Soul Seoul Sol - Review - East Austin - Austin - The Infatuation

"If you dropped a pin in the middle of a triangle connecting Texas, Mexico, and South Korea, you’d end up at Soul Seoul Sol, an East Austin daytime food truck slinging fusion dishes made with brisket, bulgogi, and barbacoa under the same roof. The menu reads like a potluck involving three different households, each mashing together their boldest flavors. The ideas are solid, and when they land, they really land, resulting in a brunch or lunch that’s equal parts familiar and inventive. But execution and portioning can occasionally fall flat, like barely-seared smashburger patties or a fried chicken sandwich that disappears in three bites. They’re not deal-breakers, but they keep Soul Seoul Sol from becoming the powerhouse merger it could be. Head over when your friends are stuck in line at Desnudo and you want something different from the usual Veracruz breakfast-taco routine next door. Food Rundown Fried Chicken Sammich This is spicier than the sweet Thai chili glaze lets on. The chicken is juicy, but ours barely covered the (already small) bun. At $15 without fries, the price tag feels a little steep for the portion. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Seoul Hamburguesa Topped with smoked gouda, spicy mayo, charred jalapeño, and escabeche, the burger sounds great on paper. There’s not much that's Korean (or “Seoul”) about it, but that’s not the problem—the real issue is the texture. The patties taste more steamed than smashed, which makes for a mushy bite. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Kimchi Pork Belly Fried Rice Well-seasoned and loaded generously with pork belly, this is a satisfying bowl of fried rice—and yet it’s not distinct enough to be a destination dish on its own. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Breffas Grits A creative mash-up of creamy grits, crispy pork belly, and rich mole that actually works. It could use a little more sauce to go around, but this is a smart, well-balanced example of fusion done right. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary" - Nicolai McCrary