The spicy chipotle chicken burrito from Crack Taco Shop near Osan Air Base, South Korea. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
Military brats, like me, who were privileged to have lived all over the globe, discover that not all cuisines are created equal.
For example, Mexican food prepared in Georgia is completely different from the way it’s served in Texas.
And then there’s Mexican made in South Korea.
When I came to the peninsula, I knew that some restaurants would go on my Top 10 list and others would simply not make the cut. Fortunately, Crack Taco Shop has secured a spot on that list.
According to its website, this small restaurant just outside Osan Air Base’s main gate gets its name from Cardiff Crack, a slang term for a popular marinated tri-tip steak prepared by a market in Southern California.
The Pyeongtaek restaurant, which is more of a taco stand, is situated between a luggage store and an optical shop. It’s a small and colorful place with just enough room to place an order and with patio furniture just outside where customers can relax and enjoy the weather.
I ordered the spicy chipotle chicken burrito. It’s stuffed with refried beans, black beans, cilantro lime rice, cheese, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and salsa all on a warm flour tortilla. The burrito was massive, perfectly wrapped so that none of the ingredients spilled out. It was spicy, juicy and delicious, and cost about $10.
The street tacos, served on corn tortillas, are stuffed with slow-cooked beef, chicken or pork marinated in a savory chipotle sauce and topped with onions and cilantro. Each taco is about $3.
The food was amazing. My one gripe is that the menu has only seven items.
If you want a delectable meal that will make your taste buds dance and won’t break the bank, check out Crack Taco Shop.
Crack Taco Shop near Osan Air Base, South Korea, a small and colorful place with just enough room to place an order. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
Crack Taco Shop
Location: 7-3 Shopping-ro, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do
Directions: A short walk from the main gate at Osan Air Base, South Korea.
Times: Open 11 a.m. to noon, Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Prices: Street tacos for $3, burritos for $12; non-alcoholic drinks are about $2 and alcoholic drinks are about $5.
Dress: Casual
Information: 031-611-7441
