In California, there’s a lot of talk about which eateries offer the best Korean fusion foods. With good reason, many argue that SoCal trumps their northern neighbors due to LA’s constant reinvention of diverse cultures and San Diego’s close proximity to the south border; however, those in San Francisco typically point out this comfort food eatery as a worthy top contender that can bring the conversation back to NorCal.
Featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, local favorite HRD Coffee Shop repackages Korean dishes with American and Mexican twists. And its prime location (only 3 blocks from AT&T Park) ensures that there is always a line out the door.
Korean Loco Moco with Spam
While a spicy pork kimchi burrito might not seem the most inventive of Korean fusion dishes, HRD’s marinade for the pork includes kiwis, which give each bite a hint of sweetness. Meanwhile, the Korean Loco Moco is kimchi fried rice with a hamburger patty and two sunny-side eggs all topped with a curry gravy. For even more delicious indulgence, get your Loco Moco with spam!
Portions are huge and cheap with nearly every dish on HRD’s menu under $8!
HRD Coffee Shop
521 3rd St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 543-2355 www.hrdcoffeeshop.com
Check out HRD on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives below!
Korean Food USA is a series that showcases Korean and Korean-inspired eateries all around the nation.
Seattle is no stranger to Korean fusion eateries, with Revel and Marination Mobile racking up rave reviews amongst locals and tourists alike. Joining the Asian fusion scene is Cha:n, a brand new restaurant that opened on May 1st in Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market. At the helm of operations is Heong Soon Park, who decided to dedicate the lower level of his Italian restaurant, Bacco, to experiment with Cha:n.
Cha:n, which means “all the food except for the rice,” is an intimate 38-seat space open for dinner from Tuesday through Sunday. Its menu, split between traditional and modern dishes, is composed of small plates each ringing in at $14 or less. Those opting for a more traditional flare can find bibimbap, kimchi pancake (jeon), and spicy kimchi pork belly (samgyeopsal) on the menu, while the adventurous types can try bulgogi beef sliders, kimchi bacon paella, and kimchi hangover soup with pork belly. The dessert menu also swings towards more ethnic flavors with rice beer sorbet and honey glazed sweet potato gracing the menu.
Spicy kimchi pork belly on poached tofu
Kimchi hangover soup with pork belly
Kimchi bacon paella with cheese gratin
For those seeking a new wist on traditional Korean fare, Cha:n Seattle is the place to try!
Cha:n Seattle
86 Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98101
(Located in the courtyard of Inn at the Market) www.chanseattle.com
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