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Recession Obsession: Koreatown Galleria Food Court
The Official Recession has been upon us for thirteen official months. It’s still not a reason we can’t enjoy life. This is LA -- we’ve got plenty of cheap options! We last had our pick of choice, low-cost international cuisine at both the Grand Central Market and Thai Town.
When times are tough we’re compelled to cut spending. It’s a reaction so instinctive that it seems hard-wired. Let’s ignore our wiring and do another thing to do to our wallet during The Official Recession. Let’s stretch it. Today we’ll seek value at the Koreatown Galleria’s Food Court, LAist’s latest Recession Obsession.
The Koreatown Galleria is clean. It’s very, very clean, and bright. It still has that new mall smell (despite having opened 2001.) The Koreatown Galleria is so immaculate that you may conclude it offers tasteless, sterile food. Not true. Here you'll find authentic Korean food in large portions with some fun extras.
The Food Gallery
Most of the Food Court’s (”Food Gallery” they call it) dozen eateries specialize in Korean food there's Japanese as well.) The great thing about Korean food is that it doesn’t leave you hungry -- something especially good in this economy. The portions are hearty and you’ll find your tray full of complimentary side dishes (banchan.) They’re pretty good too.
On a recent Sunday LAist ordered the pork cutlet plate from Tonkatsu. For some this would’ve been two meals. For this LAist eater it was one hearty meal, and it was $10. Two meals at this Food Court is definitely enough for three eaters. Aside from the mayo-covered salad it was a very enjoyable meal. My pork cutlet was enormous and tasty. The side dishes were good too. Expect kim chi.
Pictured above: Two large slabs of lightly-fried pork. Miso soup. Spicy daikon (I think that’s what it was.) Salad. Orange slice. Macaroni salad. (Somehow no kim chi.)
Relax On The PatioThis third-floor Food Court has a nice outdoor patio. At eye level you’ll note the many tall palm trees of Koreatown. It’s a nice place to eat a meal. Especially because it'll take some time to polish off your dense tray.
- Koreatown Galleria Food Court (Food Gallery) @ Koreatown Galleria
Western & Olympic, Koreatown 3250 W Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. 90006 (Western & Olympic) (323) 733.6000
- Mon - Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Sun 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Parking: Free in the lot.
Photos by Caleb Bacon for LAist
What do you like to eat at the Koreatown Galleria Food Court? Comment below!
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