Detroit's dining scene is gearing up for a vibrant twist with the introduction of Nuevo Seoul, a Korean Mexican fusion eatery set to pop up in the heart of the city next month. Spearheaded by the entrepreneurial culinary duo, brothers Chris and Peter Han, the new spot takes a cue from their previous venture, the upscale Hanah Steakhouse, and the suburban staple Osaka Steakhouse. Situated neatly at 607 Shelby, Nuevo Seoul will serve as the brothers' latest testament to their expanding food empire.
The lowdown? Foodies can get their fill of innovative dishes that marry the punchy flavors of Korea with the robust taste of Mexican fare. Think tacos crammed with bulgogi beef, or kimchi fries heaped with al pastor tofu, as hinted by Eater Detroit. And for those looking to quench their thirst, a lineup of "Mexican-inspired spiked slushies" promises to bring the zest to Detroit's beverage game, as mentioned in a statement to ClickOnDetroit.
The birth of Nuevo Seoul comes against the backdrop of a blossoming trend, tracing its origins to Los Angeles where Korean American and Latinx communities first began to blend their culinary traditions. It was there, in the streets of LA, that the Korean taco took flight under the genius of chef Roy Choi and his Kogi BBQ truck back in 2009. This culinary alchemy now finds a new home in Detroit amid the city's burgeoning food landscape.
When asked about the inspiration behind their latest venture, Peter Han told Metro Times, "Nuevo Seoul is designed to provide a convenient and elevated dining experience for individuals seeking a delicious meal and drink, on the go or a quick, casual gathering with family and friends." With its 125-seat capacity, the new restaurant promises a hip indoor vibe as well as an ambient outdoor patio for the warmer months, setting the stage for what might just become Detroit's latest hot spot.
Detroiters have something to look forward to as the calendar flips to February. Nuevo Seoul anticipates a bustling first month, all while serving up a cross-cultural menu that bridges oceans, and now, lands in the heart of Motor City.
