Hollywood’s most beloved hardman, Danny Trejo (Machete, Spy Kids, From Dusk Till Dawn, Heat), has joined forces with internationally acclaimed culinary dynamo Judy Joo (chef, author, restauranteur and TV personality) to bring an entirely new flavour to West London’s dining scene. Turning up the heat, the duo will unite their bold signature styles — fusing Trejo’s iconic Cal-Mex cuisine with Seoul Bird’s fiery Korean flavours — to create a world-first ‘K-Cal-Mex’ limited-edition menu. The one-month collaboration will launch from 3rd March 2026 and will be available exclusively at Trejo’s Tacos and Seoul Bird in West London, before rolling out in Trejo’s Tacos’ US sites. Blending Hollywood attitude with serious Seoul heat, this is a bold flavour-forward collaboration with undeniable star power.
Born from an authentic friendship and the natural creative synergy between their fast-casual California and West London-based restaurants, the bestselling authors and restaurateurs have distilled their shared passion and heritage into four meticulously crafted hero dishes. The Korean El Pollo — golden Korean fried chicken glazed with Trejo’s world-famous hot sauce, delivers deep crunch, lingering heat and a perfectly judged balance of spice and richness. Elevating the taco menu, the Korean Fried Chicken Taco makes its debut, layering crisp chicken with bright Asian slaw, gochujang glaze and fresh pico de gallo for a vibrant, flavour-driven hit.
For a more indulgent centrepiece, the Bulgogi Beef Bowl showcases soy, garlic and sesame-marinated beef, crowned with kimchi guacamole, pico de gallo, cotija cheese and crisp corn tortilla strips, bringing depth, texture and umami in every bite. Completing the menu is the plant based Korean Fried Cauliflower — a personal favourite of Danny’s — coated in Trejo’s hot sauce for a smoky, spicy finish lifted by a subtle sweetness. All dishes are made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with flavour and craftsmanship firmly at the heart of every plate.
To celebrate the month-long collaboration, Trejo’s Tacos will host an exclusive preview evening at its West London home on Thursday 26th February. Guests will be the first to experience the limited-edition tasting menu, featuring all four dishes, paired with a choice of Trejo’s signature OG or Jalapeño margarita, for just £45 per person. From 9pm until late, DJ Conal will take over the Machete Bar with a curated K-pop and Mexican-inspired playlist, elevating the atmosphere and fully immersing guests in the vibrant flavours, sounds and spirit of the collaboration. With limited tickets available, the event is expected to sell out quickly — early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Book your ticket here.
Danny Trejo said: “We are so excited to bring our K-Cal-Mex collaboration to the world-food stage. Judy is a badass – plain and simple. She cooks with heart, soul and real fire. When we started talking food, it just clicked. Korean heat, Cal-Mex attitude – different but it makes sense. The world needs food that brings people together, that tells a story and makes you feel something. This menu does exactly that. It’s fun, it’s loud, it’s full of love — and it tastes incredible.”
Judy Joo comments: “Korean cuisine lends itself so well to other flavours, which is why this collab with Trejo’s Tacos and Seoul Bird was so much fun. Working with Danny and the team has been awesome. Danny channeled his passion and Seoul into this exciting collaboration. We’re excited for everyone to experience this fantastic fusion of flavors.”
Following the wildly successful arrival of its first international outpost, Trejo’s Tacos has firmly established itself as the go-to destination for ‘Cal-Mex’ cuisine, fusing traditional Mexican fare with a Californian twist. Set in the vibrant, bustling heart of West London’s Portobello Road, Trejo’s Tacos is fronted by Hollywood’s most beloved hardman and movie-star, Danny Trejo ((Machete, Spy Kids, From Dusk Till Dawn, Heat), who has channeled his heritage of authentic Mexican cooking into a restaurant that’s as vibrant and flavour-packed as his on-screen persona. Set over two-levels, the lively yet welcoming atmosphere is perfect for casual diners, families and group celebrations.
Founded in 2020, Seoul Bird has built a solid reputation on the foundations of Korean cooking and flavours, becoming a favoured dining destination for discerning locals as well as gourmands. Renowned for its authentic approach to Korean street food, Seoul Bird draws inspiration from Judy’s Korean-American heritage and her culinary tour across South Korea. The venues feature Joo’s famed Korean fried chicken, known for its flavourful and crispy batter. Seoul Bird currently has sites in Westfield Shepherd’s Bush, Madison Square Garden (home of the New York Knicks and Rangers), Citi Field (home of the New York Mets), Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Edinburgh Airport.
