Pho Capitol - Asian Deli — Restaurant in Olympia

I arrived being the first customer after the restaurant opened on a mid-morning Saturday. I dreamt of an exceptional breakfast, but knew from experience to keep expectations in check. Sure enough, this was another restaurant fail—a subpar meal.

I'd ordered a rice plate with grilled "pork chops" (quotes are intentional; you will understand why) and shrimp, plus a couple of fried eggs. The dish arrived promptly and was set up overall very similar to any other Vietnamese establishment.

First of two immediately recognized failures: the modified fish sauce (a key component) was only halfway to tasting like fully, gloriously enjoyable "modified" fish sauce, as though it was made by a weak hand or someone who unfortunately gave up too early. The second discernable offense: chopped cilantro covered the plate liberally, but cilantro simply doesn't belong on this dish. That gave the impression, "what are they trying to mask?" instead of, "maybe they are being innovative..." A related gripe: I'd have preferred more of scallion oil. Unfortunately, however few of those good, necessary scallion bits were mixed up with the "meat."

Yes, I now present the central fiasco of the meal: they served pork meat. Not CHOPS; not a single bone in sight. The menu clearly indicated pork chops. Curious, I inquired the waiter, who brushed off my concerns and declared that the meat was simply cut up pork chops. It wasn't; very easy to tell. And, the cooking method was not a true flame grill or broil but more akin to Vietnamese shaking beef style, while using marinaded pork.

Sadly, it wasn't worthwhile to protest further. Service was non-existent after the food came, but that's actually normal for most Vietnamese eateries. I proceeded to finish my brunch in silence, and...

I’m not sure what the heck the guy at the front thought I ordered but it definitely wasn’t “pho minus the broth.” Is that a new thing? You order pho but have to order the broth separately? I walked in by myself and ordered a “small pho with brisket, steak, and tofu, and a bbq pork bao bun.” All to go. All the while pointing at the menu in my hand and then the case of baos. I tipped 20% and sat at a table to wait for my food. When it came, I noticed there wasn’t any broth, it was just the noodles and my choice toppings with some onions and green onions on top all in a plastic restaurant food to go container, and my warmed up bao bun. I asked them where the broth was and they said I only ordered the noodles, even grabbed the written ticket to show me it said “pho”? My receipt also said “pho, small..” and my topping choices. They ended up giving me the togo container of broth as well as the bag of bean sprouts, lime, thai basil, jalapeños, and the hoisin and sriracha packets with no real explanation other than “that’s what you ordered.” Pho was delicious though. I opened up the Bao instead of biting it because I noticed it was still ice cold in some spots and it was some kind of minced sausage and green onion… there was one singular 1in piece of a sausage link, it was pink in the middle. And some kind of 1in hollow ball filled with a yellow cream. 100% not BBQ pork. I couldn’t eat it after the ball thing popped in my mouth and it really was not good. I heated up the bun the rest of the way and ate around it bc I loved the bun itself just not the inside. Also, don’t get the cans of bubble tea. Wish my first time trying this place wasn’t such an...

This being my 1st time ordering here, I would say my experience was very pleasant and satisfying. I ordered 2 Ban Mi-1 grilled pork/ 1 veg. bbq pork, along with a very tasty Vietnamese iced coffee to take out. While I waited, I went next door to their Asian store and bought some awesome asian pantry staples. After about 15 mins., I checked in and my order was ready. Though I decided to takeout, rather than dining in, I sat down to enjoy my Ban Mi while they were fresh, and was not disappointed. As expected, their sandwiches where full of flavor, had that oh-so delicious umami flavor and were very fresh. The French bread was toasty on the outside, soft in the middle, and had all the ingredients I was already familiar with from other experiences having Ban Mi at other Vietnamese restaurants. I should also highlight how sweet the lady was who took my order and was generous enough to bring me a glass of water, even without me asking. All-in-all, I would highly recommend this Vietnamese restaurant to anyone from out of town or even locals in the area. I would say this is one of Olympias little Vietnamese secrets. Thats pho-sho!! ;) Check em out y'all! You won't be dissatisfied or disappointed! THANKS AGAIN (((PHO CAPITOL))) until...