EDITOR: Taco Rico has closed. Cross Post with Seoul Eats
Let’s be honest. When it comes to Mexican food Seoul is a wasteland of dried shriveled jalapenos. I had resigned myself to places that serve up burritos that look the part but taste bland or other restaurants that dazzle you with colorful sombreros and piñatas or fruity margaritas in a desperate attempt to distract you from the food. Well, that was then. Today I’m pleased to inform everyone that I’ve found the real deal when it comes to Mexican food in Seoul: Taco Rico.
Jong-Sun and Allen are the co-owners and lifelong friends behind Taco Rico. They’ve known each other since their middle-school days in Korea. Adulthood took them in separate directions. Allen spent years studying in Bogotá, Columbia. Meanwhile, Jong-Sun studied in France before securing a consulting position with a top Korean company. The two kept in touch over the years until an opportunity arose for them to reconnect. While Jong-Sun was on a business trip in California he flew down to visit Allen who eagerly played tour guide, showing his friend the vibrant folk art, stirring music and the distinctive food. Their affection for the food led to an epiphany: people back in Korea might enjoy this.
Authenticity is the foundation by which Taco Rico towers above the typical Mexican fare found in Seoul. The chef, Oscar Martinez, came to Seoul to cook at Taco Rico. Oscar specializes in the dishes of Northern Mexico and his ability to bring those flavors across the globe stems from a combination of ingenuity and foresight. For instance, since importing Mexican peppers would be a Sisyphean endeavor, they use Vietnamese peppers, which have the same spiciness. Plus, they make their own corn tortillas.
Their dedication to finding the right ingredients shows in the food. The team at Taco Rico keeps the menu simple and tasty. Tacos come in four varieties: chicken, pork, beef or guacamole. Burritos, a popular choice, can be had with chicken, pork or beef. Quesadillas and flautas round out the main dishes. Side items include nachos, chips with salsa or guacamole. Wash it all down with a Corona, Sol, or Negra Modelo.
For the vegetarians out there Oscar’s got your back. He’s been known to whip-up a veggie burrito. As a bonus, if order in Spanish, you will get a discount on your meal.
When it comes down to it, despite being the new kid on the block, Taco Rico covers the bases like an old pro. Be sure to give them a chance to hit a home run to satisfy your Mexican food cravings. You won’t be disappointed.
Taco Rico Gangnam: Go out Exit 8 of Gangnam station and make the first left at the GS25.Walk straight and follow the curve in the street and it will be on your left
02-558-4525
English Menu, English is spoken Spanish is spoken
Price Range: W4-15,000
The best Mexican food in the city with an authentic taste and flavor.
Mon-Sat 11-10
Sun 11-3
…………..Korean hagwon
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……………………… Gangnam exit 8
Minimap courtesy of slowmotion.
FYI….It’s now Exit 12 (since the opening of the ShinBudang line and the Gangnam subway exit reconfiguration).
This is the first Mexican place I’ve tried here so this might be unfair but I was very disappointed after reading the review.
I’m sorry to hear that Mich. It’s been over a year since I’ve been but it couldn’t have changed that much. I’ll have to swing back by soon.
Hello. =D First of all I just want to thank you for posting a blog like this-I’m in Seoul for a short time and I appreciate looking at all the places that I can visit.As a Mexican-American who misses her daily dose of Mexican food does anyone know if the prices have gone down a bit?I would really like to visit this place. I miss eating authentic Mexican food and although I enjoy Korean food I would like to at least once eat authentic Mexican food. Thank you so much! =)
You’re best bet is to go check them out! I haven’t been in ages.
I was a big fan before, but all the prices rose like crazy. 9,000 for a quesadilla that's not even that big.
The 2 taco + drink combo was also gone 🙁
Wow, I haven\’t been in awhile. I hope they reevaluate those prices. The food is fantastic, but the price point has to be reasonable.
Did they close down? I can't seem to get anyone to answer the phone, and last sunday I went for lunch and the place as closed.
They're closed for Renovations there should be a sign up
Al: I'm glad you guys enjoyed it! The place is small but the food more than makes up for that. I need to get myself over there myself.
I live right around the corner from this place and was really excited to try it out…It's a small place, but the food was pretty good. The corn tortillas definitely tasted homemade which was a nice change and their chips tasted like the ones back home not manufactured. I was ok with eating chips and then one taco, but my SO bought one…and then ended up buying another…great taste I have to say!
Woohoo! Tell me what you think! I recommend the flautas and salad and a chicken taco.
Finally going there tonight~ Yay!!