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| Food at Coreanos, a Mexican restaurant in central Seoul's Itaewon / Courtesy of Coreanos |
By Pinnacle TheHustler
Seoul's vibrant culinary scene continues to amaze locals and visitors alike, with various international cuisines leaving their mark. Among the array of options available, Mexican food has carved a special place in the hearts of many in the multicultural neighborhood of Itaewon. While most restaurants in the area cater to local tastes, offering their own twists on Mexican dishes, a handful of establishments proudly serve up authentic Mexican cuisine based on traditional recipes.
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| The exterior of Taco Amigo in its new location in Itaewon's Gyeongnidan-gil / Courtesy of Taco Amigo |
Taco Amigo: An Itaewon taste of Mexico
Owned by Wayne Bessant, Taco Amigo is a prominent name in Itaewon, reflecting the growing popularity of Mexican cuisine in the area. Originally opened way back in 2005, it reopened recently in Gyeongnidan-gil, after moving from its previous spot near Itaewon Station.
Wayne acknowledges that many restaurants have adapted their menus to cater to local preferences, creating a fusion of flavors that may not necessarily be authentic but are still pleasing to the palate. This restaurant boasts an enticing selection of Mexican-inspired dishes, such as tacos, burritos and quesadillas, which have won over the hearts of many customers.
While Taco Amigo's offerings may not be entirely traditional, they manage to deliver an enticing culinary experience, perfect for those open to exploring the creative adaptations of Mexican flavors. Whether you're a fan of spicy or mild, Taco Amigo offers a diverse range of dishes to satisfy your cravings.
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| Food at Taco Amigo / Courtesy of Taco Amigo |
Vatos Urban Tacos: A fusion of Mexican authenticity and Korean vibes
At Vatos, the melding of Mexican authenticity with Korean influences creates a unique and exciting dining adventure. Dan Cho, the chief operating officer (COO) of Vatos, shed light on what makes this restaurant so special.
Vatos takes pride in offering a representation of Mexican food that embraces the vibrancy of Korean culture. Their menu is an innovative fusion, offering delightful surprises for adventurous foodies. From the famous Kimchi Carnitas Fries to the savory Galbi Short Rib Tacos, each dish showcases the harmonious blending of Mexican and Korean culinary traditions.
While Vatos may not adhere strictly to traditional Mexican recipes, it is undeniably an exceptional dining destination for those seeking a unique and enjoyable gastronomic experience. The restaurant's lively ambiance and eclectic decor complement the exciting flavors, making Vatos a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
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| Drinks at Vatos Urban Tacos in central Seoul's Itaewon / Courtesy of Vatos Urban Tacos |
Crispy Pork Town: An authentic Mexican culinary journey
A true testament to a restaurant's authenticity is when people who hail from the food's country or region of origin vouch for the legitimacy of the establishment's culinary provisions. Eugene Seok, an Itaewon entrepreneur that was raised in Guatemala, a Spanish-speaking country that is inundated with Spanish cuisine, has high recommendations for Crispy Pork Town. As he states, "it sets itself apart by offering genuine Mexican cuisine in the midst of other so-called Mexican restaurants."
Unlike the Tex-Mex variety often found in many eateries, Crispy Pork Town focuses on serving authentic Mexican tacos and other traditional delicacies. The restaurant's commitment to staying true to Mexican culinary techniques and flavors has earned it a dedicated following of patrons who feel like they've been transported to the streets of Mexico.
For Eugene, it's not just about the food but also the cultural experience. Crispy Pork Town aims to make its guests feel at home, surrounded by the warmth and familiarity of Mexican hospitality.
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| The exterior of Crispy Pork Town in central Seoul's Itaewon / Courtesy of Crispy Pork Town |
BistroMEXI: A combination of flavors with Mexico infused in every bite
Founded by MYK INC., the visionary minds behind the successful Prost Pub & Grill and Glam Lounge, bistroMEXI made its grand entrance into the Itaewon culinary scene last October. This dynamic eatery was conceptualized to enrich the already diverse array of dining options in the neighborhood. Since its inception, bistroMEXI has been a hub of cultural fusion, blending the warmth of Mexican hospitality with the charm of Itaewon's bustling streets.
The interior of bistroMEXI is an enchanting blend of emerald and red, evoking the serene beauty of the Caribbean Sea. Through its expansive window walls, diners can take in the energetic rhythm of Itaewon's main street. A unique feature is the 10-meter-long media wall brandishing world-leading NFT art, adding a modern artistic flair to the dining experience.
At the helm of bistroMEXI's kitchen is Mexican sous-chef Alex Perez, whose culinary expertise infuses every dish with authentic Mexican flavors. The menu boasts an array of delectable tacos, signature cocktails and high-quality mocktails. Notably, bistroMEXI offers a rare opportunity for guests to enjoy shots and samplers of premium tequilas, a treat typically reserved for bottle purchases in other venues.
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| BistroMEXI in central Seoul/s Itaewon / Courtesy of BistroMEXI |
Coreanos: A Mexican fusion pioneer
The origins of Coreanos Kitchen trace back to a food truck in Austin, Texas, in 2010, with Gene Cho and James Kwon leading the charge. In 2013, Coreanos Kitchen made its mark in Itaewon's Apgujeong Rodeo, and within a year, a second location was established in Itaewon.
What sets Coreanos apart is its unwavering commitment to innovation while staying true to LA-Tex Mex cuisine. The establishment seamlessly blends its original food truck offerings, such as the Three Wise Fries and OG burrito, with creative "skizzle" fajita menus and platters that have captivated the taste buds of patrons.
According to Coreanos manager Grace Lee, the Mexican food industry in Itaewon is thriving and remarkable. She pointed out that Itaewon has always been a haven for international comfort food, and Mexican cuisine has always been at the forefront. From authentic street-style tacos to fusion creations like birria, the options are as diverse as the district itself.
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| The exterior of Coreanos Kitchen in central Seoul's Itaewon / Courtesy of Coreanos Kitchen |
Pinnacle TheHustler is the owner of Itaewon hip-hop hookah bar Lit Lounge. He is a DJ, emcee and former radio host and recording artist. Visit @lit_itaewon on Instagram or planethustle.com for more information.
