Korean Job Discussion Forums

[matthews_world]

I'd kill for some real Mexican food.

I'm pretty close to Seoul and I hear Kangnam has some there.

What I'd really love are the refried beans, corn-husk-wrapped enchiladas, authentic burritos, and decent tacos. The more salsa the better.

I used to not really tolerate overly spicy food until I started eating Korean food.

Nowadays, bring on the picante sauce.

[Pootie]

Hell yeah, I've been craving mexican for the longest time, and I've only been here 2 weeks. I think we all took Taco Bell for granted...and that stuff is crap.

[Not Angry]

The best Mexican food I have had here is Apkujeong. The place is called Casa Maya. They make homeade salsa (green and red) which is pretty good. The food is kind of pricy but it is pretty good overall. Don't even bother getting the burritos. The tacos are very good but they are served Mexican style. (open faced and they are prepared Mexican style too, so if you don't like Mexican street food you won't like these!) Not the best Mexican food I have ever had but pretty good for Korea. The tortas there are pretty decent as well. And fairly reasonable. I didn't see tamales on the menu last time but who knows maybe if enough of us ask for them they will start making them.

The only other Mexican place that I know is in Itaewon. It is pretty awful and way overpriced though the Margaritas are not bad.

If anyone else knows of other good places let me know.


By the way I am going home this weekend and the first thing I will do is get a burrito and a torta from my local Mexican food stand. I'll be thinking of you all.

[The Lemon]

Went to Casa Maya three weeks ago. It used to be near Wae-dae (KUFS) but moved in 2001 to Apkujong (kind thanks to panthermodern for the directions and heads-up). Along with the move, they increased their prices to match the area (the lady bought the whole house - can't be cheap in that area), but it's possible for two people to have a decent dinner and drinks for under 50,000w.

The Mexican place in Itaewon is a waste of time, sad to say. Casa Maya's much better.

[Pootie]

someone once said sometime back that there is an excellent mexican buffet somewhere? Anyone know? also I heard there's a good place in some hotel, but have no clue about it's location. I can't read this thread, my mouth is watering...

[jajdude]

I've also heard there is a Mexican Restaurant in Hyehwa, which I live near and visit frequently. I'll try to find it and let you know in case no one else posts the info. Love that kind of grub meself.

[panthermodern]

Casa Maya has better lunch specials; 2 tacos and a drink plus a side salad for 10 000 won. Thus, lunch for two is only 20 000 won.


I really love the dressing for their house salad and their homemade salsa is awsome.

Worth it I say.

BTW: There is a book called "Seoul Food Finder" by Andrew and Jinny Salmon (The Porker's people)

It was 15 000 won and is 263 pages.

It was published by Cookland/Best Home Inc.
the can be reached at 02 2237 4861~2

It has maps, phone numbers and reviews of the best restaraunts in Seoul.
Infoprmation includes Langauge information, maps, dress, and subway
station information.

If your looking for a good restaurant guide it is worth the 15 000 won.

[Zyzyfer]

panthermodern: How does one get to Casa Maya? I'm planning to go in the very near future...

[panthermodern]

Casa Maya;

Tel: 545 0591
Address: 646-19 Sinsa Dong, Gangnam Gu

That enough for you?

Your welcome.

[matthews_world]

A foreigner could make a bundle opening an authentic Mexican restaurant here.

If you've got an F-2, go for it!

Next problem, Mexican products are in short supply here. Where do restaurants like Casa Maya go about their food.

I imagine they probably hand-make tortillas, etc. Seems labor-intensive

[dutchman]

[The Lemon]

Yes, they make it themselves with imported ingredients.

The woman who runs it lived in Mexico for many years and learned how to make "street food". So many good things on that menu...

[matthews_world]

Of course, you can find corn, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, jalapenios on vegetable trucks.

The cheese might be kinda pricy. Don't forget the Corona's and the tequilla for the margarita's. *Ouch*

It would be quite difficult to find avacadoes year-round, the special enchilada salsa they use, and tortillas, the beans they use for refried beans. I don't see too many limes around.

Oh yea, Korean's don't believe in using ice in drinks here. I love margaritas frozen or on the rocks!

[kangnamdragon]

I have been able to make my own tacos, but they get expensive, finding all the ingredients. (and it is hard to cook for one)

I think Casa Maya may be overrated, but I have only been there once. I grew up in Cali, so I really miss the food. I wish there were a way for us to go on a military base and get Taco Bell.

[gang ah jee]