Korean meets Mexican at Koba

With walls adorned with Nintendo-inspired art and a menu that showcases the much-loved hits of Korean cuisine married with an unlikely Mexican influence, Koba has become a lunchtime favourite to city workers since it first opened its doors at the end of 2013.

In recent months Koba has undergone a renovation and a rebrand, with a new "korrito" mascot born – yet to be named – but still retaining those quirky Mexi-rean handheld meals that are perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or a snappy pre-drinks dinner between the office and the bar on a Friday night.

Koba founder Rosa Kim has teamed up with consultant chef Ken Kim from the Grand Hyatt Melbourne to revamp the range of Korean street food on offer. Kimchi garnishes almost every meal – even the fries. It's a Kim family favourite, and Kim uses her grandmother's recipe. Koba's famous "korritos" (burritos with kimchi rice, slaw, cheese and kimchi) and tacos remain on the menu alongside Korean sliders and tokpokki (spicy rice cakes with vegetables).

Also new to the line up is Koba's take on Korean fried chicken (a Melbourne favourite) and sweet potato fries. This menu leaves off the original rice bowl that Koba once offered, but it is replaced by bibimbap with kimchi rice, seasonal vegetables and, you guessed it, more kimchi.

The space is small, but is brought to life by designs from Mr T-Shirt himself, Eddie Zammit, and the Nintendo-esque wall decor by street artist Eleven. Mostly standing-room only, Koba is the perfect in-out meal for those wanting a healthy street food alternative for lunch or dinner.

Koba, 119 Hardware Street, Melbourne CBD, kobakbbq.com.au