Restaurant: Hwal A Kwang Jang
Location: 730 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Date: May 30, 2025
Cuisine: Korean
Rating: Old school
Hwal A Kwang Jang, nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, is a culinary gem that offers an authentic Korean dining experience. The restaurant’s concept is centered around traditional Korean barbecue, where diners can grill their own selection of high-quality meats right at their table. This interactive dining experience is not only a feast for the palate but also a delightful spectacle that engages all the senses.
The atmosphere at Hwal A Kwang Jang is warm and inviting, with a rustic charm that transports you straight to the heart of Seoul. The soft glow of the grills, the bustling energy of the staff, and the lively chatter of satisfied customers create an ambiance that is both cozy and vibrant. The restaurant’s interior, adorned with traditional Korean decor, further enhances the authenticity of the dining experience.
What sets Hwal A Kwang Jang apart is its commitment to quality and authenticity. The restaurant sources only the finest cuts of meat, and its menu features a variety of traditional Korean dishes, each prepared with meticulous attention to detail. This dedication to authenticity has earned Hwal A Kwang Jang a loyal following among Los Angeles’ food enthusiasts and a notable place in the city’s vibrant dining scene. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur of Korean cuisine or a curious first-timer, Hwal A Kwang Jang promises an unforgettable culinary journey.
At first glance, the dish showcases a vibrant contrast between the earthy tones of the Spicy Gochujang Sauce and the fresh, verdant hue of crisp jalapeño halves. The sauce, with its rich crimson depth, emanates a tantalizing aroma infused with notes of fermented miso and an underlying sweetness that beckons the senses. Each spoonful reveals a luxuriously velvety texture, punctuated by the crunch of scallions, blending seamlessly with the sharp bite of the jalapeños. The flavor unfolds with a harmonious balance: the umami richness of the sauce embraces the piquancy of the peppers, creating a dance of heat that lingers delightfully on the palate, inviting yet invigorating, with an allure that entices one to savor every morsel.
Rice and crab-gut? Porridge. Briny, umami-rich, and silky, with tender grains in a gently funky, sea-scented broth.
Spicy octopus. Tender, lightly charred tentacles with a bright chili kick; briny-sweet and a little smoky.
Spicy tofu, or bean curd. Silky and tender, it balances clean soy sweetness with a warming, peppery heat, and the sauce clings without overpowering.
Light mussel soup. Clean, briny broth with tender mussels; delicate, aromatic, and soothing.
Lots of sashimi.
The crazy live octopus legs! You eat them with sesame oil—very chewy, very squirmy. Clean and briny, with a nutty gloss from the oil and a playful suction-tug that keeps wriggling on the plate.
More sashimi. These are wrapped in nori or lettuce. Clean, delicate slices with sweet ocean freshness; the wraps add either briny snap or cool crunch.
BBQ eel. Silky, rich flesh with gentle smokiness and a caramelized glaze; the skin crisps at the edges while the interior stays tender. Savory-sweet and deeply umami.
Presented with an artistry that captures the very essence of the ocean, the dish Chilled Lobster Sashimi boasts a striking visual palette; the glossy orange of the lobster meat contrasts beautifully with the pale translucence of the delicate sashimi, all resting atop a bed of glistening ice that mirrors the sea’s tranquility. As the plate arrives, the air is fragrant with a briny freshness, mingling with subtle notes of citrus that elevate the experience. Each bite offers a sublime texture, the lobster yielding a firm yet tender chew, while the sashimi melts effortlessly on the palate, revealing a nuanced sweetness that harmonizes seamlessly with the piquant kick of wasabi and the crispness of pickled ginger. Garnished with vibrant vegetables and a whisper of green onion, this dish is not merely a feast for the eyes but a symphony of flavors that
Some spicy tuna hand rolls. Crisp nori and warm rice wrap creamy, chili-laced tuna, delivering a clean, lingering heat.
Fried/grilled fish. Crisp-edged and flaky inside, with a touch of smoke and clean, briny sweetness—simple and satisfying when the fish is fresh.
Presented in a charming cascade, the dish crispy vegetable fries captivates with its golden-brown hue, glistening under the soft glow of the restaurant’s lighting. The aroma is an enticing blend of earthy undertones and the warm, comforting scent of fried batter, invoking a sense of nostalgia. Each fry, perfectly crisp on the outside yet impossibly tender within, offers a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with its soft interior. The flavor is a harmonious dance of sweetness and umami, enhanced by a subtle sprinkle of sea salt, inviting the palate to revel in the exquisite balance of simplicity and sophistication.
Grilled collar. Smoky and deeply savory, with crisp edges yielding to succulent, fatty meat. The char concentrates the juices, making each bite plush and satisfying.
A kind of custard made with seafood and egg. Silky and gently set, it has a delicate wobble, savory depth, and a subtle oceanic sweetness.
The lobster shells and legs were turned into a delicious and spicy soup. The broth was rich and briny, with a silky, peppery heat.
This extremely bland rice soup to finish. It was thin and watery, with soft grains and almost no aroma.
We went here for sweets after.
