Where in the world does one get a pink taco; its wrap made of thinly-sliced radish soaked in beet juice? Inside, a slice of steamed pork topped off with yet more boldly-red, pickled radish and fermented shrimp await to enter your mouth. In terms of shape they may resemble Mexican tacos.
Korean pink tacos are smaller in comparison. You combine the ingredients yourself at the dining table. Their proper name? Bossam (보쌈). And they aren't always pink. Thinly-sliced white radish, napa cabbage and sesame leaves are also used as wraps.
One serving of Bossam Jungsik.
In Koreatown San Jose, you can enjoy Bossam at Jang Su Jang. This joint offers an extensive list of classic Korean dishes and have some of the best Japchae I have munched on in the neighborhood.
Japchae. Korean glass noodles stir-fried in sesame oil with carrots, green onions, onions, and spinach.
Eight types of side dishes served on our visit. Unlimited refills just like any other Korean restaurant.
Pickled Squid. Even after fifty chews, this stubborn creature holds its atoms together quite well.
My mother and I agree the Korean Parsley side dish is our favorite as it isn't salty nor spicy. It possesses a perfect amount of seasoning. We find the side dishes in Koreatown San Jose tend to be prepared too sweetly, so we appreciate when there's minimal sugar.
We order one serving of the Bossam Jungsik (보쌈정식). As petite females, you can make two servings out of it! Wow. It's like a buy one get one free deal.
My mother putting together her Steamed Pork Wrap.
The Bossam How-To:
- Grab a slice of radish or given type of leaf. We were given napa cabbage leaves at Jang Su Jang, along with pink and white radish.
- Place a slice of steamed pork in the middle of your veggie wrap. With love. Maybe even sing it a lullaby while you're at it.
- Put pieces of other available goodies on that baby! In our case, boldly-red seasoned radish and seeded jalapeño.
- That's not all. On top of those toppings, add a dab of fermented shrimp.
- Fold the wrap in half and stuff it into your mouth.
- Chew. Absorb the flavors and crunchy sound waves.
- Repeat steps 1 through 7.
The not-so-interesting Dotolee Yachaeguksoo.
To balance out the protein, my mother and I order the not-so-interesting Dotolee Yachaeguksoo (도토리야채국수). These acorn noodles tossed with vegetables and soy sauce dressing are not too tasty, but are functional. The greens serve as an intermission from them pork slices.
My mother mixing up the salad ingredients.
Dotolee Yachaeguksoo split into smaller plates.
Jang Su Jang is said to be one of the more popular Korean restaurants in Koreatown San Jose. No worries if you have to wait. Kpop music videos play on two television screens in the lobby to help pass the time.
Grill tables on the right.
Jang Su Jang entrance.
When driving into the Lawrence Plaza, watch out for those red letters.
