ShopHouse

I like Chipotle and can understand its underlying model. Shophouse is along those lines but some of it throws me off and the formula doesn’t always carry over exactly. Veggies? I can’t get all the ones offered. Usually at Chipotle I got all out on the salsas and beans and fajita veggies I wanted. Shophouse doesn’t have that it’s basically only one of each. The steak was a little tough but the meatballs are my go-​to choice here. The sauces though are what’s disappointing, the curries are a little flat, even with the spiciest option available, they’re all a little flat. That being said, it’s an easy stop to make to grab a quick bite that doesn’t hurt the wallet too much.

I enjoyed my meal here. I opted for the noodle bowl (with chicken) as an attempt to try something outside of my usual «rice pick» at these types of fast food restaurants. For anyone who is sensitive to spice, I must warn, this food is SPICY. Luckily, I love an extra kick to my food, so I thought the abundance of spice was a nice addition.
I loved the pickled vegetables, as they, along with the noodles added a cooling element to the spicy bowl. The chicken was well seasoned, and the vegetables beautifully charred. I found that the char added a slight bitterness that was pleasing. The customer service here was great and I would come back again. My only issue was with the noodles, which although were a nice change in starch, varied in texture from being worm-​like to chewy, and in some cases, even mushy. As a plus, I was overjoyed to learn that the restaurant was completely gluten free!

Its literally the Asian version of Chipotle. Granted they are owned by Chipotle but I thoroughly enjoy the food every time I come. They give a fair portion of food for the price paid and the staff is very friendly.

I’ve visited several ShopHouses in the DC area thanks to some free bowl coupons (courtesy of the Riddle promo and Taste of DC). This ShopHouse is probably the best one that I’ve been to of the bunch. The food has been well-​stocked every time I’ve been and service is efficient. That being said, I’m not quite a fan of ShopHouse’s food.
I have a low tolerance for spicy foods, so I’m probably not ShopHouse’s ideal customer. While there are non-​spicy options (and the servers are helpful in pointing out which foods are spicy and which are mild), there is ultimately a limited selection if you don’t do spicy, and you can only come here so many times before you have a «usual.»
My usual is the brown rice with half meatballs/​half chicken, butternut squash, tamarind vinaigrette, papaya slaw, and pickled vegetables. I like the bite that the brown rice has. I’ve also tried the chilled rice noodles, which does absorb the sauces well, but whenever I eat them I feel like I’m eating cold spaghetti. I usually go for the Grilled Chicken Satay as my protein, which I’ve found to be the most tender compared to the Grilled Steak Laab (which I’ve found to be on the tough side). The Pork & Chicken Meatballs are okay — they’re not your typical meatballs. They are soft, moist, a good size, and light (but still filling) in a kind of spongy way. People have raved about ShopHouse’s meatballs, so if I feel like mixing it up I will do half chicken and half meatballs (regular serving = 6 meatballs, half serving = 3). The last batch that I had were on the salty side. I really like the Butternut Squash & Thai Basil (seasonal item) as my veggie. The squash is always tender and cut up into adorable little pieces — but it is a little spicy. When the season is over, I’ll go with the Charred Corn (the least spicy of the veggies). Of the sauces, I really like the tanginess of the tamarind vinaigrette. I haven’t tried the other sauces, which ere on the spicier side minus the peanut sauce. While you’ve been limited to selecting one meat, one vegetable, and one sauce, FINALLY with the garnishes, you can go crazy and get all three (or two, or one). (TIP: You can do half rice/​noodles, half meats, and half veggies to try multiple things without paying extra. I’ve also heard you can do two veggies and skip the meat if you’re feeling vegetarian.) I like the crunch of the pickled veggies and papaya slaw. I’ve tried the herb salad, but this garnish eats like a garnish and I end up picking out the cilantro and thai basil from my bowl. You can also go crazy with the toppings (toasted rice, crispy garlic, crushed peanuts, and thai chillies) but they didn’t add anything to the dish for me. The toasted rice felt like I was eating sand and the crispy garlic got lost in the rest of the bowl.
After a couple visits, you know what you like and what you don’t like, so the variety is limited. While the coupons were nice, I doubt I’ll ever be craving ShopHouse enough to spend my money here. Also known as the Southeast Asian Chipotle, I’ll stick with the classic Chipotle.

Favorite spot for take out in the Dupont area. Chipotle-​style (and owned) of make your own bowl. Very fast and lots of good flavors — great meal for $ 7 – 8.
I Always go with the green curry with brown rice and half chicken/​half steak. Corn and green beans as veggies. Yumyumyum.
They are also probably single handed lay responsible for the worldwide siracha shortage as their walls are lined with full bottles of it!
One complaint is that I have been there a couple times later and night and they are out of ingredients. Did get a complimentary dessert one time as an acknowledgment.

So I seem to only go to Shophouse when I have some sort of coupon. I came here a few years ago when Chipotle was giving out coupons. It was okay but nothing really worth going out of my way for. Fast forward a few years and got more coupons, courtesy of Shophouse sponsoring Taste of DC. I got a free coupon and so did my bf but because he doesn’t live nor work near a Shophouse, guess who go his coupon… yours truly! I went on Monday at around 1:30 p.m. and the line was already curved past the entrance. It took about 20 minutes from the time I entered to the time I left. I made my own bowl which consisted of the following: jasmine rice, steak, butternut squash (seasonal item), green curry, green papaya slaw and Thai chiles (and a small cup of sriracha). It was okay, I think it could have been better but I’m sure I didn’t pick the right combinations. The next day, I decided to get the Shophouse bowl but make a few modifications; instead of charred corn and salad, I got the seasonal items (butternut squash and broccoli). This one I liked better. I think it would help those unfamiliar with Vietnamese cuisine if they had a short list of items that paired well with each other. The service is good, no complaints there. Also, they have real ginger ale – I very rarely drink soda, and if I do, it’s ginger ale. They have ginger ale from a Brooklyn based company (whoop whoop) and you can see the ginger. They also don’t use corn syrup. All in all, I give Shophouse 3 out of 5 Unilocal stars. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll come back without a coupon ;-).

Tasty, customizable Southeast Asian rice and noodle bowls with responsibly sourced ingredients. That’s sufficient to garner a visit from me. I had a vegan organic tofu bowl and mixed a few of the sauces and my husband had the pork and chicken meatball bowl. The meatballs could have been cooked a little more but both bowls were otherwise delicious.
On the Saturday afternoon of our visit the service was awkwardly slow; the gentleman at the counter was so particular with his construction of my bowl that I thought he was counting the number of broccoli florets I was getting. The portion was rather small given the bowl size, but it is filling enough.
I could found the ambiance to be give or take, and I could definitely do without the club music playing that day, as well as the incessant beeping noise in the background (or was that part of the music?). I would return, but probably for takeout.
Food: 4, Service: 3, Ambiance: 3

This was my second time at ShopHouse, my first time at the Dupont location. The people who work there are very friendly and were happy to remind me what the different items were. I thought the rice bowl I got was very tasty — the meatballs are particularly good, though beware the Thai chilies are extremely spicy. Looking at all the negative reviews below mine was a bit shocking, though it explains why they’ve been giving out free coupons. I definitely think you should give this place a try; I enjoyed it quite a lot.
One recommendation: since there are a lot of options that not everyone is familiar with, it isn’t always obvious which items will taste good together. It would be nice if they had some suggestions on the menu, kind of like how at Sweetgreen you can get one of their signature salads or make your own.

My boyfriend and I went here because we received two coupons for free bowls from Taste of DC. We went for lunch. The restaurant has an odd layout to it. There is limited seating in the front, which you walk past to get to the service line. The staff member I ordered from was helpful and nice.
I got the Spicy Noodle Bowl. It did not taste good. I think the noodles were supposed to be SOBA noodles, but they had the texture and consistency of the worms we used to dissect in 7^th grade bio. The spices on it were not good either. They were overpowering without having any complexity/​redemptive characteristics. The meat was dry and burnt.
My boyfriend’s bowl tasted better. The rice is definitely an improvement over the noodles. Overall, I’m glad our meals were free, and we won’t be back.

Of all the assembly-​line-​speedy-​optionful-​cut-​above-​fast-​food joints I’ve been to (say that five times fast), I dislike this chain the most. [I got a fairly intensive selection system going: Sweetgreens-​Dupont; Chipotle-​Bethesda; Chipotle-​everywhere-​in-​DC-​but-​chinatown-​bc-​that-​is-​a-​shitshow; Sweetgreens-​everywhere-​else-​in-​DC; any-​new-​Greek-​place-​that-​has-​options-​to-​at-​least-​try, and then gtfo your lazy ass and go farmers market/​grocery shopping]

This ShopHouse is far faster and generally much better than the Chinatown location. I had a chicken satay bowl with jasmine rice, green curry, papaya slaw and Thai chilies (yay for spice). The ingredients were super fresh (unlike the Chinatown locale) and the staff were friendly. Solid choice!

I love curry, and I like kale and brown rice. And I also like friendly service. I got all of these in one cheap filling meal. What’s not to like?!?

I was really excited to try this place out because it was highly recommended by some friends from church. Although the flavors were okay, the quality wasn’t that great. My brown rice was under cooked, and the ingredients weren’t in the best condition. The corn had really beautiful char marks, but the flavor was lacking. I did however like the papaya. It offered great crunch and texture. The meatballs were good, but I wished they were even a little bit warm. I also think that it was slightly overpriced considering the portion. I got some Iced Tea since it looked cold and they were out of ice, but it was unsweetened and there was no sugar to be found. I understand it was a Sunday, but still. It was pretty underwhelming.
I heard the ShopHouse in Maryland was better.
I’m hoping that it was just bad timing or something.
I’ll probably try out the one in Maryland and see if my experience is better there.

Shophouse is a solid option, but I’ll confess I don’t see the appeal quite like other reviewers here.
Shophouse is basically the Asian Fusion approach to Chipotle. There’s a solid selection of protein and various other mixtures that you can select from, albeit within the boundaries of a few different main selections. Prices are a hair higher than Chipotle for slightly less food, but that isn’t exactly unexpected given the DC food scene in general.
I had a dish comprised of chilled rice noodles, grilled steak laab, kale, spicy red curry, pickled vegetables, and crushed peanuts. Basically, a combination of everything I like in Southeast Asian cooking, rolled into a dish. Unfortunately, I found the portion size a bit small and the food a bit bland — «spicy» here really isn’t «spicy» like you’d find in virtually any other context, especially in comparison to some of the ethnic joints in Northern Virginia. The meat was also a bit weak and lacking, though it may have been because I ordered the food relatively late in the day.
To say the least, I think this place has promise. With a bit more food (especially meat!) and a bit more spice, I’d be a huge fan. Still, there may be some work to go.

Last time I visited DC we decided to go big and visit 4 restaurants and the National Zoo in only 8 hours. Being a GIANT fan of Chipotle’s efforts to elevate the fast casual dining concept we decided our first stop in DC was going to be at the Chipotle created ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen.
There use to be Bahn Mi sandwiches on the menu but due to a shortage in sourcing quality bread the menu now only contains one thing… the bowl. Drawing on the bold flavors of Southeast Asian Cuisine (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore) the menu consists of rice and noodle bowls with homemade curries and sauces, fresh vegetables and herbs, and artisanal tofu. In keeping with Chipotle’s famous motto (Food with Integrity) all of the meats are raised responsibly without the use of antibiotics or added hormones.
If you’re a fan of eating spicy… there’s a wall of Siracha sauce just waiting to greet you at the entrance :)
Once you make it to the counter you’re greeted by a row of smiling faces and a menu thats very reminiscent of Chipotle.
Brown Rice — Unmilled, whole, natural, and healthy grain with a subtle nutty flavor
Jasmine Rice — A staple throughout Southeast Asia the long slender grain has an elusive floral scent
Chilled Rice Noodles — A traditional Vietnamese chilled rice noodle perfect for pairing with a chili sauce
Salad (Napa Cabbage)
Then you’re given a set of protein choices
Grilled Satay Chicken — Naturally raised and marinated overnight in lemongrass, turmeric, chilis, and coconut milk.
Grilled Steak Laab — Naturally raised chopped steak with dry spices, chilis, lime, fish sauce, herbs and crispy rice.
Pork and Chicken Meatballs — Naturally raised pork and chicken mixed with broken rice and fresh herbs.
Tofu — Non-​GMO soybean ground tofu with ginger, tamarind, and cilantro from the Hodo Soy Beanery in Oakland, Ca.
Next up… the vegetables
Wok fried broccoli with chili-​vinegar
Blacked sweet corn with garlic and sesame
Charred eggplants with chilis and thai basil
Caramelized shallots and green beans
Then the sauces
Tamarind Vinaigrette with tamarind, lime, and ginger
Green Curry or a Spicy Red Curry
Garnishes
Chilled green papaya with cucumber and carrots tosses in a lime-​ginger dressing
Mixed radishes with carrots and cucumbers in a Singaporean-​style brine
Cilantro, mint, and thai basil herb salad
Toasted Rice, Crispy Garlic, or Crushed Peanuts
I went with the chilled rice noodles and steak laab with sweet corn and the green papaya coleslaw. I didn’t want to drown the flavors in any specific sauce so I got all three of them on the side so I could try them one at a time. My favorite of the sauces… the tamarind vinaigrette easily. The curries were good but I don’t think I like curry apparently. The steak laab was probably one of the best new things I had ever eaten and an easy recommendation for your first visit. My only suggestion was in addition to the chilled rice noodles I would love to see a hot noodle option added to the menu. Something like warm pad thai noodles or lo mein noodles would be the only thing to make my bowl better.
We loved ShopHouse at the first bite and will be the first in line when ShopHouse opens in Charlotte, NC.

Maybe 5 stars is a bit inflated — but I feel like I’ve discovered the winning combo at Shophouse.
Start with half noodles half salad — key for a vietnamese — Bun like experience.
I always get the meatballs and half and half of the green beans and one other veggie. Add green curry, pickled veggies AND cilantro! This is my jam for a quick lunch or dinner. So yummy and fresh — and the added veggies from the salad make it less of a calorie/​sodium bomb:)

The Asian chipotle. Great balanced Asian flavors and really tasty dressings. Their dressings are like the guacamole to chipotle! Would totally suggest their Shophouse bowl for that papaya slaw, perfectly made brown rice, and a combination of dressings! Sorry to keep comparing this to chipotle, but this is not good for LEFTOVERS– which is my favorite thing about chipotle!
Yah, you can make the argument that chipotle isn’t either, but everything is so effing soggy every time I have left overs of Shophouse. Whether it be an hour or a full day, my leftovers always becomes a thick clumpy noodle soup! Even with the dressing on the side, I just can’t even. I appreciate this place and concept a lot, but oh my… Either eat all of it or just throw it away. Worst next day lunch and drunchies, just don’t do it…

ShopHouse embraces the concept of «build-​your-​own» bowl; apparently this all the hype these days. Think chipotle, but with a Vietnamese and Thai twist. It’s actually owned by the same Chipotle guy.
Bowls come with either white/​brown rice, noodles, or salads and various meats of satay chicken, pork meatballs, beef, and lamb, one choice of toppings, and then top it off with other yummy fixings. This is a play off of the Vietnamese «bun thit nuong» etc.
Their portions are not very consistent here. One time my bowl was very full and another it was barely over half. A big plus– you can sample the sauces/​dressings and pick the one you like. Peanut sauce is also yummy, but on the heavier side. The staff is very patient, especially when you’re the only person ordering. I haven’t had anything I didn’t like, but be ware of random odd combos– probably best not to over do it and go cray with the ingredients.
My favorite combo that is hard to deviate from: noodles, half chicken+meatball, green beans, papaya slaw, crispy garlic, cilantro, and tamarind dressing.

In the working world we all need a quick go-​to lunch spot for the days where we DGAF about making lunch, and this is mine!
ShopHouse is quick, convenient, and yummy! $ 7.25 with tax for a chicken satay bowl? Alright… my wallet is IN.
Only downside is if you get here by 12:15pm, you’ll be in a line that touches the door. Hopefully you don’t need to rush back for work too soon!

Think Chipotle, Asian style[1].
Start with rice, noodles, or salad, pick a meat or tofu, toss in a veggie, and top it all with a sauce — does green curry or tamarind vinaigrette sound good to you? (I assure you, they’re pretty good.) Only issue I noticed was that the servers might be a little liberal with the sauce, so ask for it on the side if you’re worried about drowning your food.
Their spicy is a respectable spicy. My lips were burning a little.
Decent pricing, and they take credit.
[1] ShopHouse is owned by Chipotle.