I almost never leave a fully negative review, but this experience absolutely deserved one. The service was shockingly poor from the moment I approached the counter. The staff were openly distracted, laughing and chatting among themselves while ignoring customers. When I tried to correct my order—twice—they reacted with visible annoyance, as if serving the public was an inconvenience rather than their job. It genuinely felt like they couldn’t be bothered.
And then came the food… I ordered Combo 3: beef and broccoli, spicy noodles, ribs, and chicken balls. The beef and broccoli was the only remotely decent item on the plate. The chicken balls were clearly frozen, not fresh. The ribs were lukewarm at best. And the “spicy noodles” were nothing more than plain curry noodles—no spice, no flavour, no effort. Everything looked like it had been carelessly thrown together.
Honestly, I hate writing reviews like this, but the experience was that bad. Avoid this Rice Bowl location at all costs. Easily the worst Chinese food in St. John’s.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Nicholas M.
I'll say it was okay. The beef and broccoli was quite good. The rice was average but decent. The chicken balls need a lot of work -- they're clearly not made on premises, but are frozen.
I appreciate this is a family run business, but would highly suggest improving the chicken balls -- this is Newfoundland, we love chicken balls, and frozen ones aren't gonna cut it when you have Thai Express next door cooking things in front of you, hot in a flaming wok.
Would highly suggest a menu revitalization, but the beef / broc can stay. Service good and polite.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Rob Tizzard (robtiz)
GET THE PHO!!! Omg 7.99 a bowl which is a steal and the flavours are perfect. It is the best food at theall hands down. Seriously get it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jessica V
Unfortunately this is probably the worst Chinese food I’ve ever had. I can’t explain it but every item tasted of cleaning chemicals or dirty pans. It all tasted the same, even the vegetables. I would have gone back to speak with the employees but they’re pretty unapproachable, I wouldn’t say they’re rude or anything but definitely not friendly. My sister and I both took one bite and had to throw it out, even the smell was nauseating.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Cristina Alexandra
I really enjoyed my meal. I’m vegetarian and the chef made me a plate with rice and the veggies I wanted. The veggie spring roll was great too. Thanks so much!
Andrew Hollett
Food was amazing. Chef even created a special order for me and asked me exactly how I wanted it: Would highly recommend for anybody who enjoys good food.
Matt Robinson
Food and service is always top notch. Fresh and flavourful. My go to spot when I visit the mall.
Akash Kumer Saha
Food Quality 1/5
MO Seamus
smallest chicken ball i ever had . only one in combo . small portion for the price .
never went back after .
Jaideep Melam
Just overall 1 star, food tasted like it was cooked from frozen, and was reheating so many times it lost all flavour. Service was really bad as they didn’t listen to my order and gave me whatever they wanted and charged me $16 for two chicken balls, a small serving of fried rice and the saddest greens I ever seen with the most artificial sweet sauce
Always loved rice bowl when visiting St.johns.. Looking forward to it today. Got there a little early 11:30. food was not fresh, wasn't much to choose from, had a meal of 4items an egg roll and a tea, it came up to about 21$, wasnt worth it. So disappointed . Perhaps it was a bad day, but I will not be going back.☹️
Bec Carriere
I suggest you talk to one of your female employees who was in the bathroom stall at Avalon mall today July 7th at 1.20pm, who clearly did her business and left the bathroom without washing her hands. Not only is this a health violation but to blatantly walk around with a Rice Bowl uniform on while doing it? Yuck.
Beware anyone who eats here that they clearly don't value sanitation.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Levi Courage
Although there are better places, for a spot in the Avalon mall it is fine. The prices are a bit steep but you do get a fairly decent sized plate. Not bad.
I almost never leave a fully negative review, but this experience absolutely deserved one. The service was shockingly poor from the moment I approached the counter. The staff were openly distracted, laughing and chatting among themselves while ignoring customers. When I tried to correct my order—twice—they reacted with visible annoyance, as if serving the public was an inconvenience rather than their job. It genuinely felt like they couldn’t be bothered.
And then came the food…
I ordered Combo 3: beef and broccoli, spicy noodles, ribs, and chicken balls. The beef and broccoli was the only remotely decent item on the plate. The chicken balls were clearly frozen, not fresh. The ribs were lukewarm at best. And the “spicy noodles” were nothing more than plain curry noodles—no spice, no flavour, no effort. Everything looked like it had been carelessly thrown together.
Honestly, I hate writing reviews like this, but the experience was that bad.
Avoid this Rice Bowl location at all costs. Easily the worst Chinese food in St. John’s.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I'll say it was okay. The beef and broccoli was quite good. The rice was average but decent. The chicken balls need a lot of work -- they're clearly not made on premises, but are frozen.
I appreciate this is a family run business, but would highly suggest improving the chicken balls -- this is Newfoundland, we love chicken balls, and frozen ones aren't gonna cut it when you have Thai Express next door cooking things in front of you, hot in a flaming wok.
Would highly suggest a menu revitalization, but the beef / broc can stay. Service good and polite.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
GET THE PHO!!! Omg 7.99 a bowl which is a steal and the flavours are perfect. It is the best food at theall hands down. Seriously get it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Unfortunately this is probably the worst Chinese food I’ve ever had. I can’t explain it but every item tasted of cleaning chemicals or dirty pans. It all tasted the same, even the vegetables. I would have gone back to speak with the employees but they’re pretty unapproachable, I wouldn’t say they’re rude or anything but definitely not friendly. My sister and I both took one bite and had to throw it out, even the smell was nauseating.
Food: 1
Service: 1
I really enjoyed my meal. I’m vegetarian and the chef made me a plate with rice and the veggies I wanted. The veggie spring roll was great too. Thanks so much!
Food was amazing. Chef even created a special order for me and asked me exactly how I wanted it: Would highly recommend for anybody who enjoys good food.
Food and service is always top notch. Fresh and flavourful. My go to spot when I visit the mall.
Food Quality 1/5
smallest chicken ball i ever had . only one in combo . small portion for the price . never went back after .
Just overall 1 star, food tasted like it was cooked from frozen, and was reheating so many times it lost all flavour. Service was really bad as they didn’t listen to my order and gave me whatever they wanted and charged me $16 for two chicken balls, a small serving of fried rice and the saddest greens I ever seen with the most artificial sweet sauce
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Food is good tasty and hot.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Always loved rice bowl when visiting St.johns.. Looking forward to it today. Got there a little early 11:30. food was not fresh, wasn't much to choose from, had a meal of 4items an egg roll and a tea, it came up to about 21$, wasnt worth it. So disappointed . Perhaps it was a bad day, but I will not be going back.☹️
I suggest you talk to one of your female employees who was in the bathroom stall at Avalon mall today July 7th at 1.20pm, who clearly did her business and left the bathroom without washing her hands. Not only is this a health violation but to blatantly walk around with a Rice Bowl uniform on while doing it? Yuck.
Beware anyone who eats here that they clearly don't value sanitation.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Although there are better places, for a spot in the Avalon mall it is fine. The prices are a bit steep but you do get a fairly decent sized plate. Not bad.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Excellent food. Will visit soon
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