The Dudes of Food

Restaurante Coreano (maybe called Don Doeji)

Calle Londres 240, Zona Rosa, 06600

Mon-Sat 10:30-22:00 

Shoving noodles down his throat, barely breathing, he asks, “What’s this place called again?”

I realize I have no idea. The name out front is in Korean. Luckily, the sign has a distinctive beaming pig, so it’s easy to spot!

El Cerdo (a temporary name we have chosen for the joint) only has 6 tables, all of which look into a semi-open kitchen. Although the scene is simple, the family-style beige dining room feels clean and slightly formal.

Momma runs the kitchen and slowly (if you’re in a rush, El Cerdo may not be the place for you) dishes out flavorful and light homemade food. The front of the house, who hovers between the kitchen and the tables, speaks Spanish and smiles as much as the pig on the sign.   

Koreans have been in Mexico for a long time. The first documented immigrants came in the early 19^th century to work on Yucatecan Agave plantations. A more recent wave of immigrants, however, has brought some Seoul to Mexico City. Oddly enough, many new restaurants and shops have popped up in DF’s gayghborhood, Zona Rosa (ZR).

At El Cerdo (also Donald Trump’s nickname in Mexico), before you order you are served Pan-Chan. Almost every Korean meal begins with Pan-Chan, an assortment of little dishes that range from potato salad and spinach to pickled radishes and fishcakes. You never know what random mix of veggies, tofu and seafood products you will get, though it will certainly include the country’s national dish, spicy fermented cabbage kimchi. Pan-Chan is not only free and delicious, but you can have as much as you want! It’s like bottomless appetizers!

Make sure to order the BibimGuksu, sweet and spicy wheat flour noodles (somyeon) served cold.  Loaded with crunchy veggies (I spy carrots, bean sprouts, lettuce, onions) and sprinkled with sesame oil and a vinegary red sauce, the combination is balanced, refreshing, and perfect for a hot day or a hot date. The 110 peso plate easily feeds two, so it’s perfect for that hot date.

Dude Tip: use the scissors to cut the noodles a few times. It makes eating less messy.

If you’re date is feeling hungry, we recommend throwing in an order of Jjin Mandu, steamed dumplings. We aren’t sure what is in them, but they are soft, nutty, and they melt in your mouth.

Mexico City (bye bye DF) is full of delicious Korean restaurants and The Dudes are on a mission to bring you our favorites. Stay tuned for updates and let us know if you have any suggestions!