Banana Blossom Bistro @ Union Market — Restaurant in Washington

I wish I could tell you how great the place is. But both times I went there they were out of rice and said it would be a 15 minute wait for rice. The first time I tried the cold noodles instead and chalked it up to their soft opening. But I decided after that experience that I don't like cold noodles. I went back a couple of weeks later and the same thing happened. This time I left irritated without ordering anything. What kind of Asian restaurant regularly runs out of rice?! Maybe if they ever get their act together I'll give it another shot.

Update: I went back for a third time. This time they had rice and I liked it better with rice so I raised my rating from 3 stars to 4 stars. (Would have given in 3 1/2 stars if that were an option.) My main gripe is the temperature of the food. The rice, meat, and "Emma" roll were kind of warm, but definitely not hot. The food would be better if they could figure out a way to keep the food hot as it sits in the trays waiting to be served. By the time I started eating it, I would have microwaved it if one had been available! At least the...

Food - 4 Stars Price & Service - 3 Stars 3.5 Stars (But Google doesn't have that option)

I had been wanting to try Banana Blossom Bistro for some time. i decided to come in recently because I was in the area, and a couple friends had recommended Banana Blossom.

They have a pretty good menu selection - pho, bahn mi, bun bowls and tacos! I ordered the shrimp vermicelli bowl, but asked for extra lettuce instead of noodles which was $17. I also added a side portion of cabbage salad for an additional $3 (which I never got.) The grilled shrimp was good. But I didn't get extra lettuce, I just got no noodles. So the portion was TINY and in a very small to-go box.

I also had a tofu summer roll - very good. But in the end my total was over $30 for a tiny side salad portion of food, no cabbage salad and my summer rolls. It was overpriced.

The ingredients were fresh and food was good. But just not sure the bun bowl is worth it.

My friend had the Pho which looked reasonable in size, but again overpriced.

The service was good. But the staff weren't really that...

Great hip Viet restaurant in charming Riverdale Park town square. It’s hard to find good Viet food in the area without driving to Eden center in VA. Banh mi (baguette) sandwich with grilled meat is delicious. They make awesome summer vermicelli (bun cha). It’s not as good as Eden center for pho, but since they are a Riverdale Park local joint with such awesome customer service and really hip decor, I gotta vouch for them. They also provide meals to hospital staff and first responders during COVID-19 spikes. It’s a good place to take your date, or your kids, or your mom who is visiting town from the Midwest who never have Pho to try something new. Bc the owner’s kid have dietary restrictions, she is very attuned to making sure items on the menu are marked as gluten free, have peanuts, vegetarian, vegan, etc. My only gripe is the fish sauce is a bit tangy and not sweet enough. We Viet are sensitive about our fish sauce bc it’s in 99% of our dishes. Overall, excellent place and I hope they continue to...