Kraken Congee
Kraken Congee
88 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98104
206.748.9999
This afternoon I decided to try out Kraken Congee. It is located near the corner of 1st Avenue and Yesler Way near Pioneer Square. Nestled underneath The Faerie Queen restaurant, Kraken Congee features Asian comfort foods with a unique global flare. As you descend downstairs, you will find an ambiance where industrial-meets-modern. I came for lunch where the lighting was dimmed because a high street window let natural light filter through.
I was seated by Garret Doherty, one of the two owners and chefs of the restaurant. We had a short and pleasant conversation. I had asked him how he came upon cuisine from the Philippines. He told me that his wife, who is Filipino, loved her mother’s cooking so much, she too had a desire for their children to grow up with traditional Filipino food. That was when Garrett researched, studied, and taught himself how to cook and create both the traditional and unique dishes you see on the menu.
What I ordered:
Bang Bang Shrimp Pinch Buns with Cucumber, Tobiko and Chives - The shrimp alone was crunchy with a good flavor and the bun had a good flavor as well. However, I feel as if the shrimp’s sauce was masked when you take a bite out of the whole thing.
Five Spice Duck Confit with Pork Cracklings, Bok Choy, Soy Cured Egg Yolk, and Beet Soaked Mustard Seed - The duck was delicious. It was savory and the soy cured egg was a good touch. I just wished there was more duck, egg, and even bok choy to eat with the rice congee.
Hood Famous Bakeshop’s Ube Cheesecake - Wonderful idea with a fantastic mango puree. The cream cheese flavor over powers the ube flavor. If it were created with a 1:1 flavor ratio, this dessert, I think, would be my favorite!
In the end, I’d definitely visit again and try other things on the menu.