Bonjuk — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I'd been walking by this place for years before I stepped in - some of the kindest service and most unique food in Ktown had been eluding me, so don't make my mistake and wait to try out Bonjuk. It may not be for everyone, but if you have a liking for porridge, you'll have a wholly singular meal waiting.

Korean porridge differs from Japanese and Chinese porridge, with more emphasis on seasoning and completely changing the flavor and texture of the dish, rather than adding in toppings over the otherwise pure rice. The dishes on display here have a tremendous emphasis on healthiness being packed with vegetables (and even vegan options). Each dish feels very different - running the gambit through fishier and meatier, and come with nice side dishes that double as a bit of saucy flavoring for your porridge.

There's nothing to complain about really. The service is very kind and softspoken. I caught them playing Studio Ghibli music which was very pleasant. This review is more of a 4.5 in that way. If you're not into Korean-style porridge, this isn't guaranteed to convert you. But if you are, it's pretty much your only option as no other place in Ktown comes close to its selection...

The worst experience ever! The one star does not even worth. I ordered the beef mushroom juk and it tasted like rice porridge with beef and mushroom dumped in there. If you are imagining the Bon Juk you had in Korea, do not come here. Food is what is most important and it does not worth your money. What's worse is the service. The woman at the counter saw me and just left me standing at the counter for minutes and she just told me to wait and did her stuff like cleaning the dishes and getting the silverwears out. I am 9 months in my pregnancy and she obviously did not care. She did not even look at me and she asked me if I came by myself as if she was thinking 'you come by yourself? just wait then.' That was the look and tone she had on. When she finally took my order I asked her how the parking works and asked for the validation. I asked if the exit is the same as the way I came in and she bluntly said "you will find it." Obviously I asked because I could not find the way out.. She did not even serve water 10 minutes after we arrived and the food came out to a table next to us who arrived after we did. We waited for 45 minutes for the bowl of juk. Truly the...

FYI they moved locations to the food court in California Market! Address: 450 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020 This location is definitely an upgrade from their previous location since parking is free and plentiful now. For those who don't know, juk is Korean porridge and is a staple in every Korean's life. My mom would always give me juk when I was sick and not feeling well. Bonjuk takes that home-made taste and elevates it to another level. So far, I've tried their Samge (chicken) juk as well as their Seafood Combo juk. Samge juk (10/10): Samge juk is very hearty and soul warming. It comes with a lot of chicken and huge portions. This one is definitely my go-to and would recommend. Seafood Combo (9/10): If you're more into seafood, I would recommend getting the Seafood Combo. When I eat this, it feels like I've been transported to a seaside village in Busan. The juk doesn't taste or smell fishy at all and has a very...