popo lee — Restaurant in Northbridge

I really liked this! Was not expecting to like it, fusion Mexican/Korean doesn't really sound like it will work, but it somehow just does.

I went on a Tuesday late lunch there and the place was empty. Don't let that put you off though. It's a fairly large space for a fast food(ish) take away type restaurant. There's quite a bit of booth seating along one wall and tables throughout. There's parking right out the front and across the road. The shop borders Russel Square Park.

We ordered the crispy chicken quesadilla, beef bulgogi burrito, and 3 piece fried chicken.

Fried chicken was three pieces with a sauce, and you can get sauce on the side, or coated pieces. The chicken was three strips of thigh meat. Well seasoned juicy, tender meat, and the batter was Korean style - light and crisp. We got sweet chilli sauce and it was not overly sweet and thick like in some places, next time I would order the chicken with sauce all over.

The quesadilla had Korean fried chicken pieces and mixed salad inside, also sweet corn. The quesadilla flat bread (not sure what it was made from, pretty sure it is not corn, I think wheat flour) was really good, nicely chewy and it was really well fried until bubbly and crispy all over, it had a good ratio of filling to bread. My friend found it to be too much corn, but I liked it.

The burrito was good too, though not as warm as I would have liked - not sure if it's because I ate it last, or if it came to the table like that. It was cooler than room temperature and I don't think it was toasted after it was wrapped. There were good sized beef chunks in there, and surprisingly the meat was pink/red in the middle. I was expecting that it would be slow cooked, but it was rare/medium done. Other fillings included rice, beans, and salad. There wasn't a strong bulgogi flavour to the burrito, the main flavours I picked up were similar to Japanese creamy sesame salad dressing. It was nice and refreshing, like eating a wrapped up salad and rice. The burrito was wrapped in the same soft flatbread as they used in the quesadilla, which was nice.

Overall I really enjoyed it, sad to see that it wasn't busy, but I guess I went at the quietest time of the week. It's worth a visit if you like Korean or Mexican food. They also have bibimbap dishes which seem to be a bit more on the traditional...

Dear Readers,

It is with great pleasure that I pen this missive regarding our recent dining experience at the charming Korean establishment, Popo Lee. On this particular evening, we ventured to sample their K Street Food Set, and I must say, the experience was as varied as the dishes themselves.

The Gimbap, while presented with care, left something to be desired—perhaps it is simply not to my particular taste. However, the fried chicken was a revelation, perfectly cooked and seasoned to perfection, leaving one thoroughly satisfied. The Tteokbokki, with its warming embrace, proved a delightful companion on a chilly winter’s night, and the fish cake soup, surprisingly rich in flavor, exceeded my expectations, delivering more than one might anticipate from such a humble dish.

As for the ambiance, the store is adorned with an array of lightbulbs, casting a somewhat dispersed light throughout the space. A word of caution to those prone to headaches: this may not be the most soothing environment. However, the bustle of a nearly full house upon our arrival spoke volumes about the restaurant’s popularity—a positive sign indeed.

In conclusion, I would be remiss if I did not urge you to visit Popo Lee, particularly for their exquisite fried chicken, available in both original and cheddar snow sauce. A special mention also goes to the Tteokbokki, which is not to be overlooked. The staff and chef, displaying the utmost kindness, graciously corrected an order mistake caused by a confusing online menu prompt—a gesture that did not go unnoticed.

Yours...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Popo Lee, and it was an unforgettable experience! As a lover of Korean cuisine, I was thrilled to find such a gem in our city.

The moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and a cozy atmosphere that immediately made me feel at home. The décor is modern yet inviting, with subtle nods to Korean culture that add to the overall charm.

Now, onto the star of the show – the fried chicken. It was simply out of this world! Each piece was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. The balance of flavors was impeccable, with a hint of sweetness and just the right amount of spice. I highly recommend trying their signature soy garlic and spicy gochujang sauces – they add an extra layer of deliciousness that you won't want to miss.

The side dishes were equally impressive. The kimchi was fresh and flavorful, and the pickled radish provided a nice, tangy contrast to the rich chicken. The portions were generous, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.

The service was top-notch, with attentive and friendly staff who were more than happy to explain the menu and make recommendations. Despite the restaurant being busy, our food arrived promptly and was served piping hot.

Overall, Popo Lee exceeded my expectations in every way. If you're in the mood for some exceptional Korean fried chicken, look no further. I can't wait to return and try more of their...