Anko — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Note: The bingsoo come out one at a time, so if ordering multiple (like we did), know that it probably makes more sense to have everyone eat a bit of each rather than splitting them amongst your group. Otherwise, some people will be done while others will still be waiting.

The ices arent particularly large, especially the tokyo style ones which are smaller. However, the quality was really good (and aesthetically pleasing). I tried the grain, sesame, and sweet pumpkin. I would probably get strawberry next time, because the friend I went with swears it is the best flavor. However, out of those three, sesame was definitely my favorite.

Our group also got taiyaki, i had a nutella and banana one which was interesting. The banana permeated the whole fish, while the nutella was confined to the middle section but was mostly on the fish tail side. I started from the head, so it ended up being very gooey near the end. I wouldn't recommend it compared to the other options.

I've been to Cafe Bora, which is similar (and quite close by, just down the block). To compare: both are nice places, though Cafe Bora has better decor since I like its soft feel. Flavor-wise, they don't overlap - no purple yam or matcha here, and the selection of non-bingsoo desserts is also different. I think the sizes at Anko are larger, and you get red bean as a side versus the nice candied nuts / chips...

My friend and I were on a hunt for good bingsoo and this shaved ice spot didn't disappoint.

FYI - they're busy on weekends! So the cashier will ask you if you're willing to wait 20 mins for it.

We split the MANGO BINGSOO for $12 (decent deal) and it was definitely worth the wait. The mango syrup was sweet and yummy. The SHAVED ICE was perfectly shaved so fine that it was almost buttery consistency and melts perfectly unlike other places where it isn't so finely shaved. Mango pieces were lacking a bit and wasn't as sweet as I'd have liked from other spots.

The only downsides were:

1. the tiny amount of super watered down condensed milk they give you -- it doesn't even taste like it :(
2. the container it's given in, it's tall more than wide so all the drizzle from the syrup so you have to maneuver your way to make sure you're eating flavored ice.

There are plenty of small tables for small and larger groups in this casual low key place. If you're interested in people watching they have high tables along side the windows.

Overall, parking can be difficult but at least there's street parking if you're willing to walk a bit.

Restrooms are smelly bc they're shared male/female stalls in one, so the males always stink it up. Would be nice if they had strong air fresheners or something to make it...

Desserts is my jam, and that night I stopped in, it was my second shaved ice of the night! There is street parking, and also parking in the lot behind the building where it is located. The place is brightly lit, clean, and has lots of seating!

They have a two types of shaved ice: Seoul style and Tokyo. The difference is only which flavor of shaved ice you want, otherwise the shaved ice is the same. The Tokyo shaved ice is not the standard Japanese kakigori type. I love strawberry, so I ordered the Seoul style strawberry shaved ice (~$10). I picked up the order from the counter to our table. The shaved ice is so pretty in a perfect round ball-like shape complemented so well with the perfect strawberry drizzle and fresh fruit! There is also condensed milk on the side for you to pour onto your shaved ice. I had a bite of the ice, and it was so delicious. It was milky, fluffy, light, and had just the right amount of sweetness. I loved their ice and will be back to try...