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    Secret Congee

    4.3 (382 reviews)
    ModerateAsian Fusion
    Closed 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Secret Congee Photos

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    SECRET CONGEE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate

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    Eina D.

    This was the congee I didn't know I needed. This unassuming little restaurant tucked away in a plaza corner is easy to miss, but its good speaks volumes. As implied in the name, they specialize in congee. I ordered the shrimp tom yum congee and was blown away. I would never think to combine such flavors, but it went so well together. A perfect bowl of comfort. My partner got the blue crab congee and it was filled with crab pieces. It didn't have as strong of a flavor as the tom yum, but it still hit the spot. We paired it with youtiao for the best pre-hike brunch. Initially, we sat outside after ordering from the counter, but was able to find a two-top table indoor and the congee was ready and waiting for us.

    Wild Blue Crab Congee
    Lisa Y.

    This spot shouldn't be a secret any longer! Love their unique take on a simple, humble dish. Secret Congee makes an elevated version of the classic congee. Their congee is topped with things like Tom Yum Shrimp, Garlic Blue Crab, Thai Meatball, Five-Spice Braised Tofu, and even specialty items like Wild Boar, Halibut, and Geoduck! They use jasmine rice cooked in chicken bone broth, and it's so comforting! I had the Garlic Blue Crab Congee, and it came with lots of lump crab meat, along with fried garlic, sliced ginger, chopped scallion, white pepper, and soy sauce. So yummy, and more mild in taste compared to some of the other congees. If you want something super flavorful and with a kick, try the Tom Yum Shrimp Congee. It has wild gulf shrimp, fried garlic, cilantro, ginger, scallion, tom yum sauce, shrimp paste, and white pepper. Whatever you do, you must add on some of their Youtiao Crispy Fried Dough! It's a like a Chinese donut and goes great dipped into the congee! Highly recommend adding on an egg as well--you can get it soft-boiled or even as a chopped century egg! Go early because they can sell out before closing!

    Mushroom congee
    Jess L.

    This place was great! The Thai tea was affordable and deliciously sweet. The congee was both hearty, savory and the contrast in textures were good. This was the case for both the mushroom and the tom yum congee. It's order at front and bus own tables and a small place near the water which was nice for a walk afterwards to digest the food.

    Garlic Blue Crab Congee
    Kas C.

    Congee it favorite comfort food so imagine how excited I was when I discovered this place. I've tried blue crab, shrimp tom yum and scallop congee. Everything has been consistently excellent. My favorite has been shrimp tom yum; it's like a flavor explosion and not spicy at all. Don't forget to add a soft boiled egg to your congee. I learned the owners are Thai which didn't surprise me because I'm also from Thailand where there are mom and pop congee restaurants everywhere, but this place definitely elevates the congee experience. They even offer condensed milk on the side to go with Chinese donuts because that's how we eat it back home. Efficient service. Cozy ambiance. It's a bit of a drive from where I live but definitely worth a trip.

    Chenie X.

    Congee has always been my go-to comfort food during winter. We came here on a cold Sunday around 11:50 am and got lucky-- a table was finishing, and we had no wait. We ordered the Tom Yum shrimp congee and the crab congee, and both were packed with rich, comforting flavor. The spice level on the shrimp congee was spot-on--warming without being overpowering. We also ordered the fried dough, which was great on its own or dipped into the congee to soak up all that flavor. The portions were generous, and we were completely full by the end. There was a steady line of people waiting throughout lunchtime. Seating is available both indoors and outdoors. I would definitely recommend this place!

    Tom Yum Shrimp Congee, Garlic Blue Crab Congee, Slow-Cooked Beef and Kimchi Congee, Youtiao Crispy Fried Dough
    Selina H.

    The congees here are quite expensive but delicious. I tried the tom yum, blue crab, and beef and kimchi congees. The garlic blue crab one had a good amount of crab in it but the flavor was average and something you can easily put together at home. It also had too much ginger. The beef and kimchi congee was good but the tom yum really outshined the others. It was the most flavorful one and had so many jumbo shrimps! I loveeed the tom yum coconuty flavor. The youtiaos are a must get to eat with your congee. They weren't that crispy/fresh but still delicious to eat with the congee. The food came out really fast as well! I'm not a fan of the seating situation here though. You order at the counter and then bus your own table if you can find one. There's very limited seating inside and it's always so busy. When I sat outside it was cold and the steel chairs didn't help. There are heaters but it doesn't do much unless you stand close to it.

    Youtiao Crispy Fried Dough
    Wisnu R.

    This place is soooo goooodddd!!!!! Even better since the weather been so cold. Staff were friendly and the foods is fire!! Its been two yeats since the last time we're here; and its still as good as i remember it. They added a deck in the front for outdoor seating which is awesome. Small place with small menu is a good sign that its a special place. Just love it. What we got today: Tom yum congee 5/5 This is one of our favorite. Always hit the spot. So good!!! Classic chicken congee 5/5 Always good! The good ol classic. Chinese fried donut 5/5 Please please get this. Chinese donut and congee is just the perfect pairing. So so so good. Go to secret congee; you'll like it. Trust me.

    Braised Pork Belly Congee
    Aaron W.

    Well I said in my first review that S/C never disappoints, I'd say today was definitely a misstep for lunch. I don't see the owner onsite as much as I used to lately and today the normal generous garnishes that used to colorfully adorn the plate were gone too, just a pinch of ginger and some green onions thrown on. Also the meatballs were WAY salty and just lacked that home cooked depth they used to. It was the busiest I've seen the restaurant today yet the food was lacking from past vists. Didn't help that bus tubs were stuffed full and the staff just seemed overwhelmed by the pace today.

    Garlic Blue Crab Congee
    Vivian H.

    I was sorely disappointed with this place. It had never been on my list, but a friend wanted to try. I grew up eating congee as it's a common Cantonese dish, so I have a high standard for it. I ordered the Wild Blue Crab Congee, which was expensive and small - not filling at all. I understand that the price I paid for is for seafood, but if I had to again, I'd rather have congee at a Chinese restaurant or make it at home. It's not worth the price. I also went on a very busy day and there is already limited indoor seating. Luckily, it didn't rain outside, but it was very chilly and there is also limited outdoor seating (without heating) as well. You order inside before you find seating, but it was never clear to me if you had to bus your table or not. The cashier gave me a cup when I ordered and said they'd bring out a water pitcher. They never did. Secret Congee is located in Ballard, near Shilshole Bay. It can be difficult to find parking and it does feel like you're in the middle of nowhere.

    Interior
    Rebecca C.

    Friendly cashier and quiet location. Congee was filling and flavorful, reasonably priced. Minor signage/design improvement would elevate the interior experience!

    Wild halibut congee
    Lisa N.

    It's no secret that this is my fave place to get congee. I mean where else can you go to get congee?? Besides make it at home or go to a few Asian restaurants for basic congee w/ century eggs. Secret Congee has elevated flavors with a twist on their congee. I was so eggcited to try & it was definitely a warm & comforting meal, especially during the cold weather in Seattle. What caught my eye was the shrimp tom yum congee. I'm a sucker for tom yum so I knew I had to order this! Wow, shrimp was plump and flavors were on point. I also wanted to try their beef and kimchi congee, wild halibut congee + add-ons of fried chinese donut & chopped century egg. It's a must order paired so well with your congee. I would say shrimp tom yum was my number 1. The staff were very friendly and offered great recommendations. Limited seating. Fast service. Apparently they have a sister restaurant called Ginger Scallion. I'll have to check it out next time I'm in Seattle!

    Garlic Blue Crab Congee
    Jackie Y.

    The congee was hearty and great on the cold day, but I did find this place to be expensive for what you get. As someone who grew up eating congee, I kept feeling that you can just find a better deal in international district or making it yourself. The location isn't ideal for me and it's pretty small and they sell out so I recommend going early if you want to try it!

    Cindy L.

    Congee here is sooo yummy! The two of us shared two congees: 1. Blue crab congee 2. Tom yum congee The blue crab one is lighter, you can really taste the seafood. Feels like a great option if you are sick or want something with its original flavor. Tom yum is super new flavor to me. The flavor is strong but goes well with congee

    Tom Yum Shrimp Congee

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    Secret Congee Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Secret Congee

    Is the pork belly congee still on their menu?

    It is, but the last two times I have been there over the last 3 months, they were out of it. FYI- last time they added Duck to the menu and it was really good!👍

    What time does your shop close? I came here and they were not accepting orders an hour before closing time.

    Their hours are Thursday thru Sunday from 11-2:30pm.

    View All 3 Questions

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    Revel is a great spot for a unique dining experience for modern Korean food. The service was…read morewonderful, and we enjoyed the dishes we ordered. We got the short rib wontons, kimchi pancake, Dungeness crab noodle, and Korean fried chicken. My favorites were the short rib wontons and Korean fried chicken! The wontons were in a delicious chili sauce, and the fried chicken was crisp and marinated well. Personally I felt like the Dungeness crab noodle was just okay, I wish there were more crab pieces. Portions for the dishes overall are pretty small, so the restaurant is pretty pricey overall. For dessert we ordered the basque hojicha cheesecake and really liked it! The cheesecake had a nutty flavor and good texture with the crust. Our server kindly provided us an extra dessert, the panna cotta. This dessert was really light and refreshing - a perfect complement. Overall I really enjoyed the experience at revel. There's a couple standout dishes and service was great. The menu is a bit pricy, but I'm interested in checking out the Sunday night dinner pre fixe meal.

    Food: Everything was slightly sweet but had good flavor. My favorite was the Napa cabbage, it had a…read moreslightly smoky taste. The Dungeness crab noodles were the most disappointing because the whole dish was too sweet and the minimal amount of crab was too salty. The lemonade was too sour. Service: The service was great and everyone was attentive. Ambiance: The restaurant is very hipster and invites a younger crowd.

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    Best khao soi I've had!! Ive only been here twice and enjoyed both options ive gotten, the duck and…read morebeef tenderloin. Finished everything to the last drop! I wish the portion size was bigger though. The sua de (curry sausage) was delicious as well!! I want to try the oxtail next time! Service was quick and easy! Just need to order online through the qr code. Lunch time wasn't too busy on a weekday but usually busier during the nights.

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    I've had Grillbird bookmarked since it opened in Greenwood. Today my husband and I were in the area…read moreand stopped by for lunch! It is a take out spot only! Ordering kiosks inside, not a lot of in person contact. (Perfect for some) The menu options are great. They have a "create your own" plate option, which I got. I ordered 1/2 teriyaki chicken and 1/2 sesame chicken, with brown rice. The meal was $14. If you ask me, that is a hell of a deal! The portion size was pretty hearty. Wait time said 14 minutes, but it was only around 10 minutes. The teriyaki was my fave of the 2 chicken entrees. The meat was thick, juicy and flavorful. (No gross fatty pieces!) The sesame was good too, but next time I would get a full order of the teriyaki alone. In, out, delicious food, good portion size and a decent price! What more could you ask for!!?

    We came here for takeout recently and ordered the bang bang chicken and the spicy garlic chicken…read morewith edamame on the side. My husband, who prides himself as being a Korean who can handle a high spice level was SWEATING eating the spicy chicken. Granted, the menu does warn that it's very spicy, but he was not expecting this level of heat. He was only able to get through about half the meal and commented that he was glad he didn't have work the next day. (If you know, you know.) I'm not sure if this was just an exceptionally spicy batch, or if it's normally this spicy, but be warned! They're not messing around when it comes to the heat. The edamame was also just so-so. It's a bummer that out of the two times we've come here, we've only enjoyed 1 out of their 4 sides. Combining our first and second experience, I think this is a solid 4-star spot. Good for a takeout meal, if you order the right thing.

    Secret Congee - asianfusion - Updated May 2026

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