to the crunch. As I have stated before, I am all about textures, and these green beans delivered on that note.
Beware of the dipping sauce—it packs a punch.
Can we just order appetizers everywhere we go and call it a day? I mean seriously. These appetizers are amazing.
I went with the Ramen bowl, although I almost got the Thukpa Bowl. I wanted something close to Pho, and this is definitely in the neighborhood, but on a different street.
It looks like a little smiley face resting in seasoned pork broth when it is sat before you. Unlike Pho the meet was grilled and added after being fully cooked. If you like noodles and mushrooms, and crazy Asian culinary adventures, then Bamboo's noodle bowl is for you. Not something I would normally order to be honest with you, but I am writing a food blog so I decided to try something new for you, my darling readers.
The egg is a soft boiled pickled egg that tasted rich in soy sauce. The savory mix was creamy and satisfying especially as I mixed with the rest of the soup. You get a ton of ramen in this bowl, which reminded me of my younger days of eating ramen in college though much more decadent in flavor and quality. This bowl fills you up, but doesn't leave you feeling heavy.
Even though I chose beef, there are several other meet options or you can go just vegetables. You also get this spicy sauce to toss in your soup to heat it up. I would recommend being conservative with this even as someone from Louisiana.
After tasting it, I am glad I didn't order the Thukpa, although I would be willing to try it another time.
Here is a little bit of an action shot on the Thukpa!
Here are some of the rolls we ordered.
The theme of the night at Bamboo on 2nd seemed to be step out of your comfort zone and try something new. I forget that even sushi is stretch for many people. A couple people at the table who previously had said they do not like sushi were won over by the fresh ingredients and dynamics flavors at Bamboo on 2nd. I would say that is a major win!
The 2nd Avenue Roll was herald as the best sushi roll in Birmingham by our table. It was a special for the night, but we hope to see it on the regular menu soon!
I saw what I am thinking is a whole fried catfish being tackled at this table family style. They let me take a picture without even telling them I am real life food blogger.
Godzilla playing on the TVs.
Some art on display near the restroom. This one made me think of sushi.
I do wish we had a little more privacy as we were seated at one of only two long tables with another group. Everyone else sat at the bar or along the wall.
What a great night, but the group definitely made it special. I know it is not professional to be a food blogger and post pictures of your friends, but they all contributed to this post! Fun night!
Conclusion:
I wouldn't say that Bamboo has my favorite food. It's not Mexican. I would have to go across the street to El Barrio for that. But for what it is, it is almost perfect. The prices are fair, and the food is incredible. You definitely have the opportunity to stretch your palate or you can play it safe. I would encourage you to see Bamboo as an adventure that will take your plate somewhere you have never been before, and you will be glad you went.
Food: 5/5 Hams
Atmosphere: 4.5/5 Hams
Overall: 4.75/5 Hams
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