Here's What Costco's Food Court Menu Looks Like In Korea
There's a lot to love about Costco, from the budget-friendly bulk goods to the free samples. But for many members, the food court is central to their shopping trips. Whether you need a pick-me-up to get the cart rolling or want to head home with a ready-to-eat dinner in hand (perhaps an impressively cheesy Costco pizza), the food court has you covered. But considering Costco's global presence, which boasts 876 locations total with over 200 warehouses outside of the U.S. — can you still find the same food court staples overseas?
It's no secret that most American fast-food chains feature unique menus in other parts of the world. For instance, Starbucks launched its first savory latte in China, while Italian McDonald's sells scrumptious sweets like Nutella muffins, macarons, and even tiramisu. Suffice it to say, there are plenty of delicacies you can't snack on stateside — and the same is true of Costco's food court.
If you ever find yourself in Korea (or are just at home dreaming of cuisines abroad), you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn that Costco's food court menu is packed with delicious dishes, some familiar and some not. Between milk tea with boba and bulgogi bakes, there are certain items you won't find at U.S. warehouses, including the beloved combo pizza. Of course, some things are sacred — and the classic Costco hot dog deal is one of them. Here's what else you can (and can't) find at Costco food courts in Korea.
From bulgogi pizza to iced coffee, the mouthwatering menu is stacked
When dining at a Costco food court in Korea, you can choose from iconic favorites available at U.S. locations as well as special items inspired by local cuisine. However, not all menus are identical at different locations throughout the country, as some selections may be swapped out for others over time — just like they are stateside.
In terms of staples, the signature hot dog and soda deal and cheese pizza are almost always available at similarly cheap prices. The chicken bake, which unfortunately has recently gone downhill, is also sold at many warehouses. For a heartier version, the bulgogi bake puts an umami twist on the fan-favorite food. A staple meat in Korean BBQ, the tender and juicy beef is also available on pizza. Available in flavors like mushroom and abalone, rich porridges and soups are common on the Korean food court menus as well. Other items include a ricotta fruit salad, chicken salsa wrap, BLT sandwich, calzone, and chashu with fried rice.
Need a drink to wash it all down? Besides standard sodas, there are plenty of options to choose from. While the mango smoothie served stateside might not be available, other flavors like soft persimmon, blueberry yogurt, and kiwi and kale are. You can even get a caffeine fix while shopping with an iced Americano coffee or latte. Finally, for a refreshing beverage, the red grapefruit juice is delicious but not overly sweet.
Costco customizes its food court menu based on local palates and popularity
Clearly, Costco's food court menu isn't the same at every warehouse around the world. While most of the wholesaler's locations are in the U.S., Costco has a presence in many countries. Besides Korea, you can shop at stores in Canada, Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Taiwan, China, New Zealand, and several other countries in Europe. Costco's merchandise inventory isn't identical from store to store but is curated to meet local demand. It's only natural that the offerings at the food court are specially selected, too.
Warehouses generally feature a fair share of signature Costco food court items, sometimes unchanged but sometimes with ingredients common in local cuisine. However, dishes and drinks that are staples of the region are also usually available. Costco food courts in Canada, for instance, sell one of the country's most iconic dishes: poutine. In England, members can treat themselves to cottage pies, while Spanish shoppers can end a trip to the store with croquetas.
However, Costco doesn't limit itself to what's local. As with regular dining, regional delicacies aren't necessarily confined to where they come from. Australian warehouses offer Korean-style chicken wings, a southern-style chicken burger, and taro milk tea with boba. Meanwhile, the wholesaler's food courts in Japan serve an Aussie beef pie. Like its members, Costco isn't afraid to shake things up and try new things on the menu.