When visiting Los Angeles, Korean food is a must, and going to Korea Town is one of the best ways to introduce yourself to LA. Korean-American culture is a staple of LA. It is the second largest inhabitants of Korean people next to South Korea, it was the hub spot for the LA riots, and it is the home for a lot of the most famous chefs, making it big in America. So to truly appreciate Los Angeles, you need to visit Korea Town. However, not knowing what you can and cannot eat as a vegan shouldn’t be why you should miss out on one of the best experiences in LA. I am a very basic white girl, so I cannot help a lot, but I know a couple of things and have some suggestions.
- Know that Korea Town is a must- I don’t think many people would assume this, but it’s definitely true. Korea Town is a must when it comes to visiting LA. Los Angeles is big. It is filled with the most boring tourist traps and the most exciting aspects of American history and culture. There is always the option to go to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and visit the same stores that you see all over the United States, or you can go to one-of-a-kind restaurants and eateries in Korea Town and experience Korean food that is very close to South Korean cuisine. There have been countless times when people have come to me and said they hated their experience of Los Angeles, only to further explain that they hadn’t experienced anything that really encapsulated Los Angeles. Korea Town isn’t an area for profit, it is a community for thousands of people, so it is hard to bring tourism there. However, Korea town is home to preserved old Hollywood buildings, delicious food, unique bars, and fantastic nightlife. If you were to go to LA, you would have to experience Korea Town.
- Some things are close to being automatically vegan, and some are not- People would assume Kimchi is vegan. It isn’t even vegetarian. Traditional Kimchi has fish oil, so if you get a small amount and your friend offers you some, thank them but don’t eat it. You can find vegan Kimchi somewhere else. If you are given little dishes or Banchan, know that the Korean seasoned bean sprouts, the Korean spinach, the pan-fried tofu, the Korean glazed potato, or the cucumber kimchi are safe bets. When it comes to big meals, Bibimbap is generally easy to make vegan; most times, you should order it at a Korean restaurant. Bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish made from steamed rice, assorted vegetables, gochujang (hot sauce), beef, and egg. You can usually ask for it not to have meat in English, but if you have to ask for it in Korean, REMEMBER THE PHRASE “GOGI- OP-SE-OUM.” Bibimbap is a meal that will fill you up, and it is so unique that you’ll feel like you’re participating with the rest of the group. Another option is Japchae. Japchae is a stir fry dish of sweet potato noodles, vegetables, fish, and meat. You could ask for no meat but be comforted to know it is rare to find fish or meat in Japchae. Japchae is more of a side dish but can be a resource if Bibimbap is not an option at your restaurant.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help- This is LA, and almost everyone speaks English. Don’t assume that automatically. Some people might not have learned it, but if you see someone reasonably young, explain your Veganism to them. They’ll try to be accommodating and ensure you have something to eat. People understand what Veganism is in LA, and most people want to be adjusting to that.
- There are some Vegan Korean Snack options too- There are some unique options for Korean vegan snacks in LA as well. Occasionally you might see a little stand selling a dessert-like dish called Hotteok or Hodduk. It originated in China. However, the Korean one is more accidentally vegan. Some will have ground walnuts, and others are with red bean filling. However, I would double-check to see if milk or honey was used in it, but overall it should be good. If you are at a restaurant where Pajeon is offered, try it! Pajeon is basically a green onion pancake. Even though most Pajeon is made with seafood, there is a green onion version. Try to make sure the egg isn’t included.
- Don’t be afraid of alcohol- Traditional soju and Korean beer tend to fall under vegan rules, so don’t be afraid to try it out. It’s good, but be warned, soju can be dangerous.
Los Angeles is a city that offers a lot of things to do and see. However, most people need to experience the city’s culture. When it comes to really sharing Los Angeles, go to Korea Town. The culture, food, and history circle around the area. Just because you’re vegan doesn’t mean you can’t experience the joys of Korean cuisine. Even though it isn’t overtly easy to maneuver, Korean food can accommodate a vegan diet and is undoubtedly a must when coming to LA.
