Korean BBQ: A Grill Master’s Dream
Have you ever wanted to embark on a culinary journey without leaving Southern California? Rowland Heights, a vibrant community nestled in Los Angeles County, offers just that: a tantalizing taste of Korea. Home to a significant Korean population, Rowland Heights has evolved into a culinary mecca, boasting an impressive array of Korean restaurants that cater to every palate. From sizzling Korean BBQ to comforting stews, and from flavorful noodles to sweet desserts, the options are seemingly endless. So, pack your appetite and get ready to explore the incredible world of Korean food in Rowland Heights! This guide will lead you to some of the best restaurants in the area, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.
Korean BBQ, or KBBQ, is more than just a meal; it’s an interactive and social experience. Picture this: marinated meats sizzling on a grill built right into your table, surrounded by an array of banchan (side dishes) like kimchi, pickled vegetables, and seasoned bean sprouts. The aroma is intoxicating, and the flavors are simply divine. The joy of grilling your own meat, customizing each bite with your favorite sauces and accompaniments, is truly unparalleled.
If you’re looking for a classic KBBQ experience, look no further than Gen Korean BBQ House. Located on Colima Road, Gen offers an all-you-can-eat menu featuring a wide selection of premium meats, from tender short ribs (kalbi) to flavorful pork belly (samgyeopsal). The ambiance is lively and modern, making it a perfect spot for a group gathering. Don’t miss their marinated galbi – it’s a crowd favorite!
For a more upscale KBBQ experience, consider Park’s BBQ. While technically just outside Rowland Heights, the drive is worth it. Known for its high-quality cuts of meat and attentive service, Park’s is a haven for KBBQ connoisseurs. Their kkotsal (boneless short rib) is melt-in-your-mouth tender and exquisitely marbled. Be sure to make a reservation, as this place is always buzzing.
Another local favorite is Meat Love BBQ. This restaurant offers a diverse selection of meats and specializes in great service. The price is more affordable than many other KBBQ places, which makes Meat Love a popular hangout for college students. Their beef bulgogi is amazing.
Before you dive into the KBBQ experience, here are a few tips to make the most of it. First, start with the leaner meats and gradually move to the fattier cuts to prevent the grill from getting too smoky. Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with the banchan. They’re meant to complement the meat and add a variety of flavors and textures to your meal. Finally, use the provided scissors to cut the meat into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Soup and Stew: Comfort in a Bowl
When the weather cools down or you’re simply craving something comforting, Korean soups and stews are the perfect remedy. These hearty dishes are packed with flavor and nutrients, often featuring a variety of vegetables, meats, and tofu simmered in a rich and savory broth.
If you’re a fan of spicy stews, you must try BCD Tofu House. They are also known as Buk Chang Dong Tofu House. Their soondubu jjigae (soft tofu stew) is legendary. You can customize the spice level to your liking and choose from a variety of protein options, such as beef, pork, or seafood. The stew is served bubbling hot in a stone bowl, keeping it warm throughout your meal. Cracking an egg into the stew adds richness and depth of flavor.
For a milder and more comforting option, Han Bat Shullung Tang is the place to go. Specializing in seolleongtang (ox bone soup), this restaurant serves up a milky-white broth that’s been simmered for hours to extract all the collagen and nutrients from the bones. The soup is typically served with thinly sliced beef and glass noodles, and you can season it to your liking with salt, pepper, and green onions. This is a perfect remedy on a cold day.
Arirang Restaurant is another great place to find Korean soups and stews. Their Yukgaejang is a must try. It’s a spicy beef soup that’s sure to wake you up.
Korean soups and stews are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. They often contain a variety of vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. The broths are often made from bone broth, which is a great source of collagen and other nutrients that are beneficial for joint health. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something comforting, Korean soups and stews are a perfect choice.
Noodles and Rice: Beyond the BBQ Grill
While KBBQ is undoubtedly a highlight of Korean cuisine, there’s so much more to explore beyond the grill. Korean noodles and rice dishes are incredibly diverse, ranging from savory and spicy to sweet and refreshing.
Bibimbap is a classic Korean rice dish that’s both visually appealing and incredibly flavorful. It consists of a bed of rice topped with an assortment of colorful vegetables, marinated meat, a fried egg, and a dollop of gochujang (Korean chili paste). Before eating, you mix everything together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
If you’re a noodle lover, don’t miss japchae. This dish features stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables and meat, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. The noodles are chewy and slightly sweet, and the vegetables add a satisfying crunch.
For a refreshing option, especially on a hot day, try naengmyeon. This cold noodle soup features thin buckwheat noodles in a chilled broth, topped with sliced cucumbers, Korean pear, and a hard-boiled egg. The broth is often tangy and slightly sweet, making it a perfect palate cleanser.
Myung Ga Tofu and Korean Noodle is a popular spot for noodle and rice dishes. Their Bibimbap is excellent, and they offer a variety of noodle soups.
Another great option is Gaenari Restaurant. You can find a wide selection of different noodle dishes here.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites: Venturing Off the Beaten Path
While the popular restaurants are undoubtedly worth a visit, don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and explore some of the hidden gems and local favorites in Rowland Heights. These smaller, family-run establishments often offer a more authentic and intimate dining experience, showcasing regional specialties and unique flavors.
Yong Su San is a small restaurant on Gale Ave that specializes in serving the North Korean dish, Mandu Guk. It’s a hearty dumpling soup and a must try. The restaurant may be small, but it is big on taste.
There are many small restaurants in Rowland Heights that serve great Korean cuisine and should be on your list to try. These restaurants don’t always have the best visibility, so be sure to look for them when you are in Rowland Heights!
Korean Desserts and Drinks: The Sweet Finale
No culinary journey is complete without a sweet ending. Korean desserts and beverages offer a delightful complement to the savory dishes, providing a refreshing and satisfying conclusion to your meal.
Bingsu is a popular Korean shaved ice dessert that’s perfect for sharing. It consists of finely shaved ice topped with a variety of sweet toppings, such as fruit, red bean paste, condensed milk, and ice cream. There are many different variations of bingsu, from the classic patbingsu (red bean bingsu) to more modern creations with flavors like mango, chocolate, and green tea.
Hotteok is a sweet Korean pancake that’s typically filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. The pancake is grilled until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the inside remains soft and chewy. It’s a popular street food snack that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying treat.
Of course, no Korean meal is complete without a traditional Korean beverage. Soju is a clear, distilled liquor made from rice or other grains. It’s often enjoyed neat or mixed with fruit juice or soda. Makgeolli is a milky, slightly sweet rice wine that’s often served with Korean pancakes or other savory dishes.
Sul & Beans is a great place to find Korean desserts. Their Bingsu and korean pastries are a must try!
Conclusion: A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Rowland Heights is a true Korean food paradise, offering an incredible variety of dishes to satisfy every craving. From sizzling Korean BBQ to comforting stews, and from flavorful noodles to sweet desserts, the options are endless. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your culinary adventure to Rowland Heights today and discover the delicious world of Korean food! Explore the recommended restaurants, try new dishes, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Korean cuisine. You won’t be disappointed. The flavors of Korea await you in Rowland Heights!
