Where MUST we go for sushi, Korean, and Vietnamese?

[bennyt]

We have incredible ethnic food here in Queens; but we will be in the LA area for a few days and we are looking for some recommended places for inexpensive and authentic food, in particular, sushi, Vietnamese, and Korean. We aren't overly familiar with LA, but we will have a car, a GPS, and will go out of our way for a great bite - so let's hear some recs (please be sure to provide addresses, though). What shouldn't be missed, and what dishes are recommended? Thank you!

[A5 KOBE]

Oomasa in Little Tokyo has decent sushi for pretty good prices.

By far not the best sushi, but with sushi you really get what you pay for.

Also, Golden Deli and Pho Pasteur have some good pho.

-----
Oomasa
100 Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Los Angeles, CA 90012

[ns1]

Sorry dude, Pho Pasteur = crap

I had to put so much lime/hoisin/siracha to cover up the crappy taste

i went to pho minh a few days later

[ceviche]

wow you guys are really hard on hodori. every few months i get a craving for their blood red beef & glass noodle stew...really hits the spot when you're studying til 2am.

[noshie]

I like Hodori's Yukejang (this spelling, I'm sure, is off) too, and not just for late night. I also like their pan chan, particularly the potato salad and that yam paste stuff with sauce and green onions on it. I don't like how they've discontinued their melon gum with the bill.

I recall the place next door was good the one or two times I was there, but I don't like the static-ey radio background.

If anyone knows of another, better place with the same sort of general menu as Hodori (not BBQ, soon tofu or noodle joint or fancy Korean) I'd love to know.

[spicychow]

I really like Hodori's yukgaejang! So good... but I admit, I've never had it sober, so not sure how much I'd like it if I went during the day. So funny about seeing drunk korean girls in club gear. You can also see how they (boys and girls) really look like under the harsh lighting, and it can be scary sometimes.

For my favorite 24 hours korean place, it would have to be mountain cafe (san). I love their rice porridge with egg in it. Also the place on 6th and Alexandria, they have really good champong and it's 24 hours.

[CostcoWater]

If you like Hodori's yuk ge jang...check out E Moon Oak next to BCD(Western Location)

Hodori isnt great, but its not too bad..consider it chain restaurant quality

Whats the talk about North Korean cuisine? Mool Neng Myun isnt North Korean, they are known for bi bim neng myun.."ham hung" style

Yong Su San is North Korean Food?? I don't know about that one either..

[ceviche]

thanks for the tip on E Moon Oak! i've added it to my "ktown to-do list".

is the name of the place an americanized version of the korean last name "Ok"?

[ceviche]

wow i finally got a chance to go to E Moon Oak tonight, and it was great. good amount of spice, and the two types of kimchi (cabbage and radish) were good. the soup broth was pretty mild flavored but it had a pronounced (yet not overwhelming) beefyness to it. thanks so much for the tip!!!

[liltamby5]

Well the best sushi is in Little Tokyo....you can walk into just about any sushi restaurant down there and have a great meal.

I went to this great Korean place called Hodori (off Olympic and vermont), but it's open 24/7 and they have great bulgogi and Kim chi soup!! Also, Gyenari is a great place for korean. it's more upscale, but have amazing service and the freshest kimchi ever!

[ns1]

the best sushi is NOT in LT, and how the hell do you recommend hodori as a good example of LA korean food?

hodori is one step above a korean denny's.

[Das Ubergeek]

Hodori is the best 24-hour Korean restaurant within 50 yards of Olympic and Vermont.

[huaqiao]

Hodori is kind of known as the place you go at 4am after a night of clubbing and noraebang in Ktown. Great for checking out the drunk Korean girls in their club gear. Not exactly a shining example of Korean cuisine. Though I don't really think the food's as bad as some here make it out to be, but then I'm no Korean food expert. :P

[Das Ubergeek]

Yeah, exactly. It's where you end up after you've gotten completely pissed on soju.

[uwsister]

Hodori is mediocre at best, IMO. Like the above poster said, unless you're blitzed out of your mind at 4 a.m.

[esquimeaux]

so weird how you recommend hodori and gyenari... one is the place you go to when you're too drunk to care what it tastes like. and the other is the place i would take my super-white friends who aren't even ready for a non-threatening place like chosun galbi in ktown.

[tofuburrito]

"Super white friends"?

[raytamsgv]

Perhaps "super white friends" are different from "mediocre white friends"?

[esquimeaux]

haha none of my friends are mediocre! i mean those silly kids who haven't been fortunate enough to grow up in LA around tons of different kinds of food and are loath to try new things. gyenari is a good.... bridge.

[creepazoid]

On the border of Burbank/Glendale, corner of Alameda and Victory, is Sushi Nishi-ya. Not really inexpensive, but it's because the fish is fresher that you will find most anywhere else and they have more exotic varieties of fish than you will find most anywhere else. The chef/owner is a master craftsman and the restaurant only serves sushi, nothing else. That's right, no edamame, no miso, no teriyaki. Don't even ask for a bowl of rice!! Nothing but traditional old school truly Japanese, historically and culturally accurate sushi. I've never been to a place where the serving of top quality sushi is treated with such Zen-like focus and reverence. That all being said, the location is laughable - in a little storefront in a strip mall. And there is no decor, which is actually a refreshing aesthetic, but all is forgiven when that first piece of raw fish melts in your mouth. If you've never had fish so fresh and tender that it melts in your mouth, then try this place. I wish I could afford to eat here more often.
1712 Victory Blvd
Glendale, CA 91201
[phone]

[Porthos]

Could you please elaborate on what types of fish he usually carries and which ones are imported? On average, how many varieties does he carry? Does he dress up or treat each piece of nigiri in any way? As for the rice, which school of rice does it most resemble? Sasabune, Zo, or Mori?

[Das Ubergeek]

WTF?

Since when is there anything worth eating in Burbank besides Porto's??

And it's right by my frigging office too. I may have to investigate tomorrow. Are they open for lunch?

[ns1]

cost PP?

[Das Ubergeek]

I went for lunch today -- don't have time to recap it now except to say it was very good and was $40 pp for the omakase we had (seven rounds or so).

[Clyde]

creepazoid, i want to thank you for reminding me about this place. i went here once a while ago and it was great. i went here again this weekend after reading this post and it was one of my most memorable sushi meals. i cannot stop thinking about it! i am surprised this place isn't more crowded. i can't wait to return!

[westsidegal]

for sushi, i have never tried the ethereal experience at urawasawa, but it sounds like the >$350/pp tab there would be over your limit any way.

here are the more earth-bound sushi bars that i like

1. for approx $80 to $150/pp

my favorite by far is sushi zo
9824 National Blvd Unit C Los Angeles, CA 90034 ..

at this price point (actually a little more expensive than zo) i also enjoy mori sushi
11500 W Pico Blvd in Los Angeles, CA

others on this board would probably add kiriko on sawtelle to this category.

2. Less expensive --approx $60/pp

k-zo
9240 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

hamasaku
11043 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025-3523.

3. imho Best of the 'Bargain' sushi places under $50/pp
Hide sushi
2040 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025

[cls]

I would concur, these are good choices given their relative merits. Unless the OP has something specific in mind for sushi.

[Das Ubergeek]

Just a note -- Hide Sushi is cash only. There's an ATM there (or there used to be) but they don't take plastic and they don't take cheques.

[anothernotch]

I am a big fan of the sushi recs listed above, in particular, of Hide sushi because of the bang for your buck. However, If Hide is on your itenary I would suggest making the stop on a Wednesday or Friday as those are the days that they generally have aji, in my opinion, one of their better options.

[Porthos]

I personally would not recommend anything at the $80-150 pp price point for a NY visitor. While I love Mori and Zo, Sushi Yasuda is higher quality, greater variety, and better rice than either Mori or Zo for the same price (usually $100-120 for 20 pieces).

The $50 pp recs might better show off LA's sushi merits.

I do highly second Izayoi for sushi and izakaya though.

Das's K-town recs are awesome although I too am not a big fan of YongSuSan.

And agree, SGV will open your eyes regarding regional Chinese food if you're from NY.

[Das Ubergeek]

Korean food: LA's Koreatown is huge. The only problem is that the really excellent barbecue places get a bit pricey (you would have a hard time getting out of Park's BBQ, which is the very best, or Soot Bull Jeep, which nips right at its heels in the running, for under $30-$40 a person not counting alcohol).

That said:

I'm totally in love with the naengmyon at Shik Do Rak (of all places). It's not even a North Korean restaurant but I'm totally, utterly enamoured of their mul naengmyon (that's noodles and various toppings in absolutely ice-cold broth). Maybe not the right season for it, but still... Their barbecue is also not bad and they bill themselves as "the home of dduk bo ssam" (dduk bo ssam = rice crepes for wrapping barbecued meat).

The two doyens of soon dubu jjigae (spicy tofu stew) face each other across Olympic Boulevard at New Hampshire. I give the nod to Beverly Tofu House for slightly better soon dubu jjigae, but Sokongdong has much better panchan, so I usually end up at Sokongdong.

Have a set menu meal at YongSuSan. How many North Korean restaurants do you find even in the Outer Boroughs? Again, maybe a little more expensive.

If you like pork you've got to have pork neck soup and pork barbecue at Ham Ji Park.

Of course, you need to go have bingsu (shaved ice with various sweet toppings) from a dog bowl (really) at Ice Kiss.

There's a smaller, but still quite sizable, Korean community here in northern Orange County, between Little Saigon and the LA county border in Garden Grove, Stanton and Buena Park. Let me know if you're interested and I can guide you to places there.

-----
Park's BBQ
955 S. Vermont Ave, Suite G, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Soot Bull Jeep
3136 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Beverly Soon Tofu Restaurant
2717 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Shik Do RAK
2501 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006

So Kong Dong
2716 W Olympic Blvd Ste 104, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Ham Ji Park
4135 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Ice Kiss
3407 W 6th St Ste 101A, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Yong Su San Restaurant
950 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006

[ipsedixit]

I would skip YongSuSan. It's just not very good.

[Das Ubergeek]

Has it gone downhill? I loved it the last time I went but that was 18 months ago.

[ipsedixit]

No, it was never really good to begin with.

More show than substance.

[tofuburrito]

Is it worth planning a trip to Little Saigon for the Tet Festival? I'm wondering if it gives you a chance to try a lot of the places mentioned above in one trip.

[ns1]

Go there (tet festival) for the experience, not for the food.

[Ciao Bob]

I agree 100% -- I never liked any menu I ever had there. The idea and surroundings were interesting but the food was pre-fab.

[soniabegonia]

I disagree that it was never good. I've been about 6-7 times over the years and I would say it's been pretty consistent, though the last time I was there, I was a bit underwhelmed. But that had more to do with the fact that it's the same stuff every time and I'm just bored of it. The first time I went, I really loved it. It's Northern Korean, not BBQ, milder flavors, more formal than your average Korean. They do bossam kimchi rather well, and I still like their acorn jelly. I'm also fond of their pumpkin porridge and duk guk, which is on the a la carte menu. I think a first timer would rather enjoy it, unless they were set on BBQ.

[ipsedixit]

No, of course it's not BBQ; never said it was. YongSuSan purports to be Kaesong (Roya) fare, which is fine, but the food is just not very good -- maybe it's been dumbed down for Western clienteles.

In some ways, this place borders on the Korean version of The Gardens of Taxco.

[Das Ubergeek]

I really think you're overstating the case... but we'll put you down for a "dislike".

[songsta]

i'm a big fan of yong susan. definitely not your run of the mill korean restaurant. the fixed menus are excellent.

[choctastic]

The comments about it being boring I understand. I think they should change up the menu with the season.

[Ciao Bob]

Ham Ji Park = excellent, for exactly the two dished Mr. Ubergeek cites.

[noshie]

I love Favori's (Vietnamese) fried catfish, its a whole catfish with golden crispy skin, moist flesh below and sprinkled with green onions, cilantro. Its served with rice paper wrappers, green bananas, Vietnamese greens and you put some fish, green banana, greens in a wrapper, fold it up and dip it in the Nac Mon (sp) dipping sauce they give you. This is wonderful.

They also serve yummy Vietnamese shakes, the avocado shake is wonderful (although not as good as Vans, I don't have the address for Vans)

Favori is a nice sit down, fancier side restaurant (although great for families and kids too) that also serves classic French food. You can also get bun, etc. there, but they are known for the whole catfish, I don't think I've ever seen a table without one (people often get the hot pot soup things too).

Favori, 3502 West 1st Street, Santa Ana [phone]

[Das Ubergeek]

If you use the "Link to a place" link below the reply box you can look it up!

-----
Grill Restaurant at the TPC Fairmont
17020 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Van's Bakery
8926 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA

Van Bakery
9211 Bolsa Ave # 125, Westminster, CA

Van's Bakery
13221 Harbor Blvd Garden, Grove, CA

Van's Bakery
860 E Valley Blvd, San Gabriel, CA

[noshie]

Thanks! Ok, here it is.

[noshie]

Whoops, here it is.

-----
Favori Restaurant
3502 W 1st St, Santa Ana, CA 92703

[spicychow]

I'm not a big fan of yongsusan either. I think it used to be a lot better, or maybe I simply got bored, but the last couple of times I was really unimpressed. Having said that, try it once, since their style is unique.

For Korean restaurants, if you choose a place with different combos, it can be really satisfying and affordable. Shikdorak has that, and also Soowon Galbi. Shikdorak is the place that started the rice paper wrap, and it's pretty good. Their valley one (Near encino?) is much better than the LA one, but overall it's cheap and good.

SooWon Galbi has combos too, and you get the bean paste soup, steamed egg, and alcohol with your combos. A Group of 5 can get full with their combo A, which is 100dollars. AND you can try different cuts of meat.

Ham Ji Park is really good for their pork bbq... yummy.

I think people have already recommended sushi zo in westside. I'd also recommend Sushi Gen if you're in downtown (japantown). Really good lunch specials, although the wait can be a while.

Have fun on your trip!

[ceviche]

co-sign on the pork neck soup and the bbq pork at Ham Ji Park.
the pork neck soup in particular is probably one of the most delicious, most comforting dishes i've ever eaten. very earthy and full of pork flavor, it reminded me of how REALLY good home-cooked mexican food makes me feel.

[the_doanster]

Pho Pasteur in Rosemead is your best bet for good authentic inexpensive Vietnamese food.

8821 Valley Blvd
Rosemead, CA 91770
[phone]

[ns1]

don't eat their pho.

repeat. do not eat their pho.

go down a few exits and go to pho minh.

http://exilekiss.blogspot.com/2008/07/enchanting-pure-beef-noodle-soup-pho.html

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/550067

[Das Ubergeek]

Or save the SGV (626 area code, basically) for what it's best at (Chinese food that puts the #7 train to shame) and come down here to Little Saigon in Westminster, home of the largest Vietnamese community in the US. Specifically:

1. Quan Hy for banh beo and other little bites.
2. Com Tam Tran Quy Cap for "broken rice" with excellent, excellent toppings
3. Pagolac for bo bay mon (seven courses of beef, usually $12-$14 per person)
4. Vien Dong for cha ca thanh long (turmeric and dill grilled catfish), bun cha Hanoi (deconstructed vermicelli bowls with addictive pork in papaya sauce) and the very best nem ran (fried spring rolls) you'll ever have, all $10 or under except large portions of fish which are $15.
5. Banh Mi Che Cali (also available in the SGV) for ultra-cheap sandwiches ($2.25 each, buy two get one free) and che (coconut-based soupy desserts, $1.50 each, buy two get one free) but there is no place to eat so you'll have to take it out.
6. Xanh Bistro for "upscale" Vietnamese (much nicer ambiance than normal but prices are still under $15 for an entree).

There's so much down here...

-----
Banh Mi Che Cali Bakery
13838 Brookhurst St, Garden Grove, CA 92843

Vien Dong
14271 Brookhurst St, Garden Grove, CA 92843

Quan Hy Restaurant
9727 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA 92683

Xanh Bistro
16161 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Com Tam Tran Quy Cap
16175 Harbor Blvd, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Pagolac Restaurant
14580 Brookhurst St, Westminster, CA 92683

[bsquared2]

The trip to Little Saigon is worth the extra gas. Those are all great choices. I would throw in Quan Hop, which is the sister restaurant to Quan Hy if you want Pho.

If you go to Quan Hy, you have to stop at Vua Kho Bo (The King of Beef Jerky) which is located a couple of doors down. There is also a great place for Che (VN dessert) in the same plaza.

[bsquared2]

Pho Minh is the real thing. It also gives you an excuse to go to South El Monte.

[Das Ubergeek]

I haven't been, but people I trust say it's really excellent. I do remember seeing posts about bizarre hours-keeping, though. Honestly, though there is great Viet in the SGV, I can't imagine ever going there for Viet when there are so many insanely good Chinese places all over the place. I'd be so distracted.

I do feel like Little Saigon is worth the drive, but I'm sure that's because I live nearby. :)

[ipsedixit]

I actually think the Vietnamese food in SGV (esp. in Rosemead, Temple City, El Monte and San Gabriel) is as good, if not better, than what you can find in Little Saigon.

[raytamsgv]

I think the pho at Pho Pasteur isn't very good.

[cls]

Which area, and what's your budget. Sushi can be $50 per person or $500+

[bennyt]

I guess I should have specified- good relatively inexpensive sushi. I'm open to any recommendations in any part of the city/surrounding area - I know this is overly broad, but having a good smattering of options would be ideal. Everybody has their favorite, and I want to hear what, why, and where.

[cls]

You will get endless replies once the sushi hounds start chiming in.
I would say: consider Japanese food and sushi with Izayoi or Kappo Ishito downtown being my favorites. Also, if you find a sushi restaurant but it's over budget you may want to try lunch where frequently prices are less and there are specials. Lastly, for sushi, order one order at a time (two pieces, one piece each.) You will get to sample a lot and enjoy a more leisurely experience. There are so many sushi restaurants all over LA, it is best to specify an area where you are staying and there are undoubtably many quality places in the vicinity.
I'll let others post specific sushi restaurant recommendations (read fight it out.)
There are others who are much better for Korean and Vietnamese than me.