Hanchic emblematizes the new generation of LA’s K-town. One that is proud and true to its heritage but creative and experimental in identity. One that caters to the Asian American community with growing influence rather than succumbing to mainstream “New American” tendencies. One that is neither Korean nor American, but inherently Korean American, playing with form and flavor in ways that work unexpectedly well though they feel sacrilegious printed on the menu.

Located so far east it’s basically MacArthur Park, hanchic may be on the outskirts but still maintains your typical Koreatown strip mall situation. Pull up into a nondescript bi-level shopping plaza with bilingual signs, the restaurant shares the valet lot with mixed company from a dentistry to a karaoke bar to a massage parlor. It has all the attributes of a great Koreatown dining experience. The restaurant itself is pretty small, but spills out into the plaza with outdoor tables. It feels like a casual neighborhood restaurant, but serves up a menu that infuses Korean flavors with playful twists that make it worthy of being a destination in itself. Like comfort food made by a chef-y friend. IYKYK, and now you do.

2023 update: hanchic is temporarily closed, not operating as a full time restaurant, but focused on pop ups and collaborations, follow on social media for more info