That Won Truck: Korean Street Food in Columbia

What That Won Truck serves and where to find it

That Won Truck is a Korean food truck based in Columbia that specializes in Korean street food classics—primarily Korean fried chicken, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and kimbap (seasoned rice rolls). The truck operates from a rotating schedule of locations around the Midlands, with regular stops at local breweries, parks, and community events. You can track their current location and hours through their social media accounts, which they update regularly.

The menu centers on handheld, shareable items designed for quick service. Their Korean fried chicken comes in several styles, from soy garlic to spicy gochujang-based sauces. Tteokbokki—chewy rice cakes in a thick, spicy red sauce—is a popular street food in Korea and a signature item here. They also offer kimbap, which is similar to sushi but made with cooked vegetables, egg, and sometimes meat, all rolled in seaweed and rice.

Key Takeaways

• That Won Truck serves Korean fried chicken, tteokbokki, and kimbap from a mobile location that changes weekly.
• You can find their current location and hours by checking their social media pages, which they update regularly.
• Most items are designed to be eaten by hand or with a fork, making them practical for outdoor eating at breweries and parks.
• Prices are typical for food truck service in Columbia, usually ranging from $10 to $15 per item.

Korean fried chicken and sauce options

Korean fried chicken differs from American fried chicken in technique and flavor. The chicken is typically double-fried—once at a lower temperature to cook through, then again at higher heat for crispness—which creates an exceptionally crunchy exterior while keeping the meat tender inside. That Won Truck offers their chicken in multiple sauce styles, allowing you to choose based on your heat tolerance and flavor preference.

Soy garlic sauce is the milder option, offering a savory, slightly sweet profile with garlic depth. Gochujang-based sauces bring heat and umami, with the red chili paste providing both spice and a fermented complexity. Some Korean fried chicken trucks also offer honey butter or cheese variations, though you should confirm the current menu directly with the truck. The chicken typically comes as a box or basket, sometimes with a choice of white or dark meat.

Tteokbokki and other rice cake dishes

Tteokbokki is a Korean street food staple made from cylindrical rice cakes cooked in a thick, spicy sauce. The rice cakes themselves are chewy and slightly springy, absorbing the sauce as they cook. The sauce is built on gochujang (red chili paste), garlic, and sweetness from sugar or honey, creating a balance of heat, umami, and sweetness that defines the dish. A single order typically comes in a paper cup or container with a wooden skewer for eating.

This dish is messier than fried chicken—the sauce clings to your hands and clothes—so it works best when you have napkins nearby and are not wearing anything you worry about staining. The heat level varies by vendor and batch, so if you are sensitive to spice, ask the truck staff about the current batch before ordering. Tteokbokki pairs well with a cold drink, as the sweetness and heat can build as you eat.

Kimbap and rolled items

Kimbap is a Korean rice roll that looks similar to sushi but contains cooked ingredients rather than raw fish. A typical roll includes seasoned rice, cooked vegetables (often spinach, carrot, and radish), a strip of egg, and sometimes cooked meat like beef or ham, all wrapped tightly in seaweed and sliced into rounds. The roll is then often brushed with sesame oil, which adds richness and aroma.

Unlike sushi, kimbap is meant to be eaten at room temperature or slightly warm, and it keeps well for several hours, making it practical for a food truck setting. Each slice is a complete bite with rice, vegetable, and protein in one piece. Kimbap is less spicy than tteokbokki and less rich than fried chicken, so it works as a lighter option or as a complement to other items if you are ordering for a group.

How to find That Won Truck's schedule

That Won Truck does not operate from a fixed location, so you will need to check their social media to know where they are on any given day. They typically post their location and hours on Instagram or Facebook the morning of service or the night before. Their posts usually include the specific address or venue name, hours of operation, and sometimes a photo of the day's specials or menu updates.

Many food trucks in Columbia also appear at regular community events—farmers markets, brewery nights, or neighborhood festivals—so if you see them at one location, ask the staff when they will be back in that area. Some trucks also take custom orders for catering or private events, though you would need to contact them directly through social media to arrange that.

Eating Korean street food outdoors

Korean street food is designed to be eaten standing up or sitting casually, often with minimal utensils. Fried chicken comes in a box and can be eaten with your hands. Tteokbokki comes with a wooden skewer or small fork. Kimbap is sliced and can be picked up with your fingers or eaten with a fork. Most food trucks provide napkins, but bring extra if you are eating spicy items, as the sauce can be messy.

These foods are best eaten fresh and warm, so plan to eat soon after purchasing rather than taking them home to reheat. If you are eating at a brewery or park, check whether outside food is permitted—some venues have restrictions, though most allow food truck purchases. Cold drinks pair well with all three items, especially the spicier options, so grab a beverage from the truck or bring your own if the venue allows it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Korean fried chicken the same as regular fried chicken?

No. Korean fried chicken is double-fried, which makes it crispier on the outside and more tender inside than most American fried chicken. The sauces are also different—Korean versions rely on gochujang (red chili paste), soy, and garlic rather than buttermilk and spice blends. The result is a distinct flavor and texture.

How spicy is tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki is moderately to very spicy, depending on the vendor and batch. The heat comes from gochujang, a fermented chili paste. If you are sensitive to spice, ask the truck staff about the current batch before ordering, or start with a small order to test your tolerance.

Can I order ahead or place a custom order?

Most food trucks operate on a first-come, first-served basis at their posted locations. However, you can contact That Won Truck through social media to ask about custom orders for events or catering. Response times vary, so reach out a few days in advance if you need something specific.

What if I have a food allergy?

Tell the truck staff about your allergy before ordering. Most Korean street food contains soy, sesame, and sometimes shellfish-based ingredients like fish sauce or shrimp paste. The staff can tell you which items are safe for your specific allergy, but always confirm directly rather than assuming.

Where can I find That Won Truck if I do not have social media?

Social media is the primary way food trucks announce their location. If you do not use social media, ask at local breweries or parks where food trucks regularly appear—staff there often know which trucks are coming and when. You can also check community event calendars for festivals or markets where the truck might be scheduled.