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Ktown Night Market in L.A.

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Ktown Night Market in L.A.

Ktown Night Market Concert

Ktown Night Market Concert

What is it about different cultures coming together and combining their vision of food, creating an eclectic edge? There’s a feeling that pulses between the hustle of vendors, aroma of fusion cuisine and live music. I’m talking about the Ktown Night Market, a two-day event held monthly during the summer at various locations throughout Koreatown and Downtown Los Angeles. Tonight’s event takes place at The RFK Community Schools Complex, a former site of the Ambassador Hotel and the famous “Cocoanut Grove.” Celebrities known to have frequented the historic venues include Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Anna May Wong among others. As time has passed a unique charm of the area still remains as festivities go on to intrigue guests.

Grilled Lobster Claw and Tail

Grilled Lobster Claw and Tail

Ktown Night Market is a gathering of local vendors, food trucks, musicians and celebrities like Heesun Lee and Awkwafina. Wandering through the endless options of fusion food and never-ending lines, maybe you’re wondering what dishes to try. Perhaps Grilled Lobster or Sriracha Fried Shrimps from Claw ‘N Tail? Possibly Lamb Steak on a skewer? Yes, the tasty and tender savory goodness of grilled meats on a stick! Where else will you see diverse cultures walking around with handheld foods or that special something that’s a bit messier?

Making ramen

Making ramen

Okonomi Fries

Okonomi Fries

The sweet love I have for Japanese Fusion. I’m talking about Okamoto Kitchen’s crispy fries drizzled with Okonomiyaki-style Okonomi sauce. Made of Kewpie Mayo, aonori, greens, red ginger, and bonito flakes, the layers of flavor really get your taste buds’ attention. It’s mix of sweet, savory, and crispy all in one sloppy bite. The Kewpie Mayo’s delectable taste combined with the light airy french fry is a match made in heaven. If there were such a thing as french-fried love fused with Japanese cuisine, it would be “The Notebook” of foodie romances.

Cheeseburger Monster wrapped in Fried Potato Chips

Cheeseburger Monster wrapped in Fried Potato Chips

If you’re not an adventurous foodie, the Indiana Jones of the Fork, then opt for something like the Cheeseburger wrapped in Fried Potato Chips. This culinary creation is a beefy cheesy melted baby wrapped in a blanket of crunchy goodness. A person with a lesser heart could not handle this dish as the grease is a complimentary palate cleanser. While you’re at it, chow down on ramen, Korean BBQ, boba tea, and desserts like Matcha Milk Spread from Tak’s Dessert.

Tak's Dessert Matcha Spread

Tak's Dessert Matcha Spread

Kore Limited on-screen during the concert

Kore Limited on-screen during the concert

Pamper yourself with eyelash extensions

Pamper yourself with eyelash extensions

So you’re feeling full and satisfied. You wonder, “What else there is to do?” There are Carnival style games, making it a family-friendly event or fun date night. Ktown Night Market also hosts a variety of local businesses from Koreatown. Notable mentions include Kore Limited and Soaporo’s Natural Handmade Soaps. If you're running low on energy while dancing to musical guests such as Ashley Yoon and Coco Avenue, there is a remedy: drink Vision Smart’s Vision and Sport Sparkle Natural Energy Supplement. That juice will keep your rhythm flowing. Vendors provide attendees with a plethora of goods, catering to their many possible needs.

Vendor deep-frying sea cucumbers

Vendor deep-frying sea cucumbers

Deep-fried sea cucumbers

Deep-fried sea cucumbers

Whether you bite into a Deep Fried Sea Cucumber or something more adventurous, Ktown Night Market is certainly the standard for showcasing what Koreatown and the Greater L.A. Area has to offer. Foodies and people from all walks of life come together and enjoy this melting pot of cultural fusion food.

When's the next Ktown Night Market? Click here.


garrett t

When Garrett T. is not eating, he is writing foodie romance novels. Follow him on Twitter for his latest culinary adventures!


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Green Tea Bingsoo at Okrumong

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Green Tea Bingsoo at Okrumong

Who eats bingsoo, Korean shaved ice, first thing in the morning? Someone who has a plane to catch within three hours. Yeah, me. I'm currently stationed in NorCal and there is no Korean shaved ice as legit as the ones in Los Angeles (aside from Seoul). So as my last "meal" before heading back home, I happily get a brain freeze at 11am. My flight departs at 1:45pm. I take my sweet time, savoring each icy bite.

If bingsoo was a skyscraper, then this is a bird's eye view of it.

If bingsoo was a skyscraper, then this is a bird's eye view of it.

My bestie Yoonah accompanies me. She's a trooper. Bingsoo is typically eaten as a dessert, not as breakfast. We may get stomach aches and that's a risk I'm willing to take.  

A handful of cafes in Koreatown LA offer bingsoo. We go to Okrumong (옥루몽), the location in the same plaza as the popular Korean BBQ joint Hae Jang Chon. Another Okrumong resides in Torrance about 25 miles south. Okrumong is a bingsoo chain created in South Korea and plans for world domination! I endorse. 

While waiting for our "meal" to be prepared, we have Patbbang as an appetizer. Patbbang is bread filled with red bean paste. 

Patbbang in shape of a donut with branding on top. 

Patbbang in shape of a donut with branding on top. 

Undressing the Patbbang from its transparent veil.  

Undressing the Patbbang from its transparent veil.  

Patbbang come in various shapes. Some do not have a hole in the middle. Others are sliced to resemble flowers. Some Patbbang contain very little red bean paste with thick white bread around it. Okrumong's Patbbang has the ideal bread-to-paste ratio. Their bread allows the red bean paste to show off its flavor. 

Yum yum in the tum tum. 

Yum yum in the tum tum. 

The restaurant page buzzes. My heart tingles. Legit bingsoo, how I have missed you! The Green Tea Bingsoo with a hat of thick red bean paste arrives in its golden bowl. Mister and Misses Mochi sing a duet on the cushiony paste. 

Green Tea Bingsoo. Lookin' proper and friendly as usual. 

Green Tea Bingsoo. Lookin' proper and friendly as usual. 

The moment your spoon scoops a bite out of that shaved ice, notice how smoothly this simple action occurs. I've had bingsoo where you have to break down the ice with your spoon, otherwise all the clumped ice spins around the bowl in circles. Okrumong bingsoo takes out that extra step and gives you princess treatment.  

Eat all your red bean paste? Fear not. Dig deeper and there is more at the core.

Eat all your red bean paste? Fear not. Dig deeper and there is more at the core.

Enough talk of the looks. What about its flavor? The green tea shaved ice tastes like, well, matcha. Earthy. The white layer of ice underneath is bland. For sugary goodness, you can depend on the red bean paste. This bingsoo is suitable for those with a semi-sweethtooth. 

I consume 80% of the bingsoo as Yoonah's teeth recover from the cold bites. With a smile, we have a chill ride to the airport. Sure, I may miss my flight if traffic awaits us on the 10 and 405, but having that Green Tea Bingsoo was worth every trouble. 

Interior of Okrumong in Koreatown LA. 

Interior of Okrumong in Koreatown LA. 

 Okrumong (Koreatown LA)

(855) 627-8012
3801 W. 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90020

Okrumong (Torrance)
(866) 722-1727
2814 Sepulveda Blvd, Unit C
Torrance, CA 90505


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K-town LA: Food & Entertainment, Part 1

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K-town LA: Food & Entertainment, Part 1

This week on KWOW we take a close look at the Koreatown scenes from Anthony Bourdain’s new show “Parts Unknown.” In addition Professor Oh reveals a handful of drool-inducing hotspots!

The map below is a summary. For details, refer to KWOW episode 89 above.

KOREAN FOOD
1. BCD Tofu House
2. Beverly Soondubu
3. Dong Il Jang
4. Hodori
5. Jang Teo Bossam
6. Kobawoo House
7. Madang Gooksu
8. Palsaik
9. Plaza Mandarin House
10. Toebang

Palsaik on Western Avenue. Their eight flavors of pork include garlic, red pepper paste, wine, curry and herb. Recent addition to the family: smoked flavor.

Palsaik on Western Avenue. Their eight flavors of pork include garlic, red pepper paste, wine, curry and herb. Recent addition to the family: smoked flavor.

FUSION
11. Caffe Village
12. Mr. Pizza

KARAOKE
13. Bobos Karaoke
14. Rosen
15. Star Light

TEA & STUDY
16. Hwa Sun Ji
17. Tom N Toms

Vegans & carnivores unite at Genwa. This Korean BBQ joint's got a rainbow of sidedishes and vegetarian options!

Vegans & carnivores unite at Genwa. This Korean BBQ joint's got a rainbow of sidedishes and vegetarian options!

OTHER
18. Gangnam Style Bar
19. Kim MeHee Hanbok
20. Music Plaza
21. The Korean Book Center
22. Western Inn

PLAZAS
23. Chapman Plaza
24. Koreatown Plaza
25. Koreatown Galleria



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