I’ve never tried the Kogi Korean taco truck in L.A. for myself, so I’m not touching the debate, but as you’ve probably heard, Seoul Station in the East Village started serving their own tacos. A bit of history… I was a big fan of Korean Temple Cuisine, which was in this space a couple years back. It was a nice “date spot” doing creative Korean cuisine, not the traditional stuff you get on 32nd Street. I was sad to see it go, but intrigued when Seoul Station opened in its place. I stopped in right away last year and thought it was pretty good. I’m not sure if I wrote about it though — my only complaint being that I prefer my bibimbap in a stone pot with the rice crispy on the bottom, and you can’t get that in a cardboard container. Since then I’ve noticed Seoul Station has had a hard time finding an audience, perhaps due to all the nearby Korean competition. Then I heard about the tacos and had to stop by. I suggest starting with one of the beef bulgogi tacos (above). It’s a little bit spicy, the tortillas are nice, and at $2 or $3/each (I forgot to check the price), you’re in for a treat.
Then try a spicy pork taco. With all the toppings, they may look the same as the beef, but that’s where the similarity ends. First, do not wear anything that stains easily because this thing is dripping with goodness. The flavor is bold, zesty, and addictive. I guarantee you can’t eat just one, and you might even become an addict like me. I’m planning my trip back for some time soon. I hope this place doesn’t get too popular because it’s tiny and seating could become a problem. But on the other hand, I want Seoul Station to stick around, so give it a try and let me know what you think.
They also have this 2% drink imported from Korea. It’s a little sweet for my taste, but Jenny Kim got all excited when she saw it for sale, since she’d had it in Korea last summer. It’s actually a nice balance to the spicy pork.
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I'm Justin Schwartz, a cookbook guy and occasional food writer, and this blog is about what I'm up to these days. I'm the author of Veg Out Vegetarian Guide to New York City and The Marshmallow Fluff Cookbook. You can email me at justin at justinschwartz.com. I'm also on Instagram.
A lot of the books I write about are ones I've edited, so my opinions are very biased. And if I didn't work on the book, someone probably gave it to me for free. So keep that in mind before you take my word for it. Sometimes I just like to give a shout-out to my friends. And oh yeah, my opinions have nothing to do with my employer...
I’ve never seen Korean Tacos before, your pictures are terrific and show how good they are …or would be if I had one!
bunny, they’re sort of like regular tacos, but the meat is marinated with korean flavors… very yummy.
Kogi is definitely a must try here in LA, if you can find them. But I’d love to try those tacos. It’s funny how we can turn anything in to taco. All you need it a tortilla.
Well, two words I'd never think to put together-Korean & Tacos-but, it looks like it works! I'm a taco lover of any kind and I think I may have to try making some of these (since I live nowhere in the vicinity of this particular taco cart, per se)!! Yum!
yeah, good point, Jenn… let’s put some goulash on a tortilla and call it a Hungarian taco
girlichef — it definitely works
Those look so very tasty! The last time I was in LA, I made a commitment to hunt down the Kogi BBQ Truck. Turns out, they don’t go out on Mondays and Tuesdays, and those were the only nights I was there. Suffice it to say, I was completely bummed. Here in Boston, we lack good Korean food severely (and being Korean, I find that unacceptable!). Thankfully, NY is not too far, and the next time I’m there, I am going to Korean Tacos for sure! Thanks, Justin!
Christina, oh man! If I went all the way to L.A. and the kogi truck wasn’t open, I’d have to “miss” my plane and stay another night.
Spicy tacos-just my kind of food!!Very interesting-were there any chicken tacos?
wow i haven’t even heard of korean tacos.. that sounds so cool.
Sweta: no chicken… I haven’t really seen chicken in Korean cooking, except for those fried chicken places.Pearl: thanks for commenting. they’re pretty good, trust me.
Justin, I love your blog. I’m coming to NYC later this week and I’ve picked up a bunch of places to try. We’re staying in the East Village so I’m going to check out Udon West for sure. And Korean is one of my all-time favourites!
thanks, Hilary. I have to admit that Udon West is sort of my “go-to” spot. I love it, but there’s an awful lot in the area you should try first. Setagaya is amazing. Ippudo is also amazing, but a bit pricey. Still, I’d put those two at the top of the East Village short-list.
I have never had Koren tacos, but I love tacos so I may just have to plan a visit to Seoul Station when I am in town.
thanks for visiting, Risa
I think I’m going to love this place!When my children were small I made Korean Nine Hole Dish for them. That worked. No reason that this shouldn’t either.
The Kogi truck is amazing!! next time you’re in LA you have to track it down and have some food! so yummy… but all of this looks fabulous too! I’m hungry!
mary, thanks for posting. what is Korean Nine Hole???
Gaby, thanks for visiting. yeah, next time I’m in L.A., I guess it will be a must-try.
Korean-style tacos sound interesting. Looks like they would be good.
I would love some of those spicy pork tacos…looks delicious!
pinkstripes: yes, definitely goodaggie: thanks again for visiting and commenting
Thanks for the tips – I’m looking into both those spots.
Hilary, thanks for commenting.
The tacos look great! But I really love the colors/packaging of the drink
hi, Olga. yeah, that drink looks cool.
What an interesting taco, never known that Korean got tacos. I would love to try it someday
Selba, thanks for visiting
those look so good! never heard of them before, but i love korean food!
very interesting! i’d definitely heard of the kogi truck, but not seoul station. my sis lives in nyc, so when i’m out there next time, i’ll definitely have to hit it up.
hi, jaime. thanks for commenting.happytummy — seoul station only started serving the tacos a couple of days ago… and it’s a tiny place, very easy to miss. it’s definitely not on most people’s radar screens.
I am leaving for nyc on friday. This will certainly be a stop. Two of my favorite cuisines paired together! Thanks for the recommendation.
nikki, have a great trip. remember, get the spicy pork tacos
love the design on 2%! also, korean tacos?? AMAZING!! thanks for stopping by my blog! yours is awesome!
Lyndsay, thanks so much for visiting and commenting!
oh my gosh Justin…those look crazy good. I love this. I know how simple this sounds, but geez those pics are amazing. Love the comment about spilling, yeah that would be. I’m the one that carries that little stick pen of Tide for all the spilling I do. Bad…
ha, dawn… i know, i always seem to get food on my shirt. it’s a special talent of mine.
has anyone tried the korean bbq tacos at dokebi in williamsburg?