Seattle Eats with Tan Vinh

Seattle is a haven for coffee fans. And the price of that fandom just got a whole lot more expensive. Seattle Times food critic Tan Vinh speaks with Seattle Times Business reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton to find out why jitter juice prices are skyrocketing. But don’t fret, they also share some good-cheap coffee spots and tips for navigating the high priced bean juice landscape.   Read more about rising coffee prices in The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/business/seattle-a-coffee-haven-is-watching-java-prices-spike-why/  Recommendations in this episode: The Seattle Grind, Seattle Center Herkimer Coffee, Capitol Hill, SLU, and U-District Espresso Vivace, Capitol Hill Push/Pull, Central District Stella Deli and Market, Lower Queen Anne Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While Seattle food lovers flock to Richmond, BC, Bellevue is steadily becoming home to some of the Pacific Northwest’s most diverse and authentic Chinese food. The dishes you’ll find there tell the story of a community cooking for itself, not just the tourists. From braised goose to smoked tea duck, Tan highlights the regional specialties worth crossing the 520 bridge for. Read more of Tan’s reporting on the Bellevue food scene here: How Bellevue became an international hub for Chinese food | The Seattle Times  And here: Bellevue’s best Chinese restaurants: 10 picks from our food team | The Seattle Times  Recommendations in this episode: Mr. Huang Claypot Braised Chicken Master Bing Nuodle Shaoshan Impression  Little Garden Restaurant  Dan Gui Sichuan Cuisine Looking for Chai See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From hot pot to dim sum to made-to-order crepes, T&T Supermarket is a treasure trove of delicious food. Seattle Times food writer, Tan Vinh, tried 300 items and shares his favorites with KUOW producer Brandi Fullwood. Read more about T&T Supermarket in The Seattle Times: T&T Supermarket: 12 best things to eat from the Asian grocery chain  How T&T’s Bellevue food court became our writer’s office for a year  More stories about T&T Supermarket Recommendations in this episode: Mango anything (seriously) Portuguese Custard Tarts Taiwanese sticky rice rolls Peking Duck Kits Fried Fish Skins Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Seattle is a big coffee town. It's also known for its literary scene. So it's only natural that reading and coffee go hand-in-hand. Seattle Times arts and economy reporter Margo Vansynghel joins Tan to share her favorite cozy coffee shops to grab a warm beverage and read a good book.  Read more about cozy coffee shops in The Seattle Times:  https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/books/6-cozy-seattle-coffeeshops-that-are-great-for-reading/  Recommendations in this episode: Open Form Espresso Vivace C&P Coffee Company Yeobo Cafe and Bar KUOW Book Club Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 When it comes to writing about Tacoma’s bar scene, Seattle Times food and drink writer, Tan Vinh almost ran out of ink. From kitschy tiki bars to serious cocktails, there is plenty to drink and even better food to wash it all down with. Kristine Sherred, a food reporter at The Tacoma News Tribune, joins Tan for a bar hopping chat about her neck of the woods. Read all ten of Tan’s picks and more on the Tacoma food scene at The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/10-great-tacoma-bars-that-our-drinks-writer-loves/  https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/3-great-tacoma-spots-to-try-in-a-city-of-restaurant-possibilities/  Recommendations in this episode: Proof Field Bar + Bottle Parky’s Pizza Bar Da Tiki Hut Bonus from Kristine: Cider & Cedar Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stadium food can be a letdown. Many sports games and concerts are accompanied by soggy chicken fingers or cold burgers — at a premium price, of course. But the Seattle Seahawks and Lumen Field are making a big play for dining. They want 12s to see the stadium as a destination for dinner as well as a show.  Tan and KUOW producer Brandi Fullwood sample new menu items on offer during the Hawks season and pick the three best items to eat at a game.  Read more of Tan’s takes about stadium food in The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/best-food-at-seahawks-games-new-dishes-land-at-lumen-field-in-2025/  Recommendations in this episode: King’s Hawaiian BBQ — Rib Sandwich platter (serves 2-4 people) $48.99  Sections 120, 131, 305, 335 Big Walt’s Kitchen — Flaming Hot Cheetos Chicken Tenders $17.49 Sections 126, 214, 230 ChungChun — Game Day Rice Hot Dog with Squid Ink and Spicy Half & Half Rice Hot Dog $12.99 - $13.99 Section 323 Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle Times food writers discuss a hot food neighborhood in South Seattle. From a very hyped pizza to neighborhood staple ban xeo you’ll learn how to order like a local …and a very meticulous food writer. Read more about the Othello neighborhood eats in The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/is-seattles-hottest-ak-pizza-worth-the-hype-and-more-good-food-in-othello/  Recommendations in this episode: A.K. Pizza Nissi Banh Sma5h Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From fancy street food to, yes, even more pizza – Seattle Times food critic Tan Vinh highlights the most anticipated restaurants of 2026 with two-time Emmy-winning journalist, filmmaker Thanh Tân. Plus, he gives tips on how to navigate the never-ending list of new restaurants from the best ones. Read more about the top picks so far for 2026 in The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/20-seattle-area-restaurants-and-bars-were-most-excited-about-in-2026/  Check out Second Wave with Thanh Tân’s episode on Pho: https://www.kuow.org/stories/pho-second-wave  Recommendations in this episode: Roma Roma, Capitol Hill Tacos Cometa, Capitol Hill Ilmu, Bothell Baiana, Pike Place Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible: Become a member today at kuow.org/donate/seattleeatsnotesSubscribe today at seattletimes.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pizza, bagels, best date night spots and the unwritten rules of hot pot etiquette. Culinary luminaries J Kenji López-Alt and Rachel Belle covered a wide range of topics with Tan at Seattle Eats live event at Town Hall Seattle on November 10, 2025.  Recommendations in this episode: Favorite bagel spot Hey Bagel - University Village Backyard bagel - Fremont Mt. Bagel - Madison Valley Favorite sandwich Post Alley Pizza - Pike Place Market - try the hoagie with side of hoagie jazz  Fortuna - Greenwood - mortadella sandwich Tivoli - Fremont - mortadella sandwich Favorite pizza: Lupo - Fremont The Independent - Madison Park my friend derek’s - Tangletown AK Pizza - Othello  Ben’s Bread - Phinney Ridge Windy City Pie - Phinney Ridge  Sunny Hill - Ballard  Best date night spot: The Tin Hat (Taco Tuesday) - Phinney Ridge Hattie’s Hat - Ballard Sushi Kappo Tamura - Eastlake Serafina - Eastlake Canlis - Queen Anne Favorite third place Open Form - Capitol Hill Olympia Pizza III - Capitol Hill Metropolitan Grill - Downtown Seattle   Empire Roosters and Records - Columbia City Standard Brewing - Central District Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible: Become a member today at kuow.org/donate/seattleeatsnotes Subscribe today at seattletimes.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our town was made for soup. The sooty dusks of December. The dampness of March. We dive into caldrons of smoking pho and ramen. So, why not udon? On today’s episode, Tan ventures out to find some of the best udon in Seattle. He visits Azuki in Madison Valley to learn about how Chef Ryuji Miyata makes his noodles by hand. Later, Tan recommends some more casual and budget-friendly udon places. Read more about Tan’s udon picks. Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible: Become a member today at kuow.org/donate/seattleeatsnotes Subscribe today at seattletimes.com Recommendations in this episode: Azuki, Madison Valley Marugame Udon, Tukwila U:Don, University District and Capitol Hill Onibaba, Chinatown International District See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s that time of year! Seattle Times food critic Tan Vinh is back with the best Costco wines you will want to buy for holiday dinner parties… or last minute gifts. Plus, Tan has pairings to go with the top three wines! Seattle Times politics reporter (and former French sous chef) David Gutman, joins Tan for an early morning wine tasting and review.   Read more about the top rated Costco wines of 2025 in The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/costco-wine-best-cheapest-bottles-rated-by-our-holiday-sommeliers/  Recommendations in this episode: NV Prosecco Rosé + Roy Thai, Phinney Ridge 2023 Gigondas + Meat Moot (take out!), SLU 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino + Stevie’s Famous Pizza Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Support the show at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another round of closures hits the Seattle food scene. But when one door closes, the employees buy it to save it?? Seattle Times restaurant critic Tan Vinh shares his latest closing and three new spots that have the restaurant industry buzzing. Read more about the latest restaurant openings and closings in The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/22-new-seattle-restaurant-openings-for-november-2025/  https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/22-recent-seattle-restaurant-closures-including-a-few-big-names/  Recommendations in this episode: Carmine’s on Fifth, Downtown Meat Moot, South Lake Union Kingfisher, Bainbridge Island   Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades Seattle fine dining has been synonymous with Canlis. But things have changed since 1950 when Canlis first hit the scene creating dishes that highlighted Pacific Northwest cuisine. Seattle Times food critics weigh in on their controversial review of a beloved special occasion spot as Canlis rings in its 75th anniversary on December 11th this year. Plus, they tell you where they’re seeing Seattle better celebrated on the plate. Read the Canlis review in The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/review-why-our-critic-no-longer-recommends-seattles-famous-canlis/  Recommendations in this episode: Tomo, White Center Houlme, Orcas Island La Marea, Ballard Ramie, Capitol Hill Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holiday season is a great time to hit happy hour with co-workers, friends or out-of-town visitors. But where should you go? Tan and friends of Seattle Eats share their favorite happy hour spots.  Happy Hour recommendations:  Lupe Situ Tacos (Ballard, all day Mondays) – Bethany Jean Clement Vindictive Wings (Belltown, 99c Wing Wednesdays) — Jackie Varriano Rumba (Capitol Hill) – Adam Weintraub Oyster Happy Hour at The Garrison (Ballard) Half Shell (Pike Place) Taylor’s Shellfish and  Kokkaku (Wallingford) –Rachel Belle  Tamari Bar –  (Capitol Hill) Trevor Lenzmeier  Donna’s (Capitol Hill, every day from 4-6PM and 10PM-12am) –Brandi Fullwood  Rockcreek (Fremont and Kirkland) –Tan Vinh    Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an excerpt from Tan’s conversation with J Kenji Lopez-Alt and Rachel Belle about their Thanksgiving meal preparation tips. But mostly it’s about green bean casserole.This was recorded at a Seattle Eats live event at Town Hall Seattle on Nov 10, 2025. References from this episode: The recipe for Tan’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish, green bean casserole. In Memory of Dorkus Reilly inventor of the green bean casserole Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year it seems like there’s a new way to make the dry, beige Thanksgiving turkey taste…better. Deep fried, spatchcocking, herb butters. But what about a Seattle way? Seattle Times food writer, Tan Vinh, sits down with Taichi Kitamura, chef and co-owner of Sushi Kappo Tamura to talk about his teriyaki turkey twist. Plus, this recipe revolutionary comes with sides! Read more about teriyaki turkey (and grab a special bonus recipe) in The Seattle Times here. Recommendations for sides: Steamy, hot rice Kenji Lopez-Alt’s roasted potatoes Green bean salad with sesame Peach cobbler Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The food scene in Phinney Ridge is popping off. There are long lines for pizza, shrimp sandwiches and Italian delis. The biggest challenge is finding a place to park. Seattle Times food writers, Tan Vinh and Jackie Varriano, highlight the neighborhood spots so good you won’t even care about driving around the block five times to find parking. Read more about this hot food neighborhoods in The Seattle Times. Recommendations in this episode: Ben’s Bread (particularly pizza night) Grillbird/Salad Party Fortuna Roy Thai Sweet Bakery BONUS! Steve's Famous Pizza is coming to Phinney Ridge: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/stevies-famous-will-open-third-pizzeria-in-this-seattle-neighborhood/  Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fine dining spots are nixing their prix fixe menus in favor of a more casual model. Seattle Times food writer, Tan Vinh, talks with producer Brandi Fullwood about why these changes are helping keep doors open. Plus, Tan shares why change is good for customer’s wallets and appetites. Read more about changes in high end dining in The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/in-seattle-prix-fixe-menus-are-out-lower-price-points-are-en-vogue/  Recommendations in this episode: Bateau, Capital Hill Tomo, White Center Off Alley, Columbia City Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle is a haven for coffee fans. And the price of that fandom just got a whole lot more expensive. Seattle Times food critic Tan Vinh speaks with Seattle Times Business reporter Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton to find out why jitter juice prices are skyrocketing. But don’t fret, they also share some good-cheap coffee spots and tips for navigating the high priced bean juice landscape.   Read more about rising coffee prices in The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/business/seattle-a-coffee-haven-is-watching-java-prices-spike-why/  Recommendations in this episode: The Seattle Grind, Seattle Center Herkimer Coffee, Capitol Hill, SLU, and U-District Espresso Vivace, Capitol Hill Push/Pull, Central District Stella Deli and Market, Lower Queen Anne Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If it seems like the best bites around town are gourmet twists on fast food classics, well, you’re onto something. Seattle Times writers Tan Vinh and David Gutman share their latest food finds from around Seattle– including what Gutman calls the best cheap breakfast sandwich in the city. Tan shares his pick for the best nachos in the entire Pacific Northwest.  Recommendations in this episode: Ken’s Market, Greenwood for $3.99 breakfast sandwich  Grillbird, Phinney Ridge for a shrimp forward fast food twist Due Cucina, Capitol Hill for fast casual pasta Ben’s Bread, Phinney Ridge for chef-y cheese crackers Friendship BBQ, Haller Lake for tiny, juicy lambs skewers Delille Cellars, Woodinville for glistening, bougie nachos with carnitas Seattle Eats is a production of The Seattle Times and KUOW, part of the NPR Network. You can support Seattle Eats by investing in the local newsrooms and the specialized beats that make this sort of storytelling possible. Please consider joining and subscribing at kuow.org/eats and seattletimes.com.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.