Baek am Korean Restaurant (백암순대) — Restaurant in Gardena

I’m wondering—has Gardena become a new kind of Koreatown? Why are there so many authentic Korean spots here? A Korean oppa took me to try this hidden traditional dish—Steamed Smoked Duck—and it instantly secured a spot in my “200-Year Hall of Fame” for food!

When he first said we were going for authentic Korean food but gave me an address in Gardena, I was skeptical. But the moment I saw the menu, I knew it was going to be special. At other tables, all the ahjussis had ordered a big wooden box with steamed meat inside—it turns out this is the restaurant’s signature: Korean-style cedar wood steamed dishes.

We got the Baekmok Steamed Smoked Duck, blood sausage, and seafood pancake. I don’t even know how to praise this duck enough—it looks clean and healthy, but the smoky flavor is deep and addictive. It’s served in a whole wooden box, steamed right at the table for a minute before eating, and the steam makes the duck incredibly tender.

I’ve had my fair share of Korean blood sausage in LA, but this time I truly got why people love it—the blend of pig’s blood and glutinous rice creates such rich, layered flavors. Even the seafood pancake, which you can find everywhere, blew me away—packed with fillings and super crispy!

This place feels like dining at an old-school, family-run restaurant in a small Korean city—everything tastes homemade and from the heart. If you’re tired of the same-old army stew and Korean BBQ, you need to try their wooden box steamed meats and blood sausage. Honestly, the only “downside” is it’s a bit far—almost in Torrance—but otherwise,...

Love seeing more new Korean restaurants popping up in Gardena! Baek am is a nice addition, though it’s a bit off the main strip compared to the other well known spots on Western Ave, and it’s located in a not so good part of Gardena. The staff here are incredibly friendly, and the service is top notch. They made great menu suggestions and checked in with us several times during the meal to make sure everything was okay. The food was very flavorful, and I have to say they serve one of the best Korean seafood pancakes I’ve had in the area. Prices are on the higher side, but the portion sizes are generous and worth it for the quality you get.

-1 star because of two things: 1.The selection of Korean side dishes (banchan) is limited and just average in taste.

2.They charge $1 for each to-go box, even if it’s just for leftovers from your dine-in meal. I was caught off guard by this, and while they did point out the policy is written in small print at the bottom of the menu, I thought it only applied to takeout orders.

Quick tips: Baek Am is located right next to Superior Grocers and has its own parking lot. They do have lunch combo special from 11am to 2pm Mon to Friday. Bring your own containers if you think you’ll have leftovers — otherwise, it’s $1 per...

New Korean restaurant in Gardena (next to Superior Grocers on Crenshaw Blvd, just north of Marine Ave). They have their own parking lot in the plaza with plenty of parking spots. Closed on Tuesdays, and we went in for lunch on Wednesday around 1pm. The owner and staff are very friendly and the orders came out within 10 min after we ordered them. We got the steamed beef brisket and the spicy stir fry pork feet, both taste great! The pork feet were soft and the seasoning was very flavorful with mild spiciness. The steamed vegetables and beef brisket were fresh and taste great with the dipping sauces. Will come back to try their lunch cold noodles plus...