Market Lunch and Teaism in Washington, D.C.

By Anna Ing, a food aficionado

It has been a while since I wrote about food outside the Boston area. Not long ago, I visited one of my favorite destinations, the nation’s capital Washington D.C. Along with great attractions, museums and memorials, there is also some great food.

Whenever I go, crab cake is a must. A favorite of mine is at Market Lunch, right in Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market. There are long lines but it is worth it for simply good food. Over the weekend, you must try the blueberry bucks, aka blueberry buckwheat pancakes (full stack of three $6.25), with real maple syrup ($2.25).

Blueberry bucks

The crab cake ben ($12.95) is delicious, filled with all crab meat and next to little or no breadcrumbs.

Chipotle grits and the crab cake ben

We opted for a side of chipotle cheese grits, which made a nice contrast to the sweetness of the syrup and richness of the hollandaise sauce from the crab cake’s eggs Benedict. Don’t forget your wallet, as it is cash only for a no-frills dining experience. The simply delicious food makes it well worth the wait.

A local favorite is Teaism, which opened in 1996 and boasts four locations in the area. I can always get healthy, delicious, top quality and reasonably priced fare, along with a variety of great tea. It serves foods from Asia including Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Thai flavors, so there is something for everyone with a daily specials menu. Being self service allows Teaism to keep costs low without sacrificing quality.

Salmon teriyaki bento

I got the salmon teriyaki ($9.75) served cold in a pretty bento box with two scoops of rice topped with sesame seeds and nori, pickled radish, spinach and a cucumber salad.

Cucumber salad

My friend opted for the yellow curry with chicken ($10), which was studded with tons of vegetables and a scoop of brown rice.

Its jasmine tea infused crème brulee ($4.50) was gently creamy with lovely accents of jasmine flavor that made every bite wonderful.

Jasmine tea infused crème brulee

The next time you visit D.C., check these places out!

Market Lunch

Inside Eastern Market, 225 7th Street SE
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 547-8444
*Breakfast and lunch only

Teaism
Four locations around the D.C. area
https://teaism.com/

This post is also available in: Chinese