They started 5 years ago in a tiny place almost on the border between Palermo and Colegiales, with a model that today does not stop growing in the gastronomic business: the single product. The product is the baos and today there are two places (and a half, adding the take away point), one larger and always full on the corner of Arévalo and Cabrera, and another smaller but equally full in Manduca, the gastronomic circuit from the La Plaza complex. What are baos? They are sandwiches from Korea, with a super spongy steamed bread that is folded in the middle like a handkerchief and has different meats or vegetables in the center. The original classic is braised bacon and kimchi so if you’re new to this outward journey, be sure (if you’re not a vegetarian) to start there.
Not everything is baos in your letter, but they are the main focus. They have seven varieties, some carnivorous and, since the crowd is mostly young, there are vegan options (delicious mushroom and tofu bao). They come out with double-cooked smashed potatoes and aioli, so one serving is a complete meal.
The rest of the menu takes a tour of the cuisine of all of Southeast Asia. There are dumplings (dim sum in China, gyosas in Japan, they are a kind of ravioli), the classic prawns and pork, meat, and the vegan cabutia or mushrooms and tofu… There are also more succulent dishes, such as curry vegan (with tofu, vegetables and coconut milk) and the redang (Indonesian curry), the kokoro bowl, with braised bacon and rice, and the prawn salad.
To complement the order it is best to ask for a plate. They have samosas (the Indian sweet potato, pea, and jalapeño dumplings), rice and mushroom croquettes, and delicious summer rolls (veggie rolls in rice paper) and winter rolls (re-braised roast beef and vegetables). For dessert, delicious steamed coconut flan and chocolate parfait.
The name Koko is visually linked to the logo of the house, the face of a child with oriental features that circulates on t-shirts, tote bags, socks and caps in all the hipster neighborhoods of the Capital.
