Bandoola Bowl

Bandoola Bowl at Western Market, is a gem for quick and flavorful meals. I frequent the place whenever I run errands nearby and am always impressed. My go-to is the pork spicy noodle bowl, which never disappoints. The roasted pork pairs beautifully with fresh, crunchy cabbage, romaine, onions, tomatoes, red bell peppers, cilantro, and lime. The crispy garlic and fried shallots add a satisfying texture, and the sweet soya sauce ties everything together perfectly. One of the standout features is the staff—they’re incredibly friendly, chatty in the best way, and always welcoming. They make sure to ask about spice preferences and potential food allergies, adjusting ingredients accordingly, which makes every visit personalized and thoughtful. The restaurant is also impeccably clean, and the service is quick and efficient, so I’m never waiting too long. If you’re looking for a delicious, fresh meal with great service, Bandoola Bowl is the perfect stop.

Friendly, efficient service. Asked about food allergies right away. Delicious lemon and ginger sauces on their brown rice tofu bowl. Nice mix of sweet, savory, and tart. Good portions. Lovely french sparkling soft drink, too!

The bowl was refreshing, spicy and flavorful! Service was wonderful. The server walked me through the whole process. If you’re a student, show your student ID to get 10% off!

They have fresh ingredients and soft, delicate nice noodles. Their menu is not easy to navigate and they offer Jarritos. I love Jarritos and bought one, but definitely odd. I think they should offer better paired drinks.

best salad ever…also the tastiest option if you’re dining in western market. I’ve never seen rice noodle in salads before Bandoola and it’s just so good!! Also love the fried shallots in them.

Salads, noodle bowls and rice bowls. We had two salads that we picked up for lunch on a road trip. Staff super helpful.. Made us salads even before they were fully open and packed for the road. Really enjoyed this....much tastier than another popular salad chain...

Bandoola Bowl quickly became one of, if not my favorite; dining spots in the area. I have lived and ate in many cities across the world, but rarely do I ever experience such attentive, kind, and caring customer service that I get at Bandoola. Notwithstanding the beyond phenomenal food, which endeavors to cater to those with dietary restrictions such as myself, the service is beyond impeccable and if you are in the area I cannot more strongly reccomend dropping in. I get the Tofu Rice bowl.

The tofu salad bowl was full of freshness. The ginger sesame dressing,though, was a bit underwhelming than expected. Did not quite feel the ginger flavor. The serving staff was kind and polite. He took the time to explain the different dressing flavors and allowed the customers to think thru of their preferences.

100/100 Love this pure Satvic Food. Delicious, clean, fresh, high quality, great service! Order: Vegan Papaya, Mango, Ginger bowl with Lemon Dressing, Not Spicy!! Yum!! Come back for sure!!

Such a tasty and quick lunch option located in Western Market. I love the shrimp noodle bowl. The portions are generous, and I love that it includes lots of veggies. They offer spicy and non-spicy options. I got it with the peanut sauce and it was light but flavorful and very appetitizing. Also, service was great! If you're unsure what to order, they will give you recommendations and ask if you have any allergies.

I recently went here for an early weekday lunch and was pleasantly surprised by my meal. Although the bowl was expensive (over $15) and the chicken initially did not look tasty, I enjoyed the bowl. There was a good balance between the amount of chicken, vegetables, and noodles, and the spicy peanut sauce tied everything together (and was also very spicy). Given the lack of good food options in Foggy Bottom, I would recommend if you are in the area and need a meal.

The western market is conveniently located amongst all the 9-5ers stomping grounds yet I haven't fallen in love with many of its options yet - next to falafal inc, this is the best option for bang for your buck and quality fast casual - the workers are the sweetest people who are incredibly lively and seem to really care that you enjoy your experience and food - I ordered the ginger bowl with shrimp and my joking with the worker about my high spice tolerance paid off, this was SPICY. it was light and refreshing like a vinegary coleslaw with a punch - I wish they added more than 4 pieces of shrimp but considering it's fast casual I was just happy to not doubt the ~food poisoning potential~ of the shrimp at all - you can really tell the vegetables are fresh (they have greens legit straining out water behind them) and the sauces are flavorful and far from store bought generic

The location is a bit misleading on various map services; this is in the big Western Market complex but it's really on the west side of it, a booth in the open section. Having found their original location in Georgetown untenable, I was told, this location will hopefully stay around. A Burmese salad is really something if you haven't had one. The ingredients are finely shredded and so numerous and varied that it's hard to describe. They'll usually simplify things for you by asking a couple of questions about what you want, but there are a ton of ways to customize here and they're very friendly to special dietary needs. They'll do noodles and rice for more money if a salad isn't sufficient, but I do usually come for a salad. When I finally found this location open, they had mango in season and I got a mango salad and added tofu and a bit of spice. The mango was quite sharp in flavor, the tofu plentiful, and the overall experience not too different than what I remember from their old location. One sits in various tables strewn around the complex. It's an expensive bowl (although realistically, pretty much everything other than Falafel Inc is going to be pricey for what it is in this area). But if you want something different, healthy, and delicious, Bandoola Bowl remains a winner. Also check out Mandalay in Silver Spring, under the same ownership. They've had a fair amount of turmoil with their various locations and will likely move out of Silver Spring, but anywhere they pop up, the food will be good.

Bandoola Bowl is a Southeast Asian delight, serving up delicious and generously sized dishes packed with fresh ingredients. Whether you opt for chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu, the protein options are diverse, paired with your choice of salad, rice, and/or noodles. The spicy noodles are a standout - perfectly cooked with just the right level of spiciness, adding a nice kick without being overwhelming. The meal is a burst of flavors, thanks to various herbs and sauces available. The staff completes the experience, being nice, helpful, and impressively quick to serve. A go-to spot for a flavorful and satisfying Southeast Asian meal in a casual spot.

Actually really good. It's located inside of the western market near GW's campus and I've always wanted to come here so I'm glad I got to check it out. They have really good variety of different salads which are refreshing and crisp and perfect in the summer I ended up getting the green mango salad which was perfect. I got medium tie level spicy which was just enough. As an Indian I can't even handle the spiciest of Thai without blowing a gasket. Anyway the salad was very refreshing tasty I split it with my group and everyone agreed. If you're in the area you should definitely give them a try as the price was reasonable given the quantity and quality of food. One bull was enough to split with three people as we were sharing different dishes from other vendors. Parking for Western market and other amenities I'll get into whenever the market itself

This place has been my to go to in the area - amazing food and always the most positive people. I always go for the curried chickpea bowl. 10/10

I always go here for lunch in between class. The man working the station is always so kind. The bowls are sizable and filling. Also did I mention they are absolutely delicious as well?

This is inside 2000 Penn closer to the CVS in the weird indoor mall/food court/food hall that they recently renovated. It's not like a Chipotle where you pick and choose your ingredients. You order your base (I chose brown rice) and protein (I chose chickpeas) and they populate the toppings, mix it up, and drop it into a to-go bowl. I didn't get a chance to add or remove any items because the guy values speed over satisfaction. He looked at me and said I would like their lemon sauce as opposed to the various other options. I said OK. I paid with the cashier (about $14) and collected my bowl. I didn't receive a good value for the price. The bowl was bland, boring, and unsatisfactory even after requesting a side of and adding the spicy sauce. The food also made my stomach unwell later in the day. I wouldn't order it again.

This place rocks. It's in Western Market and is great for a casual but fun lunch that also can be healthy. I eat here more frequently than I'd like to admit and always am happy. They're always willing to customize your order, which for someone like me is important- I love spicy salads but don't want them too spicy, and they're always willing to accommodate that. I get the salad with chicken usually. The lemon-ginger dressing is my favorite and has outstanding adventurous flavor. Great casual place to get lunch alone or with friends.

I have visited Bandoola twice and have had great experiences both times. Bandoola is one of the vendors at Western Market. Their menu is extremely easy to read, and it has notations to indicate what is vegan. When you order your meal from them, they immediately ask if you if you have allergies or dietary restrictions. They take so much care to make sure everyone receives a meal that contains only items they can eat whether it's based on allergy or dietary choices. The first time I visited Bandoola I ordered a spicy rice noodle tofu bowl. On my first visit they only allowed me to get my bowl medium spicy. They said if I could tolerate that spice level, at my next visit I could get the highest spice level. On this second visit, I let them know I would like my meal as spicy as possible. They certainly gave me the heat. This bowl was lit! I ordered a brown rice tofu bowl with all the vegetables. They mixed it with a peanut sauce and made it the highest spice level. I absolutely loved my meal! The spice level was spicy enough to make my nose run, but not spicy enough to make my ears feel like smoke was coming out of them. The vegetables in the bowl provided so much texture and crunch with fresh tomoatoes, cabbage, onions, and peppers. I thought that they added enough sauce that the bowl was flavorful throughout, but not too much sauce where the meal was saturated in it. I am so excited to try some more of their vegan sauces and continue to satisfy my need for spicy food here. I also want to add that I attended this business with 8 other people. This business is able to handle large groups of people, and get the food out fast. I am so impressed with how well organized this business is, and how easy it is to visit with a big group of friends. Thanks for all the vegan options Bandoola and I cannot wait for my next meal already!

I ordered the spicy noodle bowl with chicken, and I was very happy. The flavors were great. The veggies were fresh! It felt like a pretty healthy meal. I think I would have liked it to be a little spicier. I also tried the sweji dessert, and it was very delicious! The gentleman working there was so friendly and kind! He was chatting with all the customers. He brightened my day! I recommend you try this food vendor in Western Market.

Bandoola bowl is the best fast casual place!! They serve a variety of noodle, rice noodle, salad bowls. Everything is so fresh and flavorful. The owner is so welcoming and explains the menu items if you have any questions. I am so glad this location in Foggy Bottom Western Market opened especially because the Georgetown location closed.

Food very tasty and delicious. You started off by choosing either brown rice, wheat noodle or rice noodle and then the protein. They added the fresh veggies and mixed with their special, tasty dressing. I had the rice noodle with pork and lots of fresh veggies. I highly recommend if you want some fast and healthy meal.

Big portion for the price! Mostly veggies, noodles were buried at the bottom. Chicken was not as grilled as I'd like it to have been but still delicious! Employees were very kind and accommodating to food/sauce preferences. Definitely would come back again.

Something quick healthy and very very good with a little kick all mixed in a bowl. My first time here but not my last. The owners were super friendly and awesome. They explained the whole concept of their establishment to me. Which I thought was helpful and cool.

I am the type of person who always looks for light, refreshing, yet filling food. This place checks off all three criteria. Recently opened over the summer, so I feel like it will be busier once school is in session. I got the shrimp rice noodle bowl. Amazing! It's basically chipotle style pick your toppings (or predetermined menu) and they toss the toppings with your selected base. The thin rice noodles are already flavorful, but they add some more sauce to the bowl. The shrimp rice noodle bowl comes with lots of cabbage, red onions, carrots, crispy garlic, red pepper, corn, and cilantro. You can ask to take out or add other ingredients. The ingredients are fresh and kept well. The service is quick! They toss the ingredients in the back and put it in a bowl to take out. The people there are really friendly and nice! Enjoyed my short interaction with them. Tip: They give 10% discount for students!

This is my go to place for a healthy lunch. I love the salad bowl and the rice noodle bowl. Don't worry if you don't know what sauce you want. They will surely recommend whatever sauce they see suits based on your protein and base choice. Warning: the spiciest level is spicy (which I love).. I'm talking about Asian spicy level.

Perfect place for a light and refreshing lunch! You can definitely taste the Southeast Asian influence in the dressing. I got the default dressing for the roasted pork salad bowl and it was super flavorful - a bit on the sour side as I think they squeezed like in there and the dressing might have had a citrus element also, but it was still really good. It's also very customizable, which is a plus. The pork was also a bit dry. But overall a great place, and the employees were also so friendly and nice.

I love this place--you essentially choose the base, the protein, and the sauce, and they'll add in a ton of vegetables (usually papaya, cilantro, bell peppers) and mix it all together. When they ask you how spicy, be aware that medium spicy and above has a bit of a kick. The bowls are very flavorful and the vegetables very fresh, so it all feels very healthy. The protein is also usually pretty tender. The people there (usually a man who I'm guessing is the owner) and a woman manning the cash register could not be friendlier.

Big portions, super friendly service, very refreshing, lots of toppings and mix ins. A bit pricy but love how fresh and different this is from your typical build your own bowl places.

So fresh and flavorful! The service is amazing and the guy always makes my day and is super positive! They have a lot of options. It's located in the western market food hall

Can't say enough great things about this restaurant! The ingredients are always fresh, dressings are fantastic, and staff are THE BEST! If you haven't tried - these bowls are served cold and crunchy (veggies are not cooked). Colorful, healthy, and delish. Pictured here is my tried and true tofu bowl over wheat noodles mixed with peanut dressing + spice. Favorite fast casual in the city (and it's not even close).

Really delicious and unique flavors. Incredible service too! Really customizable and the people running the place are so sweet and kind

Seriously awesome salads - lots of vegan choices with option to add several proteins. I had the ginger bowl with noodles. Delicious. Wish I could make this at home.

Was just there about 30min ago the young man at the counter was touching his hair and making food at the same time. He is only wearing one glove on his right hand and touching food with both his left and right hand while ringing guests. I was totally disappointed as this was going to be my 3rd visit and the first two visits was great. Totally unhygienic couldn't believe he was touching his hair and everything else at the same time gross

I love the Georgetown location and was excited to stumble upon this one during my first visit to this GW food hall (which is really neat)! There was no wait and they made my delicious bowl quickly and with a smile. They make recommendations, confirm the ingredients, and mix thoroughly instead of just plopping your bowl together. Highly recommend!

One of the tastiest lunches I've had in a while! Fresh, crunchy, spicy, satisfying, and a reasonable amount of food for the price. The staff is super friendly and helpful. I am already thinking about when I could come here again.

I wanted something fresh and filling. I was thrilled with the Mango Papaya Salad with Tofu that they carefully crafted for me. It was a large size and hit the spot on this hot, humid day. It has both Thai and Vietnamese flavors with their combination of peanuts and fish sauce. Everyone there was super great at sharing how their menu custom worked. They were also very careful and accommodating regarding an allergy concern. Great service. Great food. Wonderful flavor. Fresh ingredients. Clean. No guilt. Highly, highly recommend. Plus, there's plenty of seating areas with air conditioning.

This is one of the best restaurants in Western Market! Delicious bowls and excellent, fast service!

Highly recommend this place! I've only been once so far, but I definitely plan to return. The staff was super happy, friendly, and fast. The food is plentiful and delicious. I got the curry chickpea rice bowl and I couldn't stop eating it. I can't wait to try something else.