My UnliMEATed Samgyeop On-The-Go Experience in Mexico

Have you heard of Samgyeop On-The-Go? Well, they have just opened a store in Mexico, Pampanga that I am sure all you gogi-gui (고기구이) fans out there in pampanga will surely love.

I went there last weekend right before their soft opening with a couple of mukbang-loving friends on an invitation to try what they have to offer. We were actually the first to have an unliMEATed KBBQ experience at SOTG or Samgyeop On-The-Go in Mexico.

Located at 556 Lagundi Highway, Mexico, Pampanga, SOTG is unmissable because the restaurant’s exterior is loud and if it can speak it would probably be shouting “Hey, Eat Here!” In fact, during the duration of our stay there, some hungry passersby inquired if they are already open to the public. Pampanga, by the way, is allowed to have dine in customers already.

Speaking of dine in, at SOTG we dined out. One reason is that because when we arrived, the power in their block was out. And so we didn’t went for the usual indoor dining KBBQ experience that people in Mega Manila are so used to. Instead, we experienced something much better – their al fresco dining set up right beside the restaurant and designed as if you are in the streets of South Korea.

The ambiance is totally “resort-type” and you’re a just a few steps away to try out their version of the Namsan Bridge Love Locks and an IG-worthy K-backdrop.

To tell you the truth, I was kind of hoping for an outdoor dining experience, because this was the first on-ground event that I went to this year and I am still not that confident with dining in for reasons you know already. So I am glad Samgyeop On-The-Go Mexico provides an outdoor dining set up as well. The owners also said that they plan to put up live musical performances in that area to entertain customers while eating.

Also part of the al fresco area is a kiosk that prepares your authentic Korean Street Food like Kimbap, Tteokbokki, K Mixed Balls, Odeng and many more.

But for those who would go for that indoor dining experience, SOTG will not disappoint as it provides customers with ample space and all the tools they need to make “eating” as delightful as the food served on their tables.

Before we go to the food, here’s a brief introduction on how Samgyeop On-The-Go was conceived and the people behind its success.

After losing his job in Manila, Ken Gozun went back to his hometown, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga. He couldn’t just sit and wait for the lockdown to end because they have financial needs that have to be met. Circumstances led him to build a business out of their family’s love for Korean barbecue and shabu-shabu and the rising demand for food delivery services especially since all restaurants were mandated to close at that time.

After careful planning, strategizing, curation of their menu, and costing, they launched the first-ever samgyeopsal delivery service in Pampanga – Samgyeop To Go (later on changed to Samgyeop On-The-Go) – on April 9, 2020. They were originally only catering to Sto. Tomas but with the help of their mutual friends and families, word of mouth (which is social media in the digital age), and continuous product improvement, Samgyeop On-The-Go also became well known in nearby towns.

On October 8, 2020, Ken and his friends – Joseph Lou Carpio and Germaine Raina Caraig, opened the doors of Samgyeop On-The-Go Unlimeated Korean BBQ and Shabu Shabu in Sto. Tomas, Pampanga. They received the same overwhelming reception for their physical store as they did online. Their evident success called for another dine-in branch so the 3 of them and their new partner – Anne Tuazon, have opened one in Mexico, Pampanga yesterday – September 18, 2021!

Korean barbecue is undeniably a crowd favorite, not just because of its taste and all the mouth-watering side dishes and sauces, but also because you get to see it cook right in front of you. Eating Korean barbecue is not just something you do but something you experience. One that is best shared with your loved ones. The same goes with shabu shabu.

Here is the official Menu of Samgyeop On-The-Go:

First of all, the thing that I like most about SOTG is the Set Price! It’s so “SULIT” for all the delicious things you’ll get in return – a real treat!

It’s not on the menu but my personal favorite is the salad! It’s part of the banchan. You should also try their Volcanic Kimbap – it’s spicy good!

Whether you are an already loyal customer or someone looking for a new K-BBQ and shabu shabu place, come and visit their newest branch located in Mexico, Pampanga!

Samgyeop On-The-Go open is also open for franchising and co-franchising!