With the rising popularity of Korean entertainment, Korean food has also become immensely popular all over the world. This is especially true in LA, a city that is known for having the largest Korean population in America. In LA's Koreatown, the Korean cuisine evolved to become a more Americanized version of itself, being able to appeal to its Korean and American consumers alike.
Now, here are the five must eat at places if you are visiting LA's Koreatown.
1. YUP DDUK LA
A modern take on Korean traditional street snack, ddeokbokki, yupdduk is a spicy dish that consists of chewy rice cakes, fish cakes, mini sausages topped with sweet mozzarella and sweet chili sauce. Now, this is one dish that is guaranteed to make you cry more than after watching 'The Notebook', so don't forget to order it in mild! However, if you are up for a challenge, Yupdduk has a #KtownSpicyChallenge which involves ordering the spiciest level of ddeokbokki on the menu!
Location: 3603 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM
Price: $
2. BCD TOFU HOUSE
A tofu soup chain started in Los Angeles, BCD Tofu House is the go-to place for tofu lovers across LA. Open 24 hours, this restaurant serves different renditions of tofu soup along with a variety of Korean sides such as pickled crab, galbi (grilled sweet beef), and pajeon (pancake with green onions, and seafood).
Location: 3575 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: $
3. MEAT LOVE KOREAN BBQ
An all you can eat KBBQ place, Meat Love is a popular KBBQ spot in Ktown that serves a variety of seasoned meat such as wine pork belly and galbi, in addition to Korean side dishes such as bean paste soup and kimchi. Don't forget to book in advance on weekend nights as this is a hotspot for KBBQ.
Location: 1145 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Hours: 4 PM - 12 Am
Price: $
4. SUL AND BEANS
Need something cool to nurse your burned palate with after a spicy meal? Head over to Sul and Beans, a Korean dessert cafe that serves patbingsoo, dessert toasts, and drinks. Mainly known for their patbingsoo, this Korean shaved ice dessert is topped with sweet red beans, sweet milk and various flavors of your choosing such as taro, green tea, and mango.
Location: 621 S Western Ave #208-A, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Hours: 12 - 11 PM (closes 10 PM on Sundays)
Price: $
5. KYOCHON
Mostly a takeout place, Kyochon is a branch of a popular Korean franchise that serves fried chicken seeped in a garlic sauce and then fried to a sweet crunchiness. Enjoy this crispy fried dish is coupled with sweet white pickled radish and Coca Cola with Kpop music playing in the background.
Location: 3833 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Hours: 11 AM - 2 AM
Price: $
