Ever tried or heard of Ko-Mex cuisine?
Origins
Yes learned something new today piggies.
“Vatos” is a Mexican word which means dude in english and pare in our local vernacular.
The story goes that three Korean-American dudes conceptualized the restaurant out of their desire to share their love for both Korean and Mexican food in Korea!
Actually Kenny and Sid ( dude 1 & 2) hail from South California while dude #3 Juweon grew up in Texas.
All three love to gorge themselves on authentic Mexican food while out with friends and enjoyed home-cooked authentic Korean food lovingly prepared by their moms while chilling at home.
This love affair with two cuisines at opposite ends of the food spectrum sparked a light bulb moment and the rest is history… Think signature dishes like Kimchi Carnitas Fries, Galbi tacos and Spicy Chicken Quesadillas.
The outcome is an exciting and novel amalgamation of flavors celebrated by CNN Travel which named VATOS “the Hottest New Restaurant in Seoul”.
It was the beginning of recognition for their uniqueness with 10 magazine choosing Kimchi Carnitas Fries as the “best dish in Korea“.
No wonder celebrated Chefs Masaharu Morimoto and Eric Ripert were seen enjoying the food there.
Vatos in Korea also played host to high profile events such as a luncheon in honor of US Secretary of State John Kerry.
Vatos currently runs two restaurants outside Korea. One in Singapore and the other one here in BGC in Metro Manila which opened in February 2018
THE FOOD
Last Saturday, we enjoyed the following : 
Chorizo Kimchi Fried Rice P330
The quintessential Ko-Mex dish that is a must-try because it really works. Chorizo combined with Kimchi rice? Now why didnt I think of this before?
Taco Platter P600
Assorted Tacos of your choice. I would highly recommend this if it is your first time in the restaurant. It gives you a preview so to speak of how Vatos do their urban tacos Ko-Mex style. We had the baja fish, chimichurri chicken, chili lime shrimp, Korean pork belly and carne asada (if I remember correctly).
I loved that all tacos are hand-made from the premises and how fresh and crisp the vegetables were. My favorite among all 5 is the baja fish followed by the chili lime shrimp. The fish was crispy on the outside and so flaky inside… yum!
The Sid Burger & Fries P420
Think all-beef patty topped with bbq pulled pork carnitas, grilled jalapenos, apple coleslaw, sweet pickled red onions, Mexican cheese, crushed black pepper and chipotle relish.
That beef patty was so juicy and meaty versus the crispy and sweet y.pork carnitas. The grilled jalapenos gave the dish a smokey flavor in addition to a little kick that hits the spot. The apple coleslaw provided a vibrant and fresh note cutting thru the richness of the proteins and so did the pickled red onions with its hint of acidity.
What is a burger without the cheese. The Mexican Cheese is an essential element which added a creamy texture and complex flavor. Crushed black pepper and chipotle relish for heat.
Now that is a perfectly balanced dish!
Honey Tequila Chicken Wings P490
Think fat and juicy wings coated in sweet and spicy honey tequila sauce, served with deep fried masa-battered jalapenos and blue cheese dipping sauce.
Bacon Jalapeno Brownie P180
Now this is a must-try dessert! Imagine chewy chocolatey brownie ala mode with jalapeno and candied walnuts. As if that is not enough, Vatos garnished the whole thing with chocolate chips, nutella sauce, dulce de leche and the piece de resistance… crispy bacon bits!
Overall…
Vatos surprises with every bite. Just when you think you get the Ko-Mex concept , another mouthful with a surprise flavor delights.
The combination of textures and taste notes are new yet familiar. You always wonder “now why didnt I think of that before?”
For foodies who love to explore new concepts, check out Vatos. Those tacos and Sid’s burger are a must try. Dont forget their Bacon Jalapeno Brownie 🙂
Can not wait to return with the piggery in tow.
VATOS URBAN TACOS is located at the Net Park building 5th avenue Bonifacio Global City Taguig