Chipotle-Style Mexican Food in Seoul

Tomatillo Grill

Cinco de Mayo recently passed, and unless you’re from a certain part of the United States, or Mexico, that date may be irrelevant to you. Not that I’m saying I celebrate this day the same way most Mexican’s do, but I still recognize how important this day is for the Mexican community. And because of Cinco de Mayo, I’ve been seeking out more Mexican food in Seoul. Tomatillo Grill is a Mexican restaurant chain that provides some pretty delicious and fresh “Cali-Mex” grub for the masses.

I can’t really call this authentic Mexican food, because it’s not quite what I’ve come to accept as true Mexican food, but it’s still a delicious meal regardless. I frequent the Gangnam/Yeoksam location, which is on the basement level of the Gangnam Financial Center, right off of the Yeoksam Station (Line 2, exit 2).

The first thing I noticed when I came to dine at Tomatillo, is how much their menu and their food looks like Chipotle Mexican Grill, the giant franchise found in the U.S. It also taste pretty similar, and I’m sure this is what the founders were trying to imitate and create. I’ve ordered both their taco’s and burrito’s, and so far I prefer the carne asada burrito. The burrito itself is huge, stuffed with marinated carne asada, lettuce, Spanish rice, black beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla – it’s essentially a Chipotle burrito!

We also ordered their nacho’s to share amongst my fellow grubbers and I was pleasantly surprised. I wish the burrito could be “pura carne” (pure meat), or at least more meat, but it’s a good balance of the added ingredients that will leave you stuffed and happy after you grub down. So if you’re looking for Mexican food in Seoul, Tomatillo Grill can fulfill a specific type of Mexican food craving – horale!

Low down: Carne Asada Burrito with all the fixings, nachos to share, and a refreshing coke!

Price: $$
Stars: 3.5
Address: Yeoksam-dong 737
Tel: 02.2112.3883

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