Hwal A Kwang Jang
If you’re ever in Los Angeles and craving some of the freshest seafood, you’ve got to check out Hwal A Kwang Jang. Nestled in the heart of LA at 730 S Western Ave, this spot is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Korean seafood dishes in a relaxed, casual setting. The atmosphere here is ideal for groups – the moderate noise level makes it a perfect spot to catch up with friends or family over a delicious meal.
One of the highlights of Hwal A Kwang Jang is their Live Octopus, which is exactly as thrilling as it sounds. This daring dish lets you enjoy octopus fresh from the tank, offering an unforgettable experience for seafood lovers. If you're more into traditional dishes, you’ll find the Hwe Dup Bap, a fresh, flavorful rice bowl topped with a variety of raw fish, a fantastic option. Another standout is the Raw Fish selection, offering a vibrant assortment of some of the best cuts around.
For those who want to dive into more extravagant fare, the Lobster Sashimi is definitely worth a try. Served fresh, the lobster is buttery and tender, a luxurious choice for seafood connoisseurs. Not to mention, the Sashimi Combo lets you indulge in a variety of sashimi, making it perfect for those who love a little bit of everything.
Whether you're in the mood for something adventurous like live octopus or just looking to enjoy a classic sashimi spread, Hwal A Kwang Jang has it all. With its casual vibe, this restaurant invites you to relax and savor every bite, making it an excellent option for a laid-back dinner with friends or a group outing. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a chilled drink, because the flavors here are sure to leave you coming back for more.
Reviews
Small whole in the wall in a strip near Koreatown! Nothing fancy but ALL THE RAW SEAFOOD!!! Unmatched! Not the best for big groups but for groups of less than 6 should work! Fast moving Korean aunties and the chefs are right where you can see them. Absolutely coming back here with the sisters!
Fresh sashimi (hweh) and nonstop flow of colorful dishes from a master chef. Hole in the wall but a staple hweh spot in Koreatown.
This hidden gem is a must-try for sashimi lovers! We ordered the halibut sashimi course, and the portion was more than enough for two people. It came with a generous spread of side dishes, making the meal feel extra indulgent. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the flavors were spot-on. The staff were warm and welcoming, adding to the charm of this traditional Korean sashimi spot. It's the kind of place only the locals know about, and it's absolutely worth the visit. Highly recommended. I loved every bite!
This place has been consistently good to me. this review is only for the hwae dup bap, because this is all I ever get there, and unless someone can prove me wrong, this may be the best hwae dup bap you can get in LA, and by extension, perhaps the in the USA. hwae dup bap is one of the few dishes i can eat every day. the ingredients are always fresh and the flavors will make you never want to buy one of those ready made kits at the korean grocery store. To me, a 5 star review means i eat there regularly, and if this place keeps doing what they're doing, i'll be a lifelong patron.
Seafood is so fresh you can literally see it move (just the lobster head, see video). Service was quick and Korean-mommy style (no time for bs & give you what you need fast). They made a spicy fish soup with the lobster head and tail at the end when you cue that you're done. Place was clean, nothing fancy. Just super fresh korean style sashimi. (Meaning you can dip in korean spicy paste and wrap in lettuce and green leaves like a ssam.)