Korean-Mexican fusion

Korean–Mexican fusion is a type of fusion cuisine in the United States that combines traditional elements of American-style Mexican food and Korean food.[1] Typically, Mexican wrappings like tortillas and taco shells are filled with traditional Korean ingredients like kimchi. Typical dishes include Korean tacos and bulgogi burritos.[1] Korean–Mexican fusion is a growing food trend that has steadily gained in popularity since 2009.[2][3]

Background

Restaurants serving Korean tacos have existed in the United States at least since 1996.[4] However, Korean–Mexican fusion first gained widespread popularity in 2009,[5] after the first food truck serving Korean tacos, Kogi Korean BBQ, opened in Los Angeles in late 2008.[5][6] In the following years, food trucks serving Korean–Mexican fusion opened in several cities across the U.S., including San Francisco, Austin, Chicago, Portland, Seattle and Washington.[3][5]

Several restaurants serving Korean–Mexican fusion exist in Seoul, South Korea.[7][8]

The main difference between Korea and America is that Korea mainly has restaurants catering more toward a fine dining clientele, while street food trucks dominate in the US.[9]

Basic elements

Typically, the elements used from Mexican cuisine are tortillas, taco shells and other wrappings, while the fillings are Korean and include kimchi and bulgogi. However, sauce combinations, like a mix of sesame and chili in a salsa roja, also exist.[1]

Typical dishes

Typical dishes include Korean tacos, kimchi fries[10] and short rib tacos.[1]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Jennifer Steinhauer (2009-02-24). "For a New Generation, Kimchi Goes With Tacos". New York Times.
  2. ↑ "Whats4Eats".
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Jane & Michael Stern (2009-11-15). "In Search of American Food".
  4. ↑ S. Irene Virbila (1996-09-01). "New Kids on the Block". Los Angeles Times.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 John T. Edge. "The Tortilla Takes a Road Trip to Korea". New York Times.
  6. ↑ "Kogi BBQ website".
  7. ↑ "Restaurant Write Up: Vatos Urban Tacos in Itaewon". Retrieved November 11, 2013.
  8. ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S3yOuVNxHY
  9. ↑ Jyoung-ah Kim (February 28, 2012). "A Mexican Food Fiesta: Korea’s Top 10 Mexican Restaurants".
  10. ↑ "Chi'lantro BBQ: Fresh Fusion to Go". Yahoo Voices. February 16, 2011.