La Calle’s Mexican seafood pop-up eatery brings fresh tacos and aguachile to Seoul’s historic Gwangjang Market
Pescaderia de la Calle, a pop-up eatery at Gwangjang Market in Seoul organized by La Calle, a popular street taco stand, offers a unique opportunity to experience the bold flavors of Mexican seafood in the heart of a historic Korean market for a limited time.
Until March 22, visitors can enjoy La Calle’s street-style tacos served in the vibrant atmosphere of Gwangjang Market, alongside other vendors serving iconic Korean dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) and yukhoe (beef tartare).
The pop-up stall introduces flavors that are hard to find in Seoul, especially fresh seafood offerings inspired by Mexico’s coastal markets.
Chef Jin Woo-bum, known for his appearances on Netflix’s “Culinary Class Wars” as the Korean Taco King, leads the kitchen. If you're lucky, you can find him making tacos at the stall in Gwangjang Market.
His main restaurant, Escondido, a fine-dining Mexican restaurant in Hannam, Seoul, received its first Michelin one-star rating this year.
According to Jin, the goal of Pescaderia de la Calle is to capture the essence of Mexico’s seaside markets, where fresh seafood is grilled and served on the spot. The menu offers a taste of authentic Mexican street food not found at La Calle’s regular locations.
The pop-up features a diverse selection of tacos, including shrimp al pastor (6,500 won or $4.46), battered fish tacos (5,500 won) and battered shrimp tacos (5,500 won), prepared with hand-ground corn tortillas and homemade salsa that stays true to traditional Mexican recipes. Customers can personalize their tacos with a variety of toppings, including cilantro, diced onions, pickled jalapenos, pickled onions and lime.
The battered fish taco features a thick, crispy fish fillet fried to order for a delightful crunch. The tortillas, made from freshly ground corn, deliver a savory corn flavor that elevates the entire dish.
For those looking for something more adventurous, the menu also offers aguachile (25,000 won), a classic Mexican ceviche variant. Aguachile differs from ceviche in its preparation. While ceviche marinates in lime juice for hours, aguachile is tossed in spicy chile water and served immediately. Here, there are two types of aguachile -- aguachile rojo and aguachile verde. The former, made with a variety of dried Mexican chiles, is served with octopus, clams, shrimp, mussels and a mix of spices and vegetables. The verde version, made with green chiles and avocado, is paired with flounder, clams and shrimp.
Both versions of aguachile are served atop crispy tostada chips for a satisfying crunch. It's a bold flavor that may be unfamiliar to some and might not appeal to everyone. A single-serve cup option (9,000 won) is available for those just looking for a small sample.
To complete the experience, try the Fisherman’s Water cocktail, made with Don Julio Blanco tequila, lime and a touch of chili powder. The crispness of the tequila and the spice from the chili help balance the richness of the tacos, making it a perfect pairing for any of the dishes.
While Gwangjang Market is known for its traditional Korean food, Pescaderia de la Calle offers an exciting contrast, inviting both local foodies and curious visitors to explore the authentic tastes of Mexican seafood. However, visitors should be prepared to stand while eating, as the popular stall draws crowds even on weekdays.
For those who miss the pop-up after March 22, the La Calle location in Seoul Central Market is a permanent spot to enjoy these authentic Mexican street tacos.
Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or just looking to try something new, Pescaderia de la Calle provides a refreshing twist on Mexico’s coastal cuisine in the heart of Seoul's bustling market scene.
yoohong@heraldcorp.com
