Korean-American chef Roy Choi’s renowned Korean-Mexican fusion brand, Kogi BBQ, has officially made its way to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Known for revolutionizing the city’s street food culture by blending traditional Korean flavors with Mexican cuisine, the beloved brand can now be enjoyed by travelers right at the airport.
According to Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a joint grand opening ceremony was recently held at LAX Terminal 1 for both Kogi BBQ and the famous hamburger brand Marathon Burger. The event welcomed prominent figures including LA Mayor Karen Bass, Chef Roy Choi, and various airport officials.
Founded in 2008 as a single food truck, Kogi BBQ skyrocketed to fame by pairing Korean marinated galbi (short ribs) with Mexican tacos. This innovative concept created a sensation, transforming the brand into an iconic symbol of Los Angeles street food.
Airport Menu Features Fusion Favorites
The new airport location serves a wide variety of fusion dishes utilizing Korean barbecue. Signature menu items like tacos and burritos feature marinated galbi, spicy gochujang pork, garlic teriyaki chicken, and tofu options.
Travelers can also purchase kimchi and cheddar-jack cheese quesadillas, kimchi cheese fries, galbi sliders, and hot dogs garnished with kimchi and sesame mayonnaise, bringing distinctively Korean flavors to the airport dining scene.
A Return to LAX After a Decade
This is not Kogi BBQ’s first venture inside LAX. The brand previously operated a location in Terminal 1 from 2014 to 2015, making this recent opening a triumphant return to the airport.
Both Kogi BBQ and Marathon Burger are situated in the main food court of Terminal 1, which primarily serves airlines such as JetBlue and Southwest Airlines.
