I wasn’t planning to write about anymore food in New York until I finished my East Asian posts, but on Wednesday I ate something so good I had to write about it. That something was the Pork Lettuce Wrap ($2.50) from Woorijip (우리집). I wasn’t expecting much when I bought it. It was tiny, and it looked pretty ordinary, but I got it anyway because, strangely, I wasn’t very hungry that day, and also, I thought it would be a nice change from the kimbab I normally get. But to my surprise, it was FREAKING AMAZING!
Instead of the lame ass soy sauce marinated pork I had expected, the wrap was full of pork bulgogi (돼지불고기, sliced pork marinated in a spicy gochujang/red chili paste based sauce). Really good pork bulgogi with lots of nice thick slices that were tender and flavorful. It was spicy with just enough sweetness to balance out the heat. Keep in mind though I nuked the wrap for a minute when I got back to the office. I don’t like cold hard wraps or solidified grease. The pork is fatty so if it’s cold, the meat will be hard and the fat congealed. If you plan to eat the wrap at Woorijip, I would recommended making use of their microwave. If you’re worried about the shredded lettuce inside, don’t worry, there isn’t much anyway.
My only gripe is that pork bulgogi is a little salty. I’m sure the same pork eaten with rice would have been fine, but in a thin wrap, it’s salty. At work I ate the wrap with a salad I scavenged from the leftovers of a catered lunch meeting, and it was just what it needed. If you don’t want to go the salad route, or the scavenging route, just grab a large drink and you’ll be fine. After all, it’s only $2.50. You’ll be able to afford it.
UPDATE (12/18): Called Woorijip to see if they have the wrap for reader Steve today, and according to the man at Woorijip, the Pork Bulgogi Wrap is not on the menu, and worse, may never return! He said they like to change up the menu, and also the pork bulgogi takes a lot more work. I assume the need to marinate the meat and the longer time needed to grill the thick pork makes it not cost effective to have everyday. Today, they have a chicken wrap. Sadness…
Woorijip (우리집)
12 W 32nd Street (betw Broadway & 5th Ave; map)
New York, NY 10001
212.244.1115
