Bandoola Bowl, a quick-service concept from the family behind Mandalay Restaurant and Café, will open a second location at Western Market, a new food hall in Washington, D.C.’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood.
WTOP’s Jeff Clabaugh reports that Bandoola Bowl will open in the second phase of Western Market, which will open later this fall with Alitiko, Arepa Zone, Nim Ali, Sushi Onkei, and Tigerella. Roaming Rooster, Capo Italian Deli, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, and RAWish are already open.
Western Market is located at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, across the street from the original location of Western Market, which was built in 1802, according to WTOP. The food hall is operated by Baltimore-based Cana Development.
“Bandoola Bowl explores the flavors of Burma and surrounding Southeast Asian countries through a selection of delicious and satisfying salads,” reads the restaurant’s website. “Our founders, the Myint family, are three generations of Burmese natives who work side-by-side to introduce D.C. diners to a taste of their culture in a lively, color, fast-casual setting located right in the heart of Georgetown. The family has also owned and operated Burmese restaurant Mandalay in Silver Spring, Md. for nearly 20 years, creating home-style dishes they often shared together around their own table. With Bandoola Bowl, they aim to give guests an accessible way to experience and enjoy the food they love.
“Salads play a significant role in Burmese cuisine, where thinly sliced or chopped vegetables and shredded cabbage offer a base for toppings and toss-ins like fried garlic and onions, crispy yellow split peas, crunchy peanuts and sesame seeds, and proteins that have been roasted, steamed, grilled or lightly fried. Our signature Burmese dressing adds a pop of citrus with fresh squeezed lemon juice and the bold umami of fish sauce (vegetarian dressing without fish sauce also available). Not only are these Southeast Asian salads brimming with ingredients, they are also diverse, delicious and full of different textures and flavors.”
The Myint family announced on Facebook earlier this month that October 31 would be the last day of business for Mandalay Restaurant and Café in Silver Spring. Bethesda Beat reported last week that the lease for the space is up at the end of the month, and a new tenant will be coming in.
“As many things in life at some point things has to come to an end!”, the Facebook post reads. “With hearts full of emotions and sadness we have to announce the bad news about Mandalay! Sad to say that the end of Mandalay at this location will be coming to an end! October 31st will be the end of Mandalay at 930 Bonifant St, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
“The past 20 years has been nothing short of a blessing for the family and so many things to be thankful for. First and foremost the amazing customers that supported us from day one are actually the reasons we have lasted this long. One of the thing[s] we sure will miss is seeing our regulars come through the place. I want to say so many things and most of it is not coming out! Mandalay has been a big factor and part of the family for so long that adjusting will be very hard!”
In December of 2019, the Myints announced their intention to move to a location at 7302 Georgia Ave. NW, near the former Walter Reed complex. However, the new location will not be ready for several months. “At this time [we are] closing for good,” Mandalay manager Joe Myint said to the Source via email earlier this month. “[The] new location is not ready to open and may take about 8 to 10 month[s].”
Bandoola Bowl will have some of Mandalay’s offerings on its menu, according to the aforementioned Facebook post. “As many of you know the Salads that are produce[d] at Bandoola Bowl (second location opening soon at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW) are the same salads with more salad options (please go see bandoolabowl.com for details)! Also we will be announcing details about a new Burmese inspired concept that will be opening very soon. Thank you so much for all the support [throughout] the years from the bottom of our hearts.”
The Myint family opened the original location of Bandoola Bowl at 1069 Wisconsin Ave. NW in April of 2019, according to Eater D.C.
Photo: Bandoola Bowl/Instagram