Chico and Chang a successful Mexican-Korean mash-up

You would think cuisines from opposites sides of the world would not go well together, but at Chico and Chang on Riverside Drive, Korean and Mexican food happily entwine.

The main gist is that the protein — chicken, beef, pork or tofu — is cooked Korean-style and then placed in traditionally Mexican settings. So bulgogi, or thinly sliced beef marinated in soy sauce and cooked with onion and garlic, can be chosen for your $2.35 taco or $6.50 burrito. The pork comes only in a spicy version, but the chicken can either be dakgogi or spicy.

The soft flour tacos come with your chosen protein, seasoned lettuce, a soy-sesame vinaigrette, cheese and lime. The burritos bundle up your choice of meat, seasoned bean sprouts, and either plain or kimchi spicy rice.

If you want strictly Korean, you can choose any protein for your bibimbap, mixed with steamed rice, sautéed mixed vegetables and a sunny-side-up egg. They also have excellent pot stickers and unusual but very good signature chicken nuggets; get either for $5.95. If you want closer to just Mexican food, they offer nachos and quesadillas for $6.95.

One of our favorite things about Chico and Chang was the beverage selection. The tapioca milk tea is very similar to Thai tea with optional little gelatinous “bubbles” at the bottom. For the same $2.95 you can get a very tasty iced coffee, with or without bubbles. We also liked the slushies and green tea, both of which can be flavored with mango, peach, grape, kiwi, lychee, passion fruit, strawberry, green apple or grapefruit (which was surprisingly delicious). The presentation of the drinks is fun, too.

Don’t be afraid to try this place — even if you’re not a fan of Korean cuisine. Think of it as a fresh twist on the Mexican fare you already know and love.

Read more reviews of local restaurants

This story was originally published June 9, 2016 at 9:00 PM with the headline "Chico and Chang a successful Mexican-Korean mash-up."