SORIMMARA KOREATOWN PLAZA (소림마라 코리아타운 플라자) — Restaurant in Los Angeles

(EDIT in response to the owner: When I say that the management in charge of this restaurant doesn't care about its customers, this is exactly what I mean. Even though I clearly stated in this review that I had to pay for food that I simply could not eat and had to discard, I was offered no monetary compensation or even simply credit for a future visit. Instead, I was given the most PR-sounding, performative reply that gives me nothing of value.)

Had a disappointing experience with management who doesn't seem to understand the gravity of dietary restrictions/allergens/etc. I can't eat fish, and they accidentally mislabeled their fish tofu with their fried tofu. I was unknowingly eating fish the whole time.

Management's response? A measly 10% discount.

I get that mistakes happen. I am not faulting the staff that worked that day. In fact, the cashier that I spoke to was extremely professional, kind, and understanding. When I mentioned to the cashier that the "tofu" tasted suspiciously like fish, they tasted it and admitted that it was fish tofu. They immediately called somebody on the phone, who I assume to be the manager. I understand Korean, so I could tell that the cashier communicated my issue very clearly. But the manager on the other side of phone simply said to give me a 10% discount.

Alrighty then. I'm stuck with a dish full of food I can't eat, and in exchange I get a few bucks off my bill.

Thank you to the immediate staff for handling my case with such professionalism and grace. But to the manager on the other side of the phone, you came off as stingy and unsympathetic. Please rethink how serious dietary restrictions are and consider how a customer might feel when all you give is a 10% discount for food they can't even finish eating.

As for the food itself though, we got the mala with tomato xiang guo base. You fill up a bowl with whatever ingredients you want, and they cook it for you in the back. The base tastes very similar to jarred tomato pasta sauce. I personally enjoyed it. Think of it as marinara pasta, but with the ingredients of your choice.

You can choose a spiciness level between 1-5. We got 2. It's not very spicy at first, but it adds up as you go on. If you're sensitive to spice, I'd definitely suggest going with the lowest level.

They also have a condiment bar where you can gourge yourself with toppings like chopped peanuts, jalapenos, raw minced garlic, dried minced garlic, spring onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, numbing sauce, chili paste, chili oil, oyster sauce, and so much more!

They blast k-pop and the energy in there is pretty fun, but still toned down and not overwhelming. In all my visits, the staff here have been really nice and chill!

They're located in a plaza that's pretty active even at night with the bustling Koreatown energy. There are plenty of dessert/boba shops within walking distance.

As many other people here have said, the price can be a little hefty. Also, you won't know the price until you go to pay and weigh it on the scale. So you might be surprised by the cost.

Overall, it's a fun and lively restaurant with good food. It's a shame that our experience with management was so disappointing. A few dollars as compensation for food we can't finish...

I visited Sorimmara after seeing their current promotion offering free cheese add-ons from Monday to Thursday. I tried their signature Rose Mala Xiang Guo with added cheese, and the staff performed a fantastic fire show in true Korean idol style. The flames were impressive, making it an incredible show! Everyone at my table gathered to capture it on camera. It’s amazing that not only is the cheese free, but the fire show is too!

I had heard that Sorimmara is the most famous Mala Tang in Korea, and it’s finally opened in LA. As expected, there was a long line of people waiting. Their service was top-notch; they frequently checked in to see if I needed anything or if the flavor was to my liking. I really appreciated their kindness.

Sorimmara K-Town offers a huge variety of menu items. One of my friends can’t handle spicy food, but they had options like Guo Bao Rou and non-spicy Mala Tang available. The ability to choose my own toppings and adjust the broth and spice levels was such a great feature. We tried everything on the menu, and everything was delicious. I’m definitely going to visit this restaurant often. Not only is it great for Mala Tang, but it’s also a perfect spot to enjoy drinks with friends, as they have a wide selection of...

If you’re a fan of spicy food and up for a challenge, Sorimmara in K-Town is where you need to be! They’re serving some of the most intense mala hotpots I’ve ever had. Originally established in Korea, this place knows how to bring the heat — literally. They even have an “inferno” spice level that only a few people have managed to conquer. I thought I could handle the medium spice, but wow, it was no joke! My mouth was numb, and my insides were definitely feeling the burn. Still, the flavors were fantastic and rich; it’s not just about heat here, but real, savory flavor that keeps you coming back for more (even through the pain!).

The medium was just spicy enough to push me to my limit, but not unbearable, so I’d recommend it if you want to challenge yourself without going full inferno. Even though I couldn’t finish the whole bowl, I left with a happy belly and a big smile. Plus, the portions are generous, the vibe is lively, and the staff was super friendly. Highly recommend for spice lovers or anyone looking to try something new...