With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Recession Obsession: Eating On The Purple Line
()
A Recession Obsession is, 1) a meal so great that it sticks in your mind long after digestion's end, and, 2) plays nice with your sensitive wallet. Is there a better place than Los Angeles to eat a wide variety of amazing food that so happens to be inexpensive? Probably not. We're as lucky as we are well fed. We last obsessed over $3 Breakfast in Culver City, and @theGastrobus. Today we obsess...
Going Metro is cheap (a one way ticket is $1.50; a day pass $5.00.) But it's not just a lift to work, or a bulky designated driver. It's your way to some great food that doesn't happen to cost too much.
We've Chowed The Red Line before (it was good,) and now, it's time do so the same on The Purple Line.
Support for LAist comes from
The Purple Line is thought of being the one train that runs through Koreatown. It's that and more, crossing three distinct areas: Koreatown, MacArthur Park, and Downtown Los Angeles. That means culinary options with serious range. Of course, The Purple Line is LAist's latest Recession Obsession.
()
Near Union Station
()
Korean Dumplings @ Wilshire / Normandie
()
Wilshire / Western
- The California Market has deliciously inexpensive Korean to-go dishes. Also, try the Korean Rice Pancakes for $1 at the stall outside.
- KyoChon Chicken makes KFC -- Korean Fried Chicken. It's more than finger lickin' good.
Wilshire / Normandie
- Want Authentic Korean Dumplings that are the size of grenades? Yes you do.
- Myung Dong Kyoja serves up delicious Korean hand cut noodles and dumplings. Most of the menu is $7.95.
Wilshire / Vermont
- I'm told Fat Fish's $2 sushi specials can't be beat.
Westlake / MacArthur Park
- Mama's Tamales reminds us that the tamale is art, and art is love.
- Langer's may not be as cheap as, perhaps, all of its neighbors, but history is delicious with their legendary deli menu.
Pershing Square
- The Grand Central Market is Downtown's Ground Zero for Recession Obsessions. Try a pupusa, the panaderia, or pig ear tacos.
Civic Center
- Be fearful of the lunchtime line, but make a point of eating ramen at Little Tokyo's Daikokuya.
Union Station
- At Philippe's, you can french dip like it's 1909. (That's a good thing.)
- Also, there's Chinatown. Explore, and find yourself a dim sum special, or some curious market serving something you can't pronounce for a buck or two.
Photos By Caleb Bacon (Twitter)
Support for LAist comes from
Where Do You Eat On The Purple Line? Comment Below!
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases. -
Distrito Catorce’s Guillermo Piñon says the team no longer reflects his community. A new mural will honor local leaders instead.
Best of LAist