(Image: Cafe Haslla)

It’s possible the 2020s might be the era of Korean food and drink on Capitol Hill. We noted the region’s outsized influence in the area this summer with the opening of Galbi Burger and its Korean-flavored burger options on Broadway. The explosion of Korean flavors on the Hill includes the highlights of Imo Pocha now serving in the old Glo’s space on E Olive Way and Galbi’s spiritual cousin in 2022-born Korean corn dog joint Korn Dog on E Pine. You might as well include the arrival of Korean grocer M2M above Capitol Hill Station.

Meanwhile, the class of 2023 also includes Korean fried chicken joint Sodam Chicken at 19th and Madison.

So, how about some Korean dessert? Cafe Haslla opened on Broadway near Seattle University this fall with a menu of sweet waffles and bingsu, its version of the Korean shaved ice dessert covered with toppings like the “Peach Lady” with peaches, peach puree, and vanilla ice cream.

(Image: Cafe Haslla)

In addition to the sweet waffles, you can also choose savory versions including “guacamole egg,” and “pepperoni mozzarella.” They also offer a menu of milk tea and Italian sodas.

The new Cafe Haslla is sandwiched into the highly TikTok-ed block with a selection of interesting cafes that includes the design-savvy URL Coffee and is centered around the 2019-born Broadway location of the Bonchon Korean fried chicken chain.

As for the Korean era on Capitol Hill, it seems to be going to plan. With Thai, the nation’s government played a significant role driving culinary diplomacy. But times have changed. In this 2009 story, the New York Times reports the Korean government’s hopes of “quadrupling the number of Korean restaurants abroad and lifting Korean food into the ‘top five rank of world cuisines’ by 2017.” Any Korean diplomat visiting Capitol Hill circa 2023 would likely be pleased by the results.

Cafe Haslla is located at 530 Broadway. Learn more at cafehaslla.com.

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