SEOULSPICE

SeoulSpice is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in Korean comfort food. It offers a modern twist on traditional Korean flavors. Founded in 2016 by Eric Shin, a principal percussionist with the National Symphony Orchestra, the brand aims to make Korean cuisine more accessible and appealing to a broad audience.

The menu at SeoulSpice features customizable bowls, wraps, and salads, all gluten-free. Customers can choose from bases like sushi-grade white rice, purple rice, glass noodles, or fresh salads.

Proteins include marinated bulgogi beef, spicy pork, soy-garlic chicken, braised tofu, and crispy fried chicken. This variety allows diners to tailor their meals to their preferences. Traditional Korean side dishes, known as banchan, are offered alongside kimchi to provide an authentic taste of Korean home cooking.

Sauces like gochujang and sesamiso, plus garnishes such as fresh cilantro and roasted seaweed, enhance the flavors of each dish. A signature addition is the marinated soft-boiled jammy egg, which adds a rich and savory element to the meal.

SeoulSpice emphasizes the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. All sauces and kimchi are made in-house to ensure authenticity and flavor. The restaurant’s commitment to scratch cooking and hospitality reflects its dedication to providing a genuine Korean dining experience.

Locations

The brand has experienced significant growth since its inception. It operates multiple locations in the Washington, D.C. area, including:

• Noma
• Tenleytown
• Penn Quarter
• Navy Yard

In March 2025, SeoulSpice expanded to Chicago, opening its first location at 20 N. Michigan Ave., with plans for additional units in River North and Wicker Park.

Additional Locations

• Washington, DC, USA
• Cicero, IL, USA
• Silver Spring, MD, USA

Mission

SeoulSpice’s mission is to share the bold, thrilling flavors of Korean cuisine in a format that is familiar and accessible to everyone. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a healthy and flavorful dining experience.