LA｜Yakitori Showdown Part 1 🍢🔥

I will unconditionally stand by Nanbankan (11330 Santa Monica Blvd)! 🙌 The vibe inside is fantastic, and the powerful ventilation system does a great job keeping the air clear—big win for my lungs! 😷💨 You might get lucky with a walk-in, but I highly recommend calling ahead—this place is always packed! 🏮 The ingredients are totally worth the price. Their pork belly, beef tongue, and chicken wings are consistently tender, juicy, and completely free of any unpleasant odors. 🐷🐮🐔 One pleasant surprise was the grilled ginkgo nuts—my first time trying them! The texture is similar to sticky corn, but with a hint of subtle bitterness. 🌰😯 Then there's Torigoya (123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St #203), another popular spot. I got super lucky when I visited—no reservation, no wait, straight to the counter! 🍀 But decor-wise, it doesn’t compare to Nanbankan. The atmosphere feels more rustic, with visible smoke stains covering the wall behind the grill… 🖤🔥 I ordered their signature 10-skewer combo. Personally, I found the chicken hearts and livers a bit gamey—if you’re sensitive to strong flavors, maybe order à la carte. The chicken wings and breast, though? Tender and delicious! 👌 In terms of both flavor and dining atmosphere, Nanbankan wins hands down for me—it’s the kind of place you’ll crave again and again. ❤️‍🔥 #LAFood #LAEats #Foodie #LALife #LAExplored #Yakitori #JapaneseFood #StudentLife