On my recent “Howl-lo-ween” post, Bruddah Kimo mentioned a shop in the Liberty Public Market named BOPJO that his friends enjoy. The stand makes “Korean-Mexican” food? Hmmm……….. I did a quick Google thingy and found a mention in this post of Eater from back in 2019. Apparently the owners are Korean-American military veterans, both of which has cooking/restaurant experience. Well, that’s something I can get behind. And since I had to be in the area, I decided to head on over to the Liberty Public Market. It was just before 11am….so I beat the crowds.
I took a look at the directory……the Public Market can be super confusing, so checking out the map for the location is a must. And wouldn’t you know it; BOPJO is booth number 1, right past the tables on the patio lining Sims Road across from the Mess Hall Bar.
They were just getting things set when I arrived. The woman working was so nice and friendly. Since Kimo had mentioned the bulgogi tacos, I had to get that. Now, you know what I think of many of these sometimes “Con” fusion type dishes. But heck, I’m from Hawaii, where the mixing of cuisines is part of the history. Plus, folks had recommended the bulgogi tacos from Kahai Street Kitchen in Moiliili and I had that on my list the last time I was “back home” but we weren’t able to make it.
Anyway, looking at the menu…..everything from Spam Musubi, Kimchi Quesadillas, burritos and stuff…..
I’d been recommended the bulgogi tacos…so I went with the 3 Taco Sampler ($12). I was interested in doing the cheese shells, but was told they weren’t ready to make that. I got one each of the bulgogi, spicy pork, and soy garlic chicken tacos. The nice lady said she’d make sure to line the tortillas with cheese for me! So nice. It was a bit of a wait; but I understand, they had just opened and the woman was working alone.
I was asked for my choice of sauce and decided on the Salsa Verde and then was warned that it was going to be super spicy.
Anyway, when ready, I took my three tacos out to the patio.
Left to right, bulgogi, soy-garlic chicken, and spicy pork.
And that Salsa Verde was no joke. See those orangey things….those are Habaneros!
I really liked this salsa. It was no joke!
As for the tacos; the Bulgogi version was the best to me. The tortillas were meh. The cheese on this was just melted…I’m looking for some cheesy-lacey crispness. The kimchi tasted pickled not fermented.
The bulgogi had some caramelization, though it was on the chewy side. The ginger flavor was quite pronounced, but this was fine. Not sure what the single leaf of lettuce really provided other than some comfort that you were getting some greens?
The cheese had developed some crisp edges on the Soy Garlic Chicken; but it was my least favorite. The chicken was tough and on the drier side. It lacked color and the flavor was really weak, almost bland.
The “Spicy Pork” seemed like false advertising to me as it really lacked spice. I was looking for something like Jeyuk Bokkeum or Dwaeji Bulgogi.
It had more of a soy sauce flavor. It was also pretty darn tough. Needless to say; this is where the salsa verde came in handy.
Well, these tacos had a decent amount of protein….and I guess Bruddah Kimo’s friend is right, the bulgogi was best of the three items, but the term “best” is relative here as this was pretty mediocre overall. Heck, I could go ahead and buy some pre-marinated bulgogi from H Mart and then pick up some “real” tortillas from Carnival Market on the way home and get a more enjoyable result in my mind.
As for Liberty Public Market; I guess I’ve yet to find something I really enjoy there. I was wondering if I’m a bit off in expecting more from a “Food Hall” than a Food Court…but according articles like this one, I should be expecting more!
BOPJO Korean-Mexican Grill (In Liberty Public Market)
2820 Historic Decatur Rd.
San Diego, CA 92106
Current Hours:
Daily 11am – 8pm