Seen are tacos, left, and a burrito offered at Queens Blvd, a Southern California-style Mexican restaurant in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. Korea Times photo by Baek Byung-yeul

As Seoul rapidly globalizes, it's no longer difficult to find restaurants serving Mexican food beyond the streets of Itaewon or Hongdae, areas known for their large foreign populations.

Located in Gangnam District's Dogok-dong, Queens Blvd is a local restaurant offering a unique twist among the many Mexican eateries in Seoul — combining Mexican cuisine with a Southern California style.

Opened in 2017, this Southern California-style Mexican restaurant has gained popularity among local residents who have lived in the United States, particularly Southern California, and those seeking to try new Mexican flavors.

An Hee-jin, owner of the restaurant, revealed that he wanted to introduce Seoulites to the taste of burritos and tacos he experienced in Irvine, California, where he lived during his college years.

"As a college student, I often visited nearby burrito restaurants late at night while studying with friends. I wanted to share that tastes I experienced then with people in Seoul, which is why I opened this restaurant," An told The Korea Times.

An Hee-jin, owner of Mexican restaurant Queens Blvd, poses at his restaurant in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, Monday. Korea Times photo by Baek Byung-yeul

When asked about the characteristics of Southern California-style Mexican cuisine, he said the most significant feature is using potatoes instead of rice.

"Most (Mexican) restaurants in Korea include rice in their burritos in the traditional Mexican style. Our restaurant doesn't use rice but includes fried potatoes," he said. "When rice is added, it feels more like eating bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish, rather than savoring the meat inside the burrito. That's why we use fried potatoes."

He added many visitors thank him for recreating the burritos they ate while living in Southern California after trying Queens Blvd's burritos.

"Some people who prefer traditional Mexican-style burritos might say the taste is a bit different from what they know. However, many who have lived in California, especially in the southern region, say it tastes just like what they used to eat," he said.

The owner had been running a barbershop in Dogok-dong, where his eatery is located, even before opening this restaurant. He added that he wanted to show that "hip guys running a barbershop could also run a burrito eatery."

"Especially when people who studied in Irvine try our burritos and ask if I lived in that area, I feel a great sense of accomplishment in running this restaurant," he said.

An Hee-jin, owner of Mexican restaurant Queens Blvd, prepares a burrito at his restaurant in Seoul, Monday. Korea Times photo by Baek Byung-yeul

Queens Blvd makes its own spices, sauces and meats that go into the burritos, tacos and quesadillas, allowing customers to experience their originality.

When this reporter tasted the California Burrito, the restaurant's signature dish, the combination of fried potatoes, meat, vegetables and sauce blended exceptionally well, creating a rich flavor.

The restaurant's homemade special spicy sauce also stimulated the savory taste of those who enjoy Korean-style spiciness.

"Recently, I've noticed many restaurants selling burritos and tacos opening in Seoul. I wanted to introduce the food I ate when I lived in the U.S. to our customers, and I'm glad that they understand my intention and really enjoy it," he said.