3B Restaurants in CDMX / Hangari BBQ Korean ramen, protected wallet, sushi for the cautious

By: Youyi Mayora Eng

Photos courtesy of: Hangari BBQ's Social Media

I argue that Zona Rosa is many pink zones. There's not just one concept anymore. There are many. It's multicultural, and perhaps that's what has rescued it from obscurity today. The Korean community strives to enrich the lives of Mexico City residents with their diversity of aromas and colors reflected in their various food options. I've come to think that their cuisine mirrors their pop groups and cheesy dramas; I'm not sure.

The Slavic girl who invited me to an alternative party on a rooftop in Avenida Chapultepec looks desperate. She knows the party is bad, boring, and weird. She regrets it. Her watered-down mojito in a plastic cup, of dubious origin, makes her lose her smile, diverting my gaze. I realize that for the past few weeks, I've started reading her mind.

"We don't have to stay," I tell her.

"I'm sorry, my Ukrainian friend who was supposed to perform got a stomach bug."

"Let's get out of here."

"Where to?"

"Anywhere you want, woman..."

Korean Restaurants in CDMX

We walk hand in hand. She wants Korean food, I know because she seems obsessed with Kimchi. I noticed it when we went to a restaurant in Roma last week, but that's another story. I check my phone, three places within 100 meters. The "other" Zona Rosa has become the mecca of Korean culture. I select a place just a block away. From the corner, it doesn't look crowded, but there's silence, and tranquility in this city is priceless. I'm captivated by the feeling of solitude, stillness, a hope for intimacy. There's seating outside on the street, but my instinct tells me inside. A private area, not bad, we appreciate the privacy. The Slavic girl smiles, we're starving, leaving the party behind. The menu surprises us. I'm not such a fan of Korean cuisine. I go with the flow for sushi, I'll order the classic supermarket one, a Philadelphia roll, cravings are cravings. But the variety and photos of the ramen awaken memories of a K-Drama scene. Korean dumplings, two soups, a side of kimchi (she always orders it), and my sushi. To drink: her obligatory soju, me the reliable lemonade that never fails.

And here comes the real spectacle. The ramen bowls are huge. Hers contains a whole chicken! I hear her exclamations in Russian that I don't understand. She's surprised. I can't concentrate with the aromas of my ramen: beef, vegetables, and a spiciness in my nose warn me of the heat I'm about to taste. The thickness of the broth and the smoothness of the noodles soothe my throat. The steam moistens our noses. We gradually start feeling the spice, but it's gradual, respecting the senses, encouraging conversation.

We surrender, too much food, too much enjoyment. Surprised, we pay the bill and take on the obligatory mission to recommend it by word of mouth. We leave having forgotten about the disappointing party. Thank you, Hangari BBQ, you saved the night.

• Address: Londres 242
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday
• Ideal for: lunch, dinner, celebrations
• Type of cuisine: Mexican and international
• Payment: cash and cards
• Accessibility: yes
• Parking: yes, valet service available
• Reservations: recommended
• Phone: 55147010
• Nearby public transport: Sevilla and Insurgentes metro stations
• Pet friendly: yes
• Suitable for children: yes
• Vegan options: yes