Chompi con queso served inside La Casa del Mexicano at Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Dec. 23, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)
La Casa Del Mexicano, nestled in the Songtan Entertainment District near Osan Air Base, is as close to a Mexican eatery transplanted to South Korea as you can get.
The interior is warm and inviting, with a mix of traditional Mexican décor and an American influence. It’s a comfortable spot for a meal, whether you’re a local or stationed nearby.
Like its counterparts in America, this Mexican restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes. From quesadillas, burritos and tacos to more elaborate dishes like various styles of fajitas, tostadas, mole and much more.
For the main course, I tried the chompi con queso, a fajita-style dish served sizzling on a cast-iron plate. The dish combines mushrooms, bell peppers and cheese, creating a harmonious mix of textures and flavors. It was accompanied by rice, beans and flour tortillas on the side. The tortillas made it easy to craft your own tacos, adding a personal touch to the meal. The price came to 22,000 won, or about $15.
Quesabirria tacos served inside La Casa del Mexicano at Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Dec. 23, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)
Another standout on the menu is a recent addition, quesabirrias, a dish that’s gained massive popularity in the U.S. These quesadilla-style tacos, filled with tender birria meat and melted cheese, are served with four portions and accompanied by a flavorful birria broth dip.
It’s a satisfying and hearty option for those craving indulgence, although a little pricey at 22,000 won, or about $15 dollars. Still, it’s a great option among the wide selection of dishes.
The selection of drinks at La Casa Del Mexicano is impressive. From Mexican beers and tequilas to Korea’s favorite soju, there’s something for every preference. If you’re opting for nonalcoholic options, the restaurant offers the usual sodas alongside Mexican Jarritos sodas and traditional drinks like Jamaica and horchata. These beverages pair wonderfully with the bold flavors on the menu.
In short, La Casa Del Mexicano is a great place to indulge in Mexican-inspired comfort food with a familiar American twist. Its mix of familiar favorites and unique offerings, combined with a cozy ambiance, makes it a solid choice for anyone craving a taste of Mexico near Osan.
Mexican restaurant La Casa del Mexicano at Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Dec. 23, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)
La Casa de Mexicano
Directions: 18 Shopping-ro, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, a five-minute walk down the Songtan Entertainment District from Osan Air Base’s walk-in gate.
Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Prices: Entrees range from 8,000 to 25,000 won, or $5.50 to $17; drinks range from 5,000 to 22,000 won, or $4 to $15.
Dress: Casual
Contact: Phone: 031-668-8259
