Discover Holland’s Culinary Mosaic: Dive into the New Korean Street Food Sensation!

HOLLAND, Mich. — A fresh taste of Korean street food has landed in Holland. K-Pocha, a vibrant new spot, serves delicious items like corn dogs, spicy rice cakes, and tornado potato skewers. This opening highlights the city’s rich cultural mix.

Chef Phong Nguyen, who comes from Vietnam, just opened his second K-Pocha location on Felch St. He is thrilled with how well the restaurant has done in its first few weeks. “It’s been a blessing,” he shared, noting the surprise at the busy crowds.

Before K-Pocha, Nguyen ran Monsoon Vietnamese Cuisine in Grand Rapids and now also manages a location in Traverse City. His cooking journey began in 2013 after he moved to West Michigan. “I missed my mom’s cooking so much that I called her daily to learn,” he reminisced.

The K-Pocha menu isn’t just limited to Korean dishes. It features a variety of Asian cuisine, including Taiwanese skewers, Vietnamese pho, and Japanese ramen. Customizable drinks are also on offer.

Nguyen aims to share not just food, but also cultural experiences. “Food brings people together. It’s important we teach something new,” he said.

Holland’s demographic is shifting. Mayor Nathan Bocks noted that the Hispanic community has grown significantly, surpassing the Dutch population. According to Census data, Hispanics make up about 23% of Holland’s residents, while Caucasians represent around 65%. There’s also a noticeable Asian presence.

Bocks embraced this diversity, stating, “We want everyone to feel welcome. Holland is a beautiful mix of cultures.” He mentioned how his own daughter, adopted from South Korea, is eager to explore local Korean cuisine, reflecting the personal connections many have to their heritage.

In today’s landscape, where food plays a central role in cultural exchange, Nguyen’s restaurant adds a vital piece to Holland’s culinary scene. Each dish served at K-Pocha not only delights the taste buds but also bridges cultural gaps.

As the city continues to grow, K-Pocha will remain open seven days a week, fostering community connections through food.

For those interested in exploring Holland’s expanding cultural fabric, K-Pocha is a flavorful starting point.

For more on population changes and diversity in Holland, you can check the Census Reporter.

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