Seoul of Taipei

Seen this truck for awhile but never got a chance to try it. Menu includes bowls, burritos, fries, etc. tried the pork belly bowl at $12.50 and was underwhelmed. The portion of pork belly was tiny at least the sauce was aright. The kimchi radish they had was too much. Rather would have had more green salad. Kinda weird that it has beans included.

I heard the fries are good. Maybe I'll try that next time. They ask if you want hot sauce. It's not free!

With so many food trucks canvassing the Bay Area these days, it's damn near impossible to try them all. Of course, once you get through all of the different ideas, concepts, and gimmicks, it all boils down to one thing - serving up good food! So, while Seoul of Taipei's fusion of Korean and Taiwanese dishes/flavors was what drew me to them, their delicious eats is what I keep coming back for!

Ever since the first time I checked them out over a year ago, I can honestly say I've stopped off to order my favorite dish from them just about every time I've seen them - Off The Grid events, Spark Social, and anywhere else in between. Granted, that's also because their menu isn't super extensive (rice bowls, burritos, and fries), but what they do offer is both interesting and awesome (more Taiwanese than Korean, but enticing nonetheless).

-- PORK BELLY RICE BOWL - Jasmine Rice Topped with Duroc Pork Belly, Taiwanese Five Spice Gravy, and a Fried Egg, served with a Spring Mix Salad with Asian Vinaigrette...$11
(https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/seoul-of-taipei-south-san-francisco?select=aUPuKY8KhJNefnGrs6Mj5A)
I've had some amazing stuff off of a food truck before, but this just might be the best! Not only was this delicious, but it was LEGIT. The pork belly was super tender and not overly fatty (or lean). What's more, it was complemented perfectly by the gravy and fried egg!

-- BEEF SHIRT RIB RICE BOWL - ...$12
(https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/seoul-of-taipei-south-san-francisco?select=Sk-A4AeE_pj0pyOq1Z0j7w)
Pretty solid, but not nearly as good as the pork belly. While the portion is just as generous, and the gravy just as good, the beef was a little uneven - mostly fine, but a few pieces were a bit dry. That said, if this was the best thing they had, I'd still be pretty happy!

Given how good their pork belly rice bowl is, I normally would've been inclined to try the burrito version as well. However, I have to admit that seeing "cilantro" gives me pause every time. Yes, I could always ask them to leave it out, but it's also tough knowing that it would require passing up on getting their pork belly rice bowl again! And really - how could I ever pass up on ordering something that good and DELICIOUS?

Maybe I had too high of an expectation? Never tried Korean and Taiwanese fusion food, so being Taiwanese I was interested to try what they offered. I came here to this food truck at Off the Grid at Civic Center after an event at city hall.

I ordered the Pork Belly Rice Bowl ($11). Eating the actual thing in Taiwan, this was a pretty strong effort for United States. Definitely love how tender the pork belly was and definitely appreciate the runny egg (+1), but not a big fan of the sauce. I felt as if it was not entirely authentic because it felt like it wasn't really "one" with the pork belly. The pork belly itself should be the sauce, especially the fatty parts, but it just tasted like fat.

This truck came to Off the Grid by my work and I was excited to try something new! I decided to get an order of the Taipei Fries as I love fries, gravy, and pork belly... and how could it not be good when they're all together mixed with cheese and a basil drizzle? Kind of like a Taiwanese version of poutine!

It smelled wonderful as I brought it back to my office and when I opened it, I was glad to see the portion size was pretty good as well. Pork belly was nice and tender, the 5 spice gravy was yummy, and the fries were nice and crispy. This was definitely a winner!

Caution: if you are offered hot sauce, it is not free and you will be charged 50 cents extra! I thought this was pretty deceptive.

However the food was exceptional. I got the half n half Seoul (beef) and Taipei (pork belly) fries and the mix of flavors and textures was savory, unctuous and crispy at the same time. The pork belly was so tender it was falling apart and there were hunks of fat that I couldn't distinguish from lumps of melty cheese.

It did need a bit of acid though I didn't like the hot sauce (too watery and vinegary). In contrast, Bobcha truck, which I love, has 2 thick and flavorful hot sauces that are both free. On this account, downgrading to 4 stars.

Seoul of Taipei is an asian fusion food truck that has a super good short rib burrito.

Andddd that's really all I know about it because every time I pay a visit to this food truck wanting to try something new, I somehow get drawn back to the short rib burrito. There's just something about the combination of their house made slaw, spiced crema, fried shallot infused rice, and braised meyer short rib with grandma's gravy that makes that burrito amazingly delicious. The burrito isn't messy and seems pretty simple altogether. The pickled flavor of the slaw and it's crunchy texture work wonders in adding a nice zing to the burrito. The meat is braised and marinated well for a good amount of savoriness. I just really enjoy their short rib burrito and would highly recommend it!

Man oh man, I am hooked on this yummy food truck. I love that I work in an area where I can try something this delicious on such a regular basis. San Francisco is so fantastic!

I have only tried the Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl and it is probably what I will order every time I go here. It is just THAT good. It comes with a nice side salad that is crisp and refreshing. Then there is the main star: the spicy chicken. I typically like my food a little spicier, but the chili flavor itself was delicious. It also comes with the perfect amount of rice, so that you aren't left with so much leftover rice and a perfect egg to top it all off. What more can you ask for?

Over the past 5 years, fusion food trucks have become the norm rather than a novelty. It seems a bunch of vendors are now slinging Asian-flavored proteins in tacos, burritos, sandwiches and over fries. Thankfully, this truck is a treat even for the jaded. Their half-n-half fries are an enormous and delicious indulgence. Their tacos are decent too, but if you're only having one item then opt for the fries.

Pork Belly Taco: My favorite taco of the three. Super tender pork belly with melt away fat. A few bits of crispy skin for texture's sake. The pickled daikon really helps offset the richness.

Beef Short Rib Taco: Tasty, though not as good as when featured in the Seoul Fries with excessive gravy. More like the slow cooker short rib cut rather than the thin kalbi-style short ribs you grill up at Korean BBQ.

Spicy Chicken Taco: A bit underwhelming. The chicken wasn't fall apart tender, so it was probably grilled instead of stewed. The sauce also wasn't that special either.

Seoul Fries: The highlight of the meal! Kinda like a Korean/Taiwanese Poutine. Such a rich and flavorful gravy with a very generous amount of tender short rib. And wow, so many fries that there were crispy uncovered fries in addition to the ones soaking up the gravy.

Taipei Fries: Similarly good like the Seoul Fries, except with pork belly chunks and a 5-spice gravy that reminded me of Japanese curry. The pork belly portion doesn't seem as ample as the short rib portion, but still a solid amount.

4 words: Pork Belly Rice Bowl

I'm Taiwanese and my favorite Taiwanese dish is pork belly rice and I approve of their version!

The pork belly is marinated tastefully and has just the right texture: not too soft or not too firm. The right amount of gravy is poured over the rice so it doesn't smother the rice. Usually the dish comes with hard boiled tea egg but this comes with an over-easy egg. I love runny egg over rice. I can't stop eating it!

When I go to Off the Grid, this is my go-to dish and go-to food truck! I've had them before at Off the Grid in Serramonte Daly City and The Presidio. Can't wait to eat them soon!

After pursuing the various vendors at the SoMA StrEat food truck park (and trust me there were plenty of delicious options), I (and my stomach) made the decision and headed over to the Soeul of Taipei to try a couple of their street tacos.

Although the first dish of many that evening - it was the most memorable and flavorful two bite dish I had.

The employees running the truck were very pleasant, I never felt rushed in placing an order and my food was quickly prepared and handed to me through the pass through.

I ended up ordering two street tacos - but the words "Street" does not do these taco's justice as I am not sure one would commonly see street tacos containing pulled short ribs and pork belly. Moist, salty and delicious, each taco had the right meat to toppings to tortilla ratio. My only complaint was I wish it was bigger. It was definitely the type of dish that leaves you wanting more.

I loved that this was what I considered a "high tech" truck in that it had a video board - great to be able to remove "86ed" foods and add new dishes at a moments notice. A customer did mention (i.e. complain) that the menu was not the "traditional" wipe/chalk board but I liked it.

I am sure Seoul of Taipai also frequents other locations in the San Francisco area and if you happen to come across this Mexican fusion food truck - make sure you stop and try some of the delicious and flavorful dishes. You will not be disappointed.