I always like to know where the locals frequent because you can find the hidden gems. These are typically reasonably priced places with outstanding food. A recent find was in Hawaii when a taxi driver told me where he goes for Hawaiian poke. Not long ago, I discovered where LA’s Korean community goes for bungeo-ppang.
If you are like me, you probably haven’t heard of “HK Chicken.” That’s because the name comes from the popular Korean HK Market in Koreatown. From the outside of the market, you’d never know HK Chicken resides inside. You can find their stall along the back wall of the market.
I came here because I had a hanking for Korean fried chicken. After visiting HK Chicken, I found out the real draw was their bungeo-ppang. While I waited for my fried chicken, I was amazed at the number of people who ordered bungeo-ppang. A few customers ordered six to go.
Like me, you may be wondering what boongu-hbbang is. Bungeo-ppang is a fish-shaped pastry filled with a sweetened red bean paste. They make them throughout the day, and the likelihood is high that you will see the lady making a fresh batch.
They begin by pouring batter into a fish-shaped cast iron mold. The chef adds sweetened red bean paste and closes the iron mold to cook. The result is a pastry that is crispy with a sweet and savory filling. It is crisp like a waffle and best enjoyed warm. As I exited the market, I noticed two ladies by exit enjoying their pastry.
Watching the number of people purchasing bungeo-ppang caused me to forget why I was there. Although the fried chicken was staring me in the face, I was mesmerized at the number of bungeo-ppang orders. Priced at $10 for six pastries, it’s no wonder that they sold as much as they did.
But I was there for some Korean fried chicken. Unlike American fried chicken, the exterior of Korean fried chicken is thin and almost transparent. The frying process renders the fat in the skin, transforming it into a light, crackly, and nearly see-thru. The sweet garlic-soy glaze gives the chicken a delightful taste.
Remember to bring cash as they do not accept credit cards.
HK Chicken (inside HK Market), 124 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004; 323.469.8934; galleriamarket.com