Purple Rice

The point of Purple Rice in the Lower Haight is the ability to customize Korean rice bowls, stews, and sizzling plates. Depending on what you order, you’ll get to choose between white or purple rice, spice level, and add-ons like fish or rice cakes. You’ll also get to decide whether your day requires a mini or large stone bowl of well-charred spicy pork or some other barbecued meat. This casual spot has a pretty straightforward menu of Korean mainstays you’ll see all around town. This includes a stellar soondubu, japchae, fried rice, and starters like the extra crispy fried chicken wings with a sweet and sour sticky sauce drizzle. Use this place for quick and filling lunches or dinners. 

Food Rundown

Veggie Soft Tofu Stew

This stew is hearty, flavor-packed, and the thing we get every time we’re here. They let you add on different meats, dumplings, and rice or fish cakes.

photo credit: Melissa Zink

Chicken Wings

Despite being deep-fried, these wings are surprisingly light and crackling. Choose from soy garlic or a sweet and tangy chili sauce that sort of tastes like it came from a bottle. You won’t mind.

Spicy Pork

Purple Rice’s rendition could use more depth of flavor, but we’re not complaining. The big chunks of sizzling meat have beautiful charred ends. Crunchy and flavorful all at once.