Playing chopsticks
With new large-scale retail and residential developments at practically every intersection, gentrification has truly taken hold in Koreatown. It’s hard to believe there was a time when an indoor mall could cause a stir—that was back in 1991, when Koreatown Plaza parked itself on one full block along Western Ave. KTP disrupted local businesses by offering groceries, cosmetics, apparel, music, books and dining. And an eyesore? Yeah totally.
Since then, a dazzling Galleria arrived nearby, but KTP—abbreviated for maximum texting convenience—is the sentimental favorite. One big reason: KTP’s unrivaled food court. Sure, ambiance is practically nil in the windowless underground setting, but that’s hardly the point. The grub is pretty tasty and, dare we say, comparable to the many stand-alone restaurants in the area—it even passes muster with the older Korean generation. From traditional stews and extra-crispy Korean-style chicken to pho, sushi and the ubiquitous tart faux-gurt, something is sure to feed your need before perusing the top-level music emporium or the Art Box next door. Because neither Korean pop CDs nor perplexing Asian stationary should be contemplated on an empty stomach.
Most viewed Restaurant items in the last 24 hours
- Q&A: Anthony Bourdain
- Hide Sushi
- Caioti Pizza Cafe
- Up all night: 24-hour grub guide
- Katsuya Hollywood
