The Press Box: Chi’Lantro

When you combine Mexican recipes with Korean ingredients, what do you get? In Austin, the answer is usually Chi'Lantro, a fast-casual restaurant with a menu that's equal parts Tex-Mex and K-pop. While best known for the kimchi fries (which one Austin Chronicle reviewer cheekily described as a “stoner masterpiece”), their menu also includes bulgogi tacos, Korean-style wings, and an updated take on bibimbap, all served via their brick-and-mortar location or the food truck that prowls the city streets. Read on to learn more about this fusion favorite:

“Of course Austin hasn't escaped the Korean taco craze. Order the double-layered corn tortillas filled with tender bulgogi (Korean marinated beef) or fries smothered in spicy kimchi and cheese.” — Serious Eats

“The Korean-Mexican hybrid is just what you want for late-night snacking.” — Huffington Post

“One would also be hard-pressed to find another fast casual restaurant so devoted to prep. Case in point is the K-Pops (6 for $7.50), carefully frenched where a Buffalo-style wing would work. Chi'Lantro luxuriates theirs in Gangnam sauce or honey butter…Even the pickles ($2 as a side) are made in-house.” — Austin Chronicle

“Chi’lantro, lays claim to inventing the Kimchi Fry—by accident. Owner Jae Kim used to sell plain fries, until he started experimenting with the loads of kimchi he had leftover at the end of the day. Instead of tossing it away, he started selling it like mad” — NBC News