SeoulSpice — Restaurant in Washington

To preface, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease close to 20 years ago when I was 5 years old. I'm used to my options being limited or nonexistent when I go out to eat with friends, especially when it comes to Korean food. (Curse you soy sauce!!!)

Also to preface, my friends and I were in town for the StrayKids concert yesterday. The entire day of the concert, all I'd had to eat was a packet of microwave 90 second rice, and a couple protein bars that I had packed ahead of time in my suitcase just in case. Needless to say, I was starving and in desperate need of some good food when we got going this morning.

A search entry for "gf food near me" in Google maps popped up with a few options near the hotel we were staying at including SeoulSpice. When I saw it was Korean food I was expecting maybe a couple things that could be modified to make them somewhat safe. Boy was I wrong. 😆

When I tell you I audibly gasped and startled my friends when I saw the words, "100% Gluten Free" on the website, I'm not lying. And the food? Did NOT disappoint. 🙌 I got a little bit of basically everything in my bowl and Debbie piled it so high the lid barely fit on the take out container.

And its not just the portion sizes about SeoulSpice that are incredibly large, their hearts are too. When I told Debbie how long I'd been gluten free, and that I was unaccustomed to having options out and about so was very overwhelmed, she walked me through every ingredient and option behind the counter and offered suggestions about some of her favorite combos, too.

Also! Because we were the only ones there (we got there right when they opened) Debbie let me try each of the sauces so I could make a more informed decision for my bowl topping and pointed out when I was checking out that there were also Gluten-free cookies like chocolate chip and red velvet (which was so good by the way).

The only thing I would say needs improvement is the door is incredibly heavy. 🤣 Careful not to throw your back out trying to get in the door to reach the food that tastes like the mana of the gods and kind, understanding faces like Debbie that reside within.

The breakdown!

The prices: 10/10 -Reasonable and affordable

The food: 100/10 -Huge portions and Delicious!

The people: 1000/10 -Incredibly kind and helpful

Thank you, for the delicious food and for helping me feel accepted for who I was and what I live and struggle with everyday. Basically... Thank you for helping me feel normal, Debbie and the SeoulSpice crew. When I'm back in town this way be assured I will come back as frequently as I can during my stay .

I hope y'all have a nice day! And I hope everyone who reads this gives them a try....

One of my favorite Korean fusion spots opened up in the new’ish across the bridge “Downtown S.E.” by The Navy Yard (I just made that up). I HAD to go!! Let me show you what they’re hittin ON! . Where I am: @Seoulspice . Location Reviewed: 1251 First St., S.E. Washington D.C. . Menu Includes: Rice Bowls, Gimbap/Korrito (Korean style burrito), Noodle Bowls (Japche- gluten free sweet potato starch noodles), Salad Bowls, Beef (Bulgogi), Chicken (Dak), Spicy Pork (Jeyuk), Tofu (Dubu), Corn, Cucumbers, Egg, Carrots, Korean Radish, Kale Slaw, Fire Powder spice, juices & MORE!! . Items Reviewed: Their Korrito (a burrito wrapped in seaweed with chicken, corn, sprouts, kale, cilantro, crispy garlic, & ginger carrot sauce $8.99). STAMP!! Juicy chicken, with ingredients that blended perfectly because YOU choose them!! STAMP that carrot sauce too!!

Their Noodle Bowl (with Japche noodles, bulgogi, kimchi, kale, corn, green onions, & fire dusted). STAMP!! That bulgogi was super tender, not fatty, those noodles were cooked to perfection!!

Their Rice Bowl (with purple rice, spicy pork, kale, cucumber, carrots-$8.99, & a ginger sesame soft boiled egg-$2.49). STAMP!! Hot edible tender spicy pork, tasty rice, & well blended ingredients. I don’t have a taste for the egg, but I know many do…personal preference, no judgement.

Their House-made Kale Apple juice ($3.49). STAMP!! Refreshing, palate cleansing goodness!!

Their House made Yuzu Limeade (Yuzu is an Asian citrus fruit $2.99). STAMP!! Yuzu taste like really good…limeade!! . Customer Service: On Point . Online Navigation: Easy . Parking: Rough . Recommendations: Get that Rice Bowl with the Bulgogi!! . Music: YouTube-Rare Essence Mickey Solo.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=STAMP ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️➕=LIKE...

SeoulSpice offers fresh, flavorful, and customizable Korean-inspired bowls with high-quality ingredients and bold flavors.

Food: The ingredients were fresh, and the portion size was generous. I opted for a build-your-own bowl, and the combination of veggies, protein, and sauces was well-balanced. The ginger-carrot sauce added a nice kick, and the kimchi and sesame seeds brought great texture and flavor. However, some toppings could have been more evenly distributed.

Menu & Customization: The signature bowls are well-designed, but the real highlight is the build-your-own option with a variety of bases, proteins, and sauces. It’s great for different dietary preferences, and the flavors blend well.

Service & Atmosphere: The staff was friendly and efficient, making the ordering process smooth. The restaurant had a clean, modern feel with a fast-casual assembly style. However, the counter area could have been tidier, and the service, while good, felt...