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Gu Jip is a hidden gem of sorts. It's not tucked away in a dark alley somewhere, but I sure had enough trouble finding it -- there's no English signage at all except a blue lit sign that says "Tofu House." Not. Helpful. Good thing the suite number is also on top of the door and that matched up with the Gardena address we had in hand.
We timidly shuffle in, hoping that the staff will be friendly to a party of three that speaks absolutely no Korean other than "Hello." We're seated immediately, there's a pictured menu on the wall for the larger items and a menu on the table for more low key home style items.
The panchans. Kimchi, soy bean sprouts, marinaded turnip, a seaweed and squid "salad" with a sweet and spicy sauce, and lastly, a plate of soy bean paste and whole jalapeno peppers. I must mention that the kimchi here tastes a bit different from kimchi from other Korean restaurants -- and even the larger plate of kimchi that is served later with the pork and oyster wrap -- the small plate of kimchi has a hint of papaya that is quite unexpected, sweet, and pleasant.
Service is quick and efficient, not overly friendly because of the language barrier, but our waitress was very helpful when we fumbled ordering the dishes. The restaurant has a family-owned feel that is comfortable if a little sparse. I'd love to come back -- I would love to get the pork neck and potato soup again, it's fantastic, and maybe try something else from the large item menu. The stuffed Korean pork sausage casserole is calling my name.
Gu Jip (Tofu house)
15435 S Western Ave #112
Gardena, CA 90249
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"...there's no English signage at all except a blue lit sign that says "Tofu House." Not. Helpful."
Ha! "Geu Jip" means "That House."
I don't live anywhere near that place (or any of the other places you write about Asian-food-wise) but that pork/oyster combo looks fantastic - even for breakfast...