Koreatown: Toe Bang
An unfortunate name, but I will say this – Toe Bang is one of my favorite lunch places in all of Koreatown. It’s a big drinking spot at night specializing in Korean Soju but lunch is more my thing.
Tucked into a private plaza in Koreatown, blink and you’ll miss it. With entry from side streets you’re almost transported into a tiny village and not just because of the stone tiled street, there’s an actual working water wheel in the front patio!
The interior decor matches the exterior as everything is made of wood from the walls to the tables and chairs. The window walls are exposed to the outside, so definitely bring a jacket. Cold LA temps can make it a little uncomfortable but there’s nothing that hot sundubu can’t fix.
The weekday lunch special is where it’s at. For a mere $9.99 you not only get a pot of boiling sundubu but it’s paired with a main dish of your choice with options for meat eaters and vegetarians alike.
When the food arrives you also get a metal lunch box of rice and egg bento, like a little gift of food. Everything is perfectly cooked and delicious but feels like a buffet, especially when you’re eating alone.
In addition to all of this, the meal comes with a good array of Korean banchan (side dishes) and even a free iced coffee! The amount of food for the price can’t be beat.
Sometimes I’m reluctant to share my secret favorite places but I do want them to stay in business. Plus who can resist asking your friends if they want to go out to Toe Bang??
Toe Bang
Chapman Plaza
3465 W 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA
