If you've ever been to NYC, chances are you have tried The Halal Guys at 53rd and 6th, or anything similar from the many many food carts located around the city. That shit is like CRACK it's so addictive - it's super delicious, hearty, flavorful, savory, and affordable. It's a taste you just can't forget, even years after you move back to Korea.
I wonder how many people would understand the ecstasy I felt when I heard of Jilhal Bros, a place that claims to replicate the most wanted New York street food of all time. I thought I'd never find this in Korea. I'm actually on a diet right now, but on this particular day I made an exception because I just had to.
Jilhal Bros has a few locations in Seoul and I went to the one in Hongdae. There are only 6 seats inside and 5 menus altogether, nice and simple. I went with the Combo Rice, which is chicken/lamb and rice. 7,000 won per menu is not so bad, and the gyros are cheaper.
First impression was slightly disappointing due to the packaging - it was too different from the ones in NYC, as in no styrofoam container or foil plates. The pita bread pieces were tiny and stiff and not very appetizing. And I couldn't see much rice either. But then I mixed everything and it looked much better.
OK this second picture doesn't do it justice. There was plenty of rice hidden underneath and lots of meat too (not all lettuce like shown above). And they did a pretty good imitation of the white sauce, though the red sauce didn't have that spicy kick I had expected. Nevertheless, it was seriously delicious and surprisingly filling. I'm glad I don't live too close to any Jilhal Bros because if I did, I'd go all the time and get fat in no time.
Oh. And er, by the way... the meat is not halal. I guess they're targeting towards people who care more about the taste than actual halal food.
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