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