I must make a confession about now. I have a sweet tooth and am not ashamed— there, I said it.

From an extensive list of my favorite snacks and desserts, I would like to introduce a recent addition that’s just hot off the hook (or should I say ‘grill’?). Before these came along, I really was not a big fan of red beans. It’s just so… Asian, you know? haha. No, that was not the real reason why I wasn’t into it. It’s rather the paradox between its appearance and taste that just didn’t click with me- it’s one thing to be ‘dark’ beans… but sweet? Beans are not supposed to be sweet, are they?! I’m sure people at red bean factories add variety of wonderful ingredients to transform the taste (i.e. Sugar!), but yeah, it just didn’t make sense. But then, I ran into this guy in front of a grocery market in Ktown a few months ago and since then, I’ve become a fan. It’s about now that you should refer to the photos below. These are called “Gook Hwa Bbang”, meaning “Chrysanthemum Bread” when translated (I know it sounds funny). The name has nothing to do with the ingredient however; it just refers to the flower design that’s printed on it. The casing tastes like a soft waffle, and it has red beans inside; but don’t panic, because they are not overwhelmingly sweet as they usually do. Their level of sweetness is a heavenly match for the bread, which is soft inside and lightly crispy outside. Don’t be intimidated by the ‘Self Service’ sign, it’s actually easier than dealing with people- you basically read the sign and pay for the quantity you want. Then, as soon as the Sous Chef finishes baking, you simply pick them up off the grill and drop them into a white paper bag. It’s an honor system (didn’t know such existed here in LA), so make sure you pick up couple more than what you pay for. I’m just kidding, of course…

Precious little things snuggling and getting comfy

The kitchen, where the magic happens

Sous Chef

“Eat me, eat me!!”

450 S Western Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90020

Note: Open hours vary, but it’s usually open in the evenings on weekdays and all day on weekends.