There’s no better way to spice up the ordinariness of life than exploring new foods. Especially with restrictions starting to lift, foodies can finally enjoy a more complete dining experience at the restaurants themselves. Two rising stars in Koreatown, hanchic. and Love Hour, are sure to tantalize your taste buds and create an enjoyable experience with their unique menu items and vibes.
hanchic.
hanchic. came to life last September during quarantine. A group of friends joined together to bring innovative twists to Korean dishes. Before tasting the food, visitors are able to experience the fusion vibe with the unique interior that combines aspects of traditional Korean architecture paired with hanging, industrial style lights that create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
More unique than the interior, however, are the fun and original menu items. One of its most popular menu items are the hoe buns. This dish got its inspiration from hoebbang which is a Korean steamed bun. The hoe buns, naturally colored with squid ink, are stuffed with perilla leaves, red onions, cilantro, and pork belly marinated in a spicy gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) sauce. Upon the first bite, the sweet yet spicy marinade of the pork hits your tastebuds for an explosion of umami. Then, enter the fragrant perilla leaves and cilantro which pair so well with the pork belly. Finally, the acidic and crisp onions and jalapeños provide a burst of brightness and provides a wonderful balance with all the other ingredients.
Other menu items include the potato sammies and pork on crack. The potato sammies feature buttery Hawaiian rolls toasted to perfection and spread with a generous layer of creamy potato salad. With the pork on crack, a layer of rice is topped with a generous layer of spicy gochujang marinated pork, chives, and egg yolk. All of these items are enjoyable both for the eyes and mouth.
Love Hour
Nothing hits the spot like a hearty burger with a side of crispy fries. Love Hour has nailed the art of making the most satisfying burger and fries. It started as a pop up and even landed a spot at Coachella where they were able to share their burgers with a greater crowd. Love Hour is a bit hidden, right behind Bumsan Organic Milk Bar. This hidden spot is truly a gem with a delicious menu and irresistible atmosphere inspired from a night market concept that makes this the perfect spot to hang out with friends.
The casual street vibes pair perfectly with the delicious burgers. One bite wraps your tastebuds with so many different textures and flavors. The bun by itself is so scrumptious with its buttery flavor and chewy texture. Soon after, the juicy meat meets you, bringing in a wave of savoriness. The pickle provides just the right amount of acidity and crunch to balance everything out. What really marries everything together though is their signature Love Sauce that's creamy, sweet, and salty.
Of course, you can’t have a burger without fries. Love Hour’s fries are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfectly salty. Once you start, there’s no way to stop.
hanchic. is the place to go for delicious Korean flavors with spunky twists. If you're looking for a place that will make a mean burger and fries, Love Hour will not disappoint. The next time you’re looking for a new food adventure, make sure to check out these two Koreatown restaurants for an unforgettable experience.