Lunch a la Plancha

Let me set the scene for you...

...it was a particularly hideous lunchtime in Soho; the rain was beating against the office windows, the sky was a dreary shade of charcoal, and the clouds it seemed, had made their way into the building to hang over everyone's afternoon.

When days like this happen, there is only one solution according to Chloe and I - food.

We ventured out into the torrential storm for something that had been on our 'To Eat' list for a while - the Wahaca Taco Stand.

With soggy hair and hopeful hearts, we shuffled into the little bar next to Wahaca's Soho restaurant. After mere seconds of perusing the menu (there are two options available, with specials popping up now and again!) we made our respective decisions.

Feeling especially in need of protein with a long afternoon ahead, I opted for the ribeye and cheese, Chloe, being unable to resist the smokey, salty call of bacon, went for the B.L.A.T (Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, Tomato). Keen not to miss an avo-tunity, I requested extra 'A' in mine, and was graciously obliged.

We watched keenly as first thick rashers of smokey bacon and delicately-sliced steak were placed on the Plancha, followed by tiny mounds of cheese. As it melted into pools of molten delight, the chef placed lavender-hued blue corn tortillas on top of each.

The base of each taco now fused together, construction could begin. With expert precision, the Plancha master added layer upon layer of flavour, pausing to ask which garnishes we wanted. The only thing left was to load up on sauces (the pico de gallo was irrestibly fresh and zesty), and carry our spoils to the bar to devour.

The soft tortillas were no match for the pico, so this was a straight up knife and fork job. The ribeye was beautifully seasoned and blissfully tender, and cut with the light, refreshing sauce, it was a heavenly experience. The B.L.A.T too was similarly transcendent, with the generous slices of crisp bacon marrying seamlessly with the toasted cheese. Each bite was heralded with a chorus of "mmms", and our only complaint was that there wasn't more to a portion (but let's be honest, we've never not had that complaint).

If you're looking for a lunch stop with a difference in Soho, this is your answer. 

Wahaca Soho - 80 Wardour Street, London W1F OTF

Stephanie x

We Got Seoul!

              

Last week, The Hungry Girls' Diary took a trip to Korea and enjoyed some delicious Korean BBQ from Got Seoul at the Street Food Union Market on Rupert Street, Soho.

Got Seoul is one of the many street food stalls here, ranging from butter milk fried chicken sandwiches to couscous wraps, but the delicious smell of the Korean BBQ was too much to resist!

              

The choice was simple; pork belly or steak wrapped up in either a brioche bun, flat bread or a salad box. 

I opted for the Korean pork belly wrap, with added Kimchi. Succulent, slow cooked pork belly, grilled on the plancha with extra BBQ sauce poured over the top - the smell whilst waiting was torturous! 

             

Wrapped up in a flat bread the size of a small space ship, these guys are not messing around. Layers of pork belly, salad, slaw and that delicious favourite of mine, Kimchi, this is lunch is packed full and packed with flavour. Rather than fighting our way to find a seat at the market, we took our lunches back to the office and, due to the sheer size of this lunch, it had to be tackled with cutlery to save my blouse. 

              

Stephanie opted for the salad box which was layered with the scrumptious pork belly, deliciously crisp leaves and slaw. Stephanie also opted for a bit of Kimchi on the side, as she was not as sure of this delicious treat as me (I would personally eat it with everything...!). 

Needless to say, this has fast become on of our favourite lunch options and, for only £6.50 including the Kimchi (£6 without) it is a lunch treat we would definitely recommend! 

The Street Food Union market is only there Thursday - Saturday, 11am - 4pm. Make sure you head down early to not miss out on these tasty treats!

Chloe x