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RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK This western Seoul restaurant will bowl you over

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By Mark Boesch
  • Published KST
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The food at Cali in the Bowl / Courtesy of Shuttle Delivery

The food at Cali in the Bowl / Courtesy of Shuttle Delivery

Located on Yeonhui-ro, within walking distance to Hongik University, Ewha Womans University and Yonsei University, Cali in the Bowl is making tasty West Coast-inspired eats straight outta Cali.

Cali in the Bowl is less about the Golden State's surf and sun and more about bringing its vibrant, health-conscious ethos to the table, one bowl at a time. The menu is an ode to the bowl culture that's taken the world by storm, but with a twist that's uniquely its own. The terriyaki bowl and burrito bowl stand out not just as fan favorites but as a testament to Cali in the Bowl's commitment to fresh, vibrant and nutritious dining options.

The teriyaki bowl is a menu standout and the most popular item with patrons. It is served over a bed of white rice and comes with your choice of protein, including teriyaki chicken, pork, salmon or steak. The teriyaki chicken is succulent and savory — the tender, juicy chicken is coated with a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce and then topped with sesame seeds, chives and avocado, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. If you bring your appetite, it's available in medium or grande, or you can add a side salad and upgrade to the teriyaki plate.

The burrito bowl packs all the vibrant and hearty ingredients of a traditional burrito — like rice, pinto beans, vegetables, protein, Sriracha, sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole — but without the tortilla. The bowl is served over rice with your choice of chicken, pork, steak or chili. The irresistible tastiness comes from the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, blending spicy, savory and fresh elements in every bite.

True to its target demographic, every dish at Cali in the Bowl offers student-friendly pricing and delivers what it promises — a slice of California served up with simplicity and sincerity. So whether you're a homesick expat longing for a taste of the West Coast, a foodie in search of your next favorite spot or just someone who appreciates a good meal that's served with a side of sunshine, Cali in the Bowl is worth the visit.

Cali in the Bowl is open for lunch service from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., then closes for an afternoon break and reopens for dinner service from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. They are closed every Tuesday. If you're in the greater Mapo or Seodaemun area, you can skip the queue, pay online and place pickup or delivery orders using the Shuttle app or shuttledelivery.co.kr.

Mark Boesch is co-founder and chief marketing officer of Shuttle Delivery.