It looks like Burnaby’s newest food spot has quietly unlocked its doors.
While driving down Kingsway this week, we spotted the “Open” sign flickering at Nampo.
We stopped in anonymously during their soft opening to see if the hype matches the reality.
If you missed our report last week, this isn’t just another random rice bowl shop.
It is the first-ever Canadian location for one of China’s fastest-growing food chains.
In just one year, the brand has opened nearly 200 stores in China, and they chose the former 88 Noodle spot in Burnaby for their Canadian debut.
Stepping inside, the transformation is immediate.
Gone is the dark, moody atmosphere of its predecessor.
The space is now bright and modern, featuring plenty of seating for couples and families.
TVs on the wall play commercials filmed at their China locations, showing off the sizzling dishes to get you hungry while you wait.
Ordering is streamlined: each table has a QR code that pulls up the full digital menu, though staff are available if you prefer the old-school way.
Now, the brand is known for modernizing the traditional bibimbap concept by blending Korean stone pot styles with Chinese culinary influences.
But, gotta say that the menu is a bit of a wild ride.
On one side, you have signature rice bowls (bibimbap) and instant noodle options that scream Korean comfort food.
But flip to the back, and you are hit with distinctly Chinese staples like Pickled Fish and Mapo Tofu, alongside Japanese snacks like Takoyaki and Shrimp Tempura.
It feels like a high-speed collision of Asian comfort classics, wrapped up in one massive menu.
We went with their top recommendation: the Signature Rice Bowl, which you can slightly customize with your choice of sauce and protein.
We picked the two that had the thumbs up on the menu: the house spicy sauce with kimchi pork belly.
In our opinion, bibimbap is hard to mess up, but Nampo delivers a solid version.
The ingredients were fresh, and the spice level was manageable rather than overwhelming.
Once mixed, the portion size was surprisingly large.
Honestly, it is enough for two meals for most people.
True to their window signage, they really do offer an “Endless Rice” refill station at the side counter.
That same counter also stocks extra sauce if you need to crank up the heat.
Since they are still in soft opening mode, the team is very keen on feedback.
They even treated us to a complimentary bowl of Seaweed Egg Soup, which was a nice touch on a cold rainy day.
It joins a list of other recently opened heavy hitters in the area, including John 3:16 Malaysian Delights, RGK BBQ, and Cotti Coffee Lougheed.
Address: #109-5021 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC