Ursu Korean BBQ Food Cart: Cheap and juicy Bulgogi dogs

Ursu: Korean BBQ Taco Food Cart

Georgia and Richards Street, Vancouver

Right before the Georgia viaduct on the edge of downtown, Vancouver is another one of this year’s new food carts: Ursu featuring tasty and juicy Korean BBQ. These guys must get mobbed with customers during Canucks home games. A great alternative to the now overpriced Japadog and the regular greasy hot dog, the Bulgogi dog at Ursu is both scrumptious and filling.

I have to admit that this was my first time eating Bulgogi and I was fearful that it might be too spicy for my wimpy palette. The reason why I have always shied away from kim chi is because the lightest spice sets my tongue on fire. But luckily the Bulgogi dog was not spicy at all, it had elements of sweetness mixed in with very well seasoned and tender strips of beef. The portions were very generous, I could barely close my hot dog bun, there was so much filling. Each Bulgogi dog is topped with a pickle, which was also wasted on me since I am not a fan of pickle. I took a couple of bites though, and the pickle was also soaked in a sweet and sour brine that really brought out the natural flavours of the beef. I also don’t know what kind of special bread the hot dog bun was, but even after carrying the hot dog back to the office (no, I did not dare eat this on the windy street while wearing dry clean only clothes), the bun still did not get soggy.

The service was wonderful at this cart, they didn’t mind that I took a billion pictures while waiting for my food. The older Korean couple running this cart were very sweet, endearing and hospitable, it really makes me want to return to try the other menu items.

For only $4.99, the Bulgogi dog is a steal compared to the Japadog which probably clocks in at around $8 for one. It’s also very Westcoast and health conscious of Ursu to also feature some vegetarian items like the tofu versions of their tacos and quesadillas.

The other great thing about the Ursu cart is that it is permanently located on Georgia and Richards. Some of the other new carts are literally mobile, changing location almost every day so it’s hard to catch them. I’m still waiting for that much anticipated Grilled Cheese Cart to open downtown though.