Whatever Taco Hongdae: Your Go-To for Authentic Tacos & Solo Eats

Hey there, fellow foodies!

Lately, I've been absolutely obsessed with tacos. So, when I found myself in Hongdae, I just had to hit up a taco joint! Seriously, when I get hooked on something, I go all in.

I'm talking about eating tacos three times a week right now! Each spot deserves its own review, so here's the first one.

Anyway, I was strolling through Hongdae and spotted this place with a super cute sign, so I walked right in. Sadly, I didn't snap a pic of the exterior, but it looks just like what you'd find on a quick search on Naver Maps. Inside, it's an open kitchen concept, which I love—you can watch all the magic happen as they prepare your meal!

The interior features mostly bar-style seating, which is fantastic for solo diners. But don't worry if you're with a group—there's also a spacious, large table right in the center, so there's plenty of room for everyone! It's perfectly set up for a comfortable solo meal, wouldn't you agree?

Ordering is super easy here: you just use the kiosk. After you place your order, you either wait for your number to be called or they'll bring it right to your seat. It seems to depend on how busy they are! When I visited, it was just me and one other person, so my food was brought over. But as more customers arrived, it got busier, and they started calling out numbers.

Oh, and a quick tip: grab any drinks you ordered yourself from the fridge at the back!

First off, the vibe here is incredibly hip, and the music selection is fantastic. It truly captures that unique Hongdae energy you're looking for!

Alright, now let's talk about what I ordered!

Full disclosure: I'm actually more of a bowl person than a taco person, so you could say I'm a bit addicted to rice bowls right now!

Naturally, at #WhateverTaco, I went for a bowl! 😋

This is their Okinawa-style rice bowl! You can choose whether or not to add cilantro when you order. I'm personally not a fan, so I opted out.

Here's a little tip: mix everything up, take a bite, and then generously add some Tabasco sauce and mix it again! Trust me, adding that hot sauce takes it to the next level—absolutely delicious! 👍

And just like that, my bowl was completely empty!

It's not just "emptied the bowl," it's "conquered the bowl!" Haha!

Once you're done, simply dispose of your finished items in the trash cans provided on the side, and you're all set!

Overall Verdict

As a self-proclaimed taco fanatic, I'd give Whatever Taco Hongdae a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐½

While it was a unique and tasty experience, the preparation style of their bowl was a bit different from what I typically prefer. I usually gravitate towards bowls with generous amounts of sour cream, salsa, tomatoes, cabbage, and meat, so this was a slight departure from my usual go-to. However, it was undeniably delicious, and the restaurant itself was spotlessly clean, which I always appreciate! 🥰

It's an ideal spot for a quick and satisfying solo meal, and it would also be a great place to pop into for a casual bite during a date in Hongdae!

That wraps up today's review!

Stay tuned—I'll be back soon with another delicious discovery! 😊