Friday night saw the Seoul-ful opening of NoMa’s latest swift and tasty Korean eatery, cheekily named SEOULSPICE. This fresh, pick’n’mix style restaurant was in full swing, showing off the fully customizable menu to hungry locals, who chatted as they tried the fusion of flavors that owner Eric Shin has devised.

Shin, who is a second-generation Korean-American has taken inspiration from modern food phenomenons and melded them with more traditional Korean fare. The menu allows diners to choose from mains which nod to modern food fads such as burritos rehashed in the form of Korritos (burrito sized sushi roll), tacos and rice bowls, and add the bits and pieces that they know and love such as the more traditional kimchi, korean radish, and hot sauce.

The place was abuzz as guests eagerly tried out their chosen concoctions whilst sitting at modern, steel tables which have been designed by Maryland’s Chad Ornweg.

Best of all, the bulgogi beef, marinated pork, sweet and savory chicken, and the tofu are organic.  The entire menu is gluten free, and the toppings are endless, the sauces homemade, and there are quirky surprises like the absolutely shockingly divine house secret soy-marinated egg (if you can’t tell, we were impressed).

The first day after the opening of SEOULSPICE proved to be so popular that they ran out of food. If success is marked by the number of people waiting to get in on their opening day, then this fast and casual place could be a new hit to the DC scene.

-EWL