eating in korea: taco bell

Okay, people!  I know there was a lot of anticipation and discussion in the months when Taco Bell's coming to Korea was a mere rumor.  Americans in the city were excited: Europeans, confused.  Many, regardless of their nationality, didn't understand why anyone would desperately await the arrival of a taco chain that can no longer even call their taco meat "meat."  But those people just don't understand Taco Bell, you see.  Taco Bell is not about quality food.  It's about deliciousness and wallowing in the pleasure of a truly American fast food experience.

For starters, Taco Bell is cheap.  On my recent visit, I ordered a combo meal that came to 3,000 won.  That got me two supreme hard shell tacos and a coke.  Do you know how tasty the combination of taco and cola is?  Really tasty!

Secondly, and maybe this is just my luck - the staff at Taco Bell in Itaewon was ridiculously nice.  They spoke Korean, and seemingly a good bit of English too, because I was able to talk with them freely.  They were super busy when I went in, but everyone was still smiley and helpful and lovely.

Thirdly!  As already hinted at, my food was completely satisfying and wonderful.  I especially loved the crunch of cold iceberg lettuce and the creamy tartness of cold sour cream.  Combined with the satisfyingly crisp shell, the tasty "meat", and the adorable if superfluous diced tomatoes, a supreme taco really packs a power punch to knock out your hunger on a long day of shopping and strolling.

All that, and I got the added bonus of hearing the Korean couple seated next to me continually gush about how good the food was.  Neither could get over how spicy or incredibly tasty their tacos were -- I think they talked about nothing else for the duration of my time next to them, say, 20 minutes.  I sat next to the window on the ground floor since the place was packed, and let me tell you, I felt like I was in a Taco Bell commercial.  No one pedestrian or bus passenger could resist openly staring into the window at the big line, and, perhaps, at the adorable couple next to me.  And yeah, a few definitely checked me out too.  I am sure watching someone who can't quite fit all that she is trying to bite off in her mouth is at least mildly amusing.

Moral of the story: I highly recommend the Itaewon Taco Bell if you love fast food, or are simply up for some cheap fun.