Food

Seoul Food Truck Goes Brick-and-Mortar

One of our favorite Korean meals on wheels plans to set up shop in Silver Spring.

Bibim bap with organic grilled meat, egg, shredded vegetables, and spicy sesame sauce is one of Seoul Food’s signatures. Photograph by Kyle Gustafson.

We’ve been fans of
Seoul Food since husband-and-wife owners
Hyun Shil (who also goes by Anna) and
Jon Goree opened the colorful, Arlington-based truck more than a year ago. This morning we
discovered via their Facebook page that they’re opening a restaurant space in Silver Spring. Shil confirms that their
first restaurant will be at 11310 Georgia Avenue, attached to the Exxon station formerly
serving eats from Global Cafe African Grill.

While the menu is still being worked out, Shil says they plan to open for breakfast,
lunch, and early dinner, with an estimated closing time of 8 PM. You may find an array
of baked items in the morning alongside
kimdap, Korean sushi rolls stuffed with ingredients like egg or kimchi. Mobile favorites
such as hearty portions of
bibim bap,
kalbi (marinated short rib) burritos, and kimchi quesadillas will likely be on offer, alongside
more seasonal specials; those in the past include
japchae (yam noodles with beef bulgogi or vegetables), butternut squash curry, and coconut-custard
cake. As always, the couple is committed to using organic meats, tofu, and vegetables,
with plenty of vegetarian options.

Limited bar-style seating (sans alcohol) means you’ll dine in a little more comfort
than at the truck, but carryout will be the main focus. Shil says the owners are remodeling
the space and outfitting it with a separate entrance; it will also be accessible through
the gas station. Check back in with us for more details closer to the opening, estimated
for between March and April.

Food Editor

Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.