"New York restaurant Hojokban has opened in the Arts District amid a general wave of upscale Korean food in Los Angeles. Hojokban's space conjures a dim, intimate Seoul hangout but with high ceilings and a generous layout that one wouldn't find in the bustling Korean capital. That dash of industrial cool amid the ornate traditional decor illustrates Hojokban's approach to Korean cuisine: familiar but undeniably new."
"Golden brown truffle potato jeon looks like a dreamy latke whose ultra-crispy disc of carbs comes covered with bacon, Parmesan, and truffle aioli. Pork belly suyuk, slow-simmered in broth but served without the customary soup, resembles an appetizer-sized bossam. Shin Ramen-seasoned fried rice is strange but oddly tasty; the naturally savory and tangy chopped kimchi contrasts with the technicolor umami of the instant ramen powder."
"Fresh salmon ssambap, seasoned white rice topped with succulent raw salmon cubes, uni, and caviar, might be unfamiliar to first-generation Koreans, but the setup still feels incredibly old school and delectable. The pre-sliced Hojok galbi, slow-cooked and tender, comes laid out along the bone and served with a zingy dressed green lettuce salad. Save room for Hojokban's viral companion doughnut shop Cafe Knotted for sugar-dusted, milk cream-filled fritters ready for your Instagram feed."
Hojokban has opened in the Arts District, blending an intimate Seoul-style hangout ambiance with high ceilings and industrial touches. The restaurant presents a regal trio of kimchi in golden bowls alongside refined small plates meant for sharing. Signature items include truffle potato jeon with bacon and truffle aioli, pork belly suyuk served bossam-style, Shin Ramen-seasoned fried rice, fresh salmon ssambap topped with uni and caviar, and pre-sliced slow-cooked Hojok galbi. The kitchen is still fine-tuning some seasonings and sauces. Portions are intentionally snacky rather than Koreatown-sized. Cafe Knotted supplies sugar-dusted, milk cream-filled fritters for dessert.
Read at Eater LA
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