Ultimate comfort food for a typical rainy Seattle afternoon. Although there was limited seating, it felt more like a take-out joint. However, the staff went above and beyond letting me enjoy my meal comfortably in my car when I couldn't find a spot.
Food: 5
Service: 2
Frances Y.
My favorite restaurant in Seattle hands-down. I've been there 3 times this month already and every flavor hits the spot. The quality of food you get with the price is quite crazy. There always 5+ shrimp and scallops in the orders we get. Boss, the owner is also one of the friendliest people I've met. He walks around and checks in with his customers. There's some indoor and outdoor seatings but they're very packed on the weekends so try and go early or on the weekdays if you can. Tom yum shrimp (my fav) Hokkaido scallop Thai meatball (my fav) Blue crab garlic Youtiao fried dough (definitely get this)
Amy D.
Super busy during lunch hours on a Sunday. Come early if you're looking for indoor seating. They have outdoor seating for bigger groups. Beef and Kimchi Congee ($16) Spicy Tom Yum Shrimp Congee ($19) - Spicy but so flavorful! Sea Bass & Chinese Herbs Congee ($25) - This was very bland. Not worth $25. Youtiao Crispy Fried Dough ($4) - This is a must with congee!
Nikki C.
WOW! The pork belly congee was delicious! If it is your first time here, I highly recommend the pork belly. It was so juicy and falls apart in your mouth. I always get congee with chinese donuts so that is a MUST! I will say they are always pretty busy. I wish they had more of a streamline waiting system because everyone just waits outside until they can be seated but there is no actual waitlist. So it is somewhat on an honesty rule and expect that no one says they were here before you. That was somewhat frustrating because we were seated after some people who got there after us. This restaurant is super small and its not really a place I would suggest if you want a long sit down breakfast. I think the expectation is like moist congee places where it is sit down, eat, go. No chit chat. Especially when it is on a busy day. I wouldn't suggest here if you are going with a group larger than 4 because it is difficult for the staff to sit you in a timely manner. There is a small parking lot for parking but there is street parking. So I recommend carpooling to this restaurant if you are going with a group for friends. It was a nice experience to try Secret Congee but there are a lot of other congee places to try in Seattle.
Samuel L.
The food is good. But it's very much I could make at home if you know how to make congee, and it's really expensive. Definitely don't go expecting a table or go on an off time they get busyyyy.
Rosette T.
As someone who grew up eating congee I excited to hear that there was a place that puts their own twist on this traditional dish. Before heading to the Sunday farmers market we stopped by and was surprised to see that it was located right across the street from a very popular Cuban sandwich spot we've frequented! The restaurant is quite small but they did have tables set up outside in the parking lot. We ordered the Thai Meatball, Slow Cooked Beef and Kimchi, Five Spiced Braised Tofu, a side of Chinese Donuts, and added a soft boiled egg to each congee dish. My favorite congee was the the Five Spiced Braised Tofu. The flavor was the most unique out of the three which was probably due to the rice being cooked in a mushroom broth vs chicken. The other two congees were still great but the flavors were too familiar and I felt that it could have been made at home. I would be curious to try the Scallop, Blue Crab, or Sea Bass flavors next time but not sure if I can justify playing over $20 for a bowl of congee.
Leona C.
Average service. Was really interested in this as I love congee. Had their crab congee, it's not my vibe. I didn't feel balance in the meal; Sweetness from the chicken stock on the congee and sweetness from the crab was a bit for me. I'll stick with my traditional congee.
Emily R.
Finally got to try Secret Congee earlier this year and it was totally worth the hype! Even though there was a little bit of a line, it moved pretty quick! Service was really good, all the workers were very friendly and helpful. I got the tomyum congee while my boyfriend got beef and kimchi. Both were super delicious but I definitely love the uniqueness of the tomyum congee! There were huge juicy shrimps and the congee paired well with the you tiao! Can't wait to come back the next time I'm in Seattle! Highly recommend Secret Congee if you're looking for a yummy home cooked tasting meal with a twist.
Rebecca A.
Love! Lots of different flavor profile options, good tea. Like the ambiance for a cozy bowl of congee on a cool morning. Love the miso roasted squash congee. Not a fan of the dough, good for dipping but a bit dry and not worth the cost in my opinion. Could use a bit more seating
Billy Xia
The best congee in Seattle. The congees were all cooked in chicken broth so full of flavors and umami. We ordered the scallops, sea bass and blue crab congees, and absolutely loved everything.Not your typical Cantonese congee or Korean jook, but more of a fusion of the both. Have to try the Youtiao / fried dough. It is the perfect companion to your congee.Definitely on the pricier side but worth it!
If you didn't grow up in a household where congee is made then this is squarely ok. If you did, it's extremely overpriced hipster congee. I'm glad that more people can look at this dish and enjoy it and it's not a terribly bastardized interpretation so people can walk away knowing that this simple dish is tasty. I can't justify the cost again. I had the seafood congee, flavor was good, very little in the way of seafood, extremely watery, and they had a leaf of some green vegetable that did not add to the dish.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Samantha Elle
Very impressed with the real scallops in the Hokkaido Scallop congee. Next time I gotta get the crab one. Parking isn't bad if the church next door isn't in session- makes it very convenient.Only condiments on table are dry red chili flakes, soy sauce, and white pepper. Unsure if they have sriracha or chili paste.Wheelchair accessibility: Is accessible inside and outside
Do yourself a favor and try this place!! It's a secret gem of restaurant near golden gardens. We tried the shrimp tom yum congee and the sea bass congee. Both were very fresh and flavorful, and the texture of congee is perfectly silky. I would definitely recommend the sea bass congee - I loved the light and aromatic flavor. The shrimp tom yum was also delicious. Flavor is similar to the Mama Tom yum instant noodles, so I don't think I would get this one again, but I was glad I tried it. We also tried the you-tiao on the side which came out super hot and not too dry. The workers here are super sweet and will give recommendations if you ask! Seating is limited, so you may have to wait for a spot to open up, or take it outside. Yes, this place is a bit pricey (about $20 for a bowl), but I would absolutely come here again.
Nami N
We learned about this place on TV's Evening Show and decided to visit. Today was a Sunday morning and they opened at 9am, so my hubby and I came in a hurry, but there weren't many seats, so we decided to take out and eat in my car.We ordered Classic Chicken Congee $13 and Thai Meatballs Congee $14, also add 2 of soft boiled eggs each $2 and fried dough $4. We got a number plate and needed 25 mins waiting time. So we went to a nearby coffee shop. We returned to the store 25 mins later and had to wait another 25 mins. It was crowded, probably because it was a cold Sunday morning. If you come here, you should be prepared to wait quite a while. And since seats are limited, you often have no choice but to order takeout.The Congee soothed my frustration, but I wasn't happy about having to pay a tip and wait an hour for takeout.Wheelchair accessibility: The entrance is narrow and there are puddles on rainy days, making it difficult for wheelchair users.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Fried Dough, Youtiao Crispy Fried Dough, Classic Congee with Century Egg
Ultimate comfort food for a typical rainy Seattle afternoon. Although there was limited seating, it felt more like a take-out joint. However, the staff went above and beyond letting me enjoy my meal comfortably in my car when I couldn't find a spot.
Food: 5
Service: 2
My favorite restaurant in Seattle hands-down. I've been there 3 times this month already and every flavor hits the spot. The quality of food you get with the price is quite crazy. There always 5+ shrimp and scallops in the orders we get. Boss, the owner is also one of the friendliest people I've met. He walks around and checks in with his customers. There's some indoor and outdoor seatings but they're very packed on the weekends so try and go early or on the weekdays if you can. Tom yum shrimp (my fav) Hokkaido scallop Thai meatball (my fav) Blue crab garlic Youtiao fried dough (definitely get this)
Super busy during lunch hours on a Sunday. Come early if you're looking for indoor seating. They have outdoor seating for bigger groups. Beef and Kimchi Congee ($16) Spicy Tom Yum Shrimp Congee ($19) - Spicy but so flavorful! Sea Bass & Chinese Herbs Congee ($25) - This was very bland. Not worth $25. Youtiao Crispy Fried Dough ($4) - This is a must with congee!
WOW! The pork belly congee was delicious! If it is your first time here, I highly recommend the pork belly. It was so juicy and falls apart in your mouth. I always get congee with chinese donuts so that is a MUST! I will say they are always pretty busy. I wish they had more of a streamline waiting system because everyone just waits outside until they can be seated but there is no actual waitlist. So it is somewhat on an honesty rule and expect that no one says they were here before you. That was somewhat frustrating because we were seated after some people who got there after us. This restaurant is super small and its not really a place I would suggest if you want a long sit down breakfast. I think the expectation is like moist congee places where it is sit down, eat, go. No chit chat. Especially when it is on a busy day. I wouldn't suggest here if you are going with a group larger than 4 because it is difficult for the staff to sit you in a timely manner. There is a small parking lot for parking but there is street parking. So I recommend carpooling to this restaurant if you are going with a group for friends. It was a nice experience to try Secret Congee but there are a lot of other congee places to try in Seattle.
The food is good. But it's very much I could make at home if you know how to make congee, and it's really expensive. Definitely don't go expecting a table or go on an off time they get busyyyy.
As someone who grew up eating congee I excited to hear that there was a place that puts their own twist on this traditional dish. Before heading to the Sunday farmers market we stopped by and was surprised to see that it was located right across the street from a very popular Cuban sandwich spot we've frequented! The restaurant is quite small but they did have tables set up outside in the parking lot. We ordered the Thai Meatball, Slow Cooked Beef and Kimchi, Five Spiced Braised Tofu, a side of Chinese Donuts, and added a soft boiled egg to each congee dish. My favorite congee was the the Five Spiced Braised Tofu. The flavor was the most unique out of the three which was probably due to the rice being cooked in a mushroom broth vs chicken. The other two congees were still great but the flavors were too familiar and I felt that it could have been made at home. I would be curious to try the Scallop, Blue Crab, or Sea Bass flavors next time but not sure if I can justify playing over $20 for a bowl of congee.
Average service. Was really interested in this as I love congee. Had their crab congee, it's not my vibe. I didn't feel balance in the meal; Sweetness from the chicken stock on the congee and sweetness from the crab was a bit for me. I'll stick with my traditional congee.
Finally got to try Secret Congee earlier this year and it was totally worth the hype! Even though there was a little bit of a line, it moved pretty quick! Service was really good, all the workers were very friendly and helpful. I got the tomyum congee while my boyfriend got beef and kimchi. Both were super delicious but I definitely love the uniqueness of the tomyum congee! There were huge juicy shrimps and the congee paired well with the you tiao! Can't wait to come back the next time I'm in Seattle! Highly recommend Secret Congee if you're looking for a yummy home cooked tasting meal with a twist.
Love! Lots of different flavor profile options, good tea. Like the ambiance for a cozy bowl of congee on a cool morning. Love the miso roasted squash congee. Not a fan of the dough, good for dipping but a bit dry and not worth the cost in my opinion. Could use a bit more seating
The best congee in Seattle. The congees were all cooked in chicken broth so full of flavors and umami. We ordered the scallops, sea bass and blue crab congees, and absolutely loved everything.Not your typical Cantonese congee or Korean jook, but more of a fusion of the both. Have to try the Youtiao / fried dough. It is the perfect companion to your congee.Definitely on the pricier side but worth it!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Hokkaido Scallop Congee, Youtiao Crispy Fried Dough
Restaurantji Recommends
One of the
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you didn't grow up in a household where congee is made then this is squarely ok. If you did, it's extremely overpriced hipster congee. I'm glad that more people can look at this dish and enjoy it and it's not a terribly bastardized interpretation so people can walk away knowing that this simple dish is tasty. I can't justify the cost again. I had the seafood congee, flavor was good, very little in the way of seafood, extremely watery, and they had a leaf of some green vegetable that did not add to the dish.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Very impressed with the real scallops in the Hokkaido Scallop congee. Next time I gotta get the crab one. Parking isn't bad if the church next door isn't in session- makes it very convenient.Only condiments on table are dry red chili flakes, soy sauce, and white pepper. Unsure if they have sriracha or chili paste.Wheelchair accessibility: Is accessible inside and outside
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Fried Dough, Hokkaido Scallop Congee, Youtiao Crispy Fried Dough
Do yourself a favor and try this place!! It's a secret gem of restaurant near golden gardens. We tried the shrimp tom yum congee and the sea bass congee. Both were very fresh and flavorful, and the texture of congee is perfectly silky. I would definitely recommend the sea bass congee - I loved the light and aromatic flavor. The shrimp tom yum was also delicious. Flavor is similar to the Mama Tom yum instant noodles, so I don't think I would get this one again, but I was glad I tried it. We also tried the you-tiao on the side which came out super hot and not too dry. The workers here are super sweet and will give recommendations if you ask! Seating is limited, so you may have to wait for a spot to open up, or take it outside. Yes, this place is a bit pricey (about $20 for a bowl), but I would absolutely come here again.
We learned about this place on TV's Evening Show and decided to visit. Today was a Sunday morning and they opened at 9am, so my hubby and I came in a hurry, but there weren't many seats, so we decided to take out and eat in my car.We ordered Classic Chicken Congee $13 and Thai Meatballs Congee $14, also add 2 of soft boiled eggs each $2 and fried dough $4. We got a number plate and needed 25 mins waiting time. So we went to a nearby coffee shop. We returned to the store 25 mins later and had to wait another 25 mins. It was crowded, probably because it was a cold Sunday morning. If you come here, you should be prepared to wait quite a while. And since seats are limited, you often have no choice but to order takeout.The Congee soothed my frustration, but I wasn't happy about having to pay a tip and wait an hour for takeout.Wheelchair accessibility: The entrance is narrow and there are puddles on rainy days, making it difficult for wheelchair users.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Fried Dough, Youtiao Crispy Fried Dough, Classic Congee with Century Egg