Korean BBQ, Not All You Can Eat

LA is home to an impressive koreatown. It's sizeable and has tons of places to eat, of the korean variety, and otherwise. It also has multiple all you can eat korean bbq joints. I've never been to one, and I didn't want to pop that cherry on this trip. So instead, we went to a slightly fancier korean spot for bbq and other food - Soowon Galbi Korean BBQ. We went simple and ordered the galbi. We only ordered one portion, so we did not get to grill it ourselves. They only let you grill at the table with two or more portions. We didn't mind, because we were starving and didn't feel like waiting any longer than necessary. Unlike any place I'd ever been, we were given somes salad, and the above accoutrements for the meat. Some dipping sauces, thinly sliced pickled daikon, and rice cake wrappers. I've been eating korean food and korean bbq my entire life, and I've never seen these accessories before. Is this a west coast thing? Something new I haven't been made privvy to? Their selectin of banchan was pretty standard. They're so anal, they have to line up the banchan dishes just right. I liked their kimchi, it was fresh and light, not very fermented, the way I like it.We also ordered haemul pajeon to have a little something else to eat. This was unlike any haemul pajeon I've ever eaten. It was super duper thick, like a deep dish pizza. And the thing was so hot and steamy. I typically like it more thin and crispy, but it was still good like this. But really, I prefer the pancake thinner.And finally, the meat! It was pretty yummy. Good quality meat, nicely flavored, not super sweet. It's a bit pricey, but still a good portion. The service was really good. The dude that was our waiter was super polite and seemed to be fresh off the boat. It's a bit nicer than most bbq joints, so if you don't want to scare first timers, this would be a good spot.

Soowon Galbi Korean BBQ
856 S Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 365-9292