Cycle 14 – Item 188

11 (Thu) July 2024

Cali Chicken Rolled Tacos

2.5

at Vatos

-Itaewon, Yongsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea-

with W and IZ

My prior visit to this restaurant had been in the wake of Halloween disaster, when Itaewon in general was eerily quiet, would-be customers in no mood to have fun in the midst of tragedy.

Fortunately, business has picked up again, judging by tonight’s turnout at Vatos, still no queue but the tables appeared nearly full.

Taquito is a Mexican dish.  Literally a “small taco,” it consists of a small tortilla (corn or flour), rolled with a seasoned filling (e.g., chicken), deep-fried, topped with condiments (e.g., sour cream, chili sauce).  Also known as a “flauta.”  (In some parts of Mexico, “taquito” refers more generally to the small tacos sold at street carts.).

At Vatos, which recently added the dish to the menu, it’s called “rolled taco.”

It was okay.  Because of all the toppings, the tacos had to be eaten with a fork, breaking up the tortillas, ultimately becoming something like a deconstructed tostada.  The flavors were fine but unspectacular, especially with recent memories of authentic tacos in California fresh in mind (see generally 15.179 Chicken Tacos Regular).  Shan’t be ordering it again.

IZ had an afternoon “hangout” (can’t call it “playdate” anymore), with a friend who lives in Itaewon.  After picking him up, we had dinner at Vatos.

(See also GLOBAL FOOD GLOSSARY)

(See also RESTAURANTS IN KOREA)