Cheongdam Food Hall, taking its name from the affluent Cheongdam-dong neighborhood in Seoul, offers a surprising twist in Las Vegas. Despite the name suggesting high-end dining, this food hall provides a diverse range of cuisines at accessible prices, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
The venue is divided into two distinct sections: Smile Shota, an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant, and a more casual food hall area featuring five diverse food stalls. While Smile Shota caters to a higher price point, the focus here is on the exciting and affordable culinary offerings within the food hall itself.
Interior of Cheongdam Food Hall in Las Vegas showcasing diverse food stalls and modern earthy decor. Discover a variety of cuisines in this popular food destination.
Upon entering Cheongdam Food Hall, the layout can be a little disorienting. A partial wall separates it from Smile Shota, which might lead some visitors to mistakenly wander into the pricier sushi establishment. However, once you navigate to the food hall side, you’ll find a spacious and clean environment. Even during a busy Tuesday evening soft opening, finding a table was easy, thanks to the efficient bussers who constantly maintain the cleanliness of the dining area. The interior décor features a calming earthy color palette, enhanced by touches of artificial greenery, creating a pleasant and modern ambiance.
The food stalls present an eclectic mix, somewhat unexpected for a venue with a Korean-inspired name. While you’ll find Korean street food and desserts, the presence of a Mexican taco stall, alongside Japanese curry and an all-day brunch option, adds to the unique charm of Cheongdam Food Hall. These diverse culinary choices are conveniently located on the left side of the building.
Starting with Hal Ga Tteok, the Korean street food stall, the Rose Tteokbokki ($15) is a must-try appetizer to share. You can choose your preferred rice cake (“tteok”), and the recommendation is the “ssal tteok,” made from 100% rice flour for a delightfully chewy texture. The tteokbokki is served with egg, sausage, and fishcake, reminiscent of Filipino fish balls, adding a familiar comfort food element. The rose sauce is unexpectedly reminiscent of spaghetti sauce, creating a unique and enjoyable flavor profile. Remarkably, even after enjoying other dishes, the tteokbokki remained warm and tempting, leaving a lasting craving for days after the visit.
Venturing to Tacos by Jose & Carmen, the tacos ($3.99 each) offer a taste of authentic Mexican street food. With protein choices including asada, pastor, carnitas, and pollo, each taco is generously filled and topped with classic pico de gallo, cilantro, and onion. The flavor is undeniably authentic, delivering the expected taco experience. One minor drawback was some excess oil at the bottom of the taco, but the overall taste and quality are commendable.
Finally, Curry-Ya, a playful pun on “Korea,” offers a comforting Organic Chicken Katsu Curry ($10.95). The dish features a large portion of crispy chicken katsu, flavorful curry, and rice. While it might not surpass legendary homemade katsu, the balance of breading and meat is excellent, and the katsu remains crunchy even after some time. The curry, ordered at medium spice level, provides a pleasant kick suitable for most palates. The meal is complemented by miso soup and cabbage salad, which, while simple, enhance the overall dining experience. The cabbage salad, in particular, adds a refreshing crunch that perfectly complements the richness of the curry.
After sampling these diverse dishes, a feeling of satisfying fullness is guaranteed at Cheongdam Food Hall. The variety and generous portions make it an ideal destination for groups with varied tastes. While minor improvements, such as clearer signage for dish disposal, could enhance the customer experience, Cheongdam Food Hall remains a highly enjoyable and recommendable dining destination. It’s a perfect spot to explore a range of flavors and cuisines in one convenient location, and a return visit to try the hotteok from Ho Ho Crunch is definitely on the agenda. Cheongdam Food Hall is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a fun, affordable, and culinarily diverse dining experience in Las Vegas.
