Bowlba is a Vietnamese Pho and Bubble Tea shop located in the heart of Arlington on Olympic Avenue. When I heard about  this new restaurant, I immediately marked my calendar, making plans to stop by. I’ve never had bubble tea before, nor Vietnamese food. This was certainly a pleasant first experience, and I will definitely be going back.

Upon entering the building, I realized how comfortable it was. While it’s a small space, it is wonderfully designed to seat an estimated twenty people. It is a bit tight in there, but it’s warm and cozy, makes you feel at home, and the cute decor on the walls and the lo-fi music really seal it. 

I’m not a meticulous person, but even those who are will be able to appreciate the state of the shop. I find it impressive how clean it was for being pet friendly. The floors, tables, windows, and counters are spotless, along with clean, gender neutral bathrooms. Plus, it’s wheelchair accessible.

I’ve never had Vietnamese food, so it took me a while to figure out what I wanted. The staff were patient as I ordered, and had me double-check my order to ensure everything was right. The wait was only ten minutes, give or take, and the waitress was incredibly friendly.

The food is pricey, but completely worth it. It costs nearly forty dollars for two soups, one bubble tea, and a fountain drink. You get a large portion, the flavor so intense. I’d pay double the price if I was asked. It took me a while to finish my food, but it was well-made and enjoyable. The bubble tea was new to me as well, and I thought it was super sweet and tasty!

Overall, I would give Bowlba an 8.5/10. The atmosphere, service, and food were all amazing, I just wish it was a bit cheaper, so I could dine there more often. I’ll definitely be going again and recommending it to everyone!