The Boat — Review by J. Kenji López-Alt
Seattle, United States — Vietnamese
The Boat is a Vietnamese restaurant in Seattle housed in a boat-shaped building that was originally the location of the famous Pho Bac restaurant. The current establishment serves exceptional fried game hen and waffles alongside traditional Vietnamese dishes. The reviewer praises both the crispy fried chicken and the surprisingly excellent waffles as among the best in the city.
What was great: Crispy fried game hen cooked in a pressure fryer with garlicky fish sauce coating, exceptional waffles with mochiko and tapioca flour in banana and pandan flavors, whipped salted coconut topping, described as some of the best fried chicken and waffles in the city
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The Boat offers an interesting fusion menu centered around fried game hen, which is their standout item. The game hen is cooked in a pressure fryer until extremely crispy, then tossed in a flavorful combination of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and crispy fried garlic bits. Diners can choose to have it served with either noodles or turmeric rice as a base. The reviewer was particularly impressed by the waffles offered at the establishment, describing them as some of the best waffles in Seattle. These waffles are made with mochiko flour and tapioca flour, giving them a super crispy exterior while maintaining a light, slightly stretchy texture. Available in banana and pandan flavors, they come topped with a whipped salted coconut spread that adds a delightful finishing touch to each bite.
The Experience
The Boat occupies a uniquely shaped building, hence its nautical name. This location has significant Vietnamese community history. It was originally the site of the first Pho Bac restaurant, a legendary establishment opened by a Vietnamese family in the 1980s after they initially ran a sandwich shop. The family was eventually convinced by their Vietnamese neighbors and community members to open a pho restaurant instead. The current operators are Yen Vy Pham and her siblings, who have transformed the space while honoring its heritage. The atmosphere carries the warmth of a neighborhood gathering place that has served the Vietnamese community for decades.
Value & Pricing
No specific pricing information was mentioned in the review, though the offerings suggest reasonable pricing for quality Vietnamese cuisine and specialty items.
Notable Moments
This used to be the original Pho Bac location. Um, so currently run by Yen Vy Pham who is They're you know, her and her sister and her brother.
They've got mochiko flour in there and tapioca flour, so a little bit stretchy. They come in banana and pandan flavors.
The Verdict
The Boat is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking exceptional fried game hen and waffles in Seattle. The combination of traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques with creative menu items makes it a unique spot in the city's culinary landscape. Best for diners looking for crispy, flavorful poultry dishes and those curious about Vietnamese-inspired waffles with creative flavor profiles.