Immigrant Food at Planet Word — Restaurant in Washington

Unfortunately, the food wasn't anything special and the portions were not generous, even the cappuccino was small. The service was mixed. The hostess was excellent. She was helpful and accommodating. She gets a 10 out of 10 and is the only reason I am giving the experience a #2 rating. The waiter was not great. Our food wasn't brought out at the same time so the kitchen and/or the waiter wasn't functioning properly. We were a party of four. When the fourth order didn't arrive we thought it would arrive soon since the other orders came to us piecemeal. We waited and waited. Finally, I asked about it. The waiter said our friend didn't order anything. All four of us not only heard her order the pancakes there was discussion about the pancakes. Instead of admitting the mistake he tried to say she didn't order anything. I found this entire situation very bizarre. He did apologize but did so with an excuse. It would have served him and everyone better if he had simply apologized and gotten the food. He then went and put the order in for the pancakes. An hour into the brunch two medium sized and boring pancakes with a little fruit on top finally arrived. The cost for the pancakes was $15. I could have made the order from scratch in roughly 10 minutes and they would have tasted much better, been more interesting and the portion much more generous. The waiter did nothing to make up for his mistake. The friend, who ordered the pancakes had suggested we go there for brunch. She had been a real fan of the restaurant before this experience. I doubt any of us will go again and all of us are likely to tell others about our experience. In addition I wanted to accurately give the price for the pancakes on this review and could not remember the price so I attempted to call the Planet Word location numerous times and was disconnected each time with an announcement saying the system was having an error. In order to get through to the restaurant for info I desired I had to call the White House location. The person there answered the phone and was nice enough to reach out to the Planet Word location. I was called back by the Planet Word location. I was finally able to get the information of the cost on Saturday's menu for the pancakes. I was told the cost was $15. I believe I spoke with Sebastian who was very helpful and nice. He gets 10 out of 10 too. During this process I went to their menu online and now know the cost on the menu online is not the same as it was at the restaurant. Menu online should reflect the prices accurately and currently, as of 3/25/2025 they are not synced with the menu in...

Met my wife here for happy hour. She got there first and ordered a cocktail called the Singapore Sling. It sounded interesting, so I was about to get the same, until she warned me it tasted just like fruit juice. I figured maybe it was just a fluke, so I ordered another cocktail called Corpse Reviver instead.

Big mistake. My drink also tasted like nothing but juice. Still, I wasn’t trying to be picky, I just mentioned to the bartender that it seemed really weak and asked if he could add a bit more gin. To my surprise (and I have never encountered this at any other place before), he said he’d have to upcharge me to do that.

I explained, “It’s NOT that I want my drink extra strong, that's not the case. This drink you gave me just barely has any gin in it at all. It tastes like non-alcoholic fruit punch.” But he wouldn’t budge. Even the manager stood by it, saying the drink was made properly and that it's their recipe.

Since I’d only taken a sip, I returned the drink and just had water instead. So it wasn't a fluke that both my wife's and my drinks were made weak; it seems that it's their M.O. Very disappointing experience.

And the service overall is poor at best. It was a Friday around 6pm. The place wasn't busy at all. Less than 10, maybe 6, other customers there when I arrived. Yet, the bartender pretty much ignored me for the first 15 min (we sat at the bar). He didn't even acknowledge me when I first came in and sat down. Not a smile on the face either. He gave the vibe that a customer was an inconvenience, if not an annoyance, to him.

Another thing that really rubbed me the wrong way was the 5% “Wellness” surcharge added to our bill. I know a lot of places are doing this now, claiming it’s to support employee “wellness”, in this case, the menu said it was for paid sick leave and health insurance.

Look, I’m all for treating employees well, but should we take their words for it? I don't know. I’d love to see actual proof that the surcharge really goes to fund employee benefits and isn’t just a cash grab.

Finally, while the foods tasted good, the portions are really small...

Planet Word offers an immersive and unique dining experience through their "Immigrant Food" restaurant. From the moment you step in, you're greeted by a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates cultural diversity and culinary creativity.

One of the standout features of Immigrant Food is their innovative menu that highlights dishes from around the world, each representing a different immigrant story. Whether you're craving flavors from Mexico, India, Ethiopia, or beyond, you'll find a diverse array of options that reflect the rich tapestry of global cuisine.

The menu at Immigrant Food is designed to be inclusive and accommodating, with options for various dietary preferences and restrictions. From vegetarian and vegan dishes to gluten-free and dairy-free choices, everyone can find something delicious to enjoy.

Each dish at Immigrant Food is crafted with care and attention to detail, showcasing the unique flavors and ingredients of its cultural origin. Whether you're trying the Peruvian ceviche, the Korean bulgogi bowl, or the Moroccan tagine, you'll be treated to a culinary journey that transports your taste buds across continents.

Beyond the food, Immigrant Food also aims to spark meaningful conversations about immigration and cultural exchange. The restaurant's space is designed to foster dialogue and understanding, with thought-provoking messages and interactive displays that invite guests to learn and engage.

The staff at Immigrant Food is friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing the stories behind each dish. They're happy to provide recommendations and guide you through the menu, creating a memorable dining experience that goes beyond...