Much of Koreatown in
Los Angeles looks like it was cut out of Seoul and plunked somewhere between Beverly, Vermont, Olympic, and Wilton. Unfortunately, much of this bustling neighborhood looks like Seoul,
Korea from the 1980s or early 1990s--Seoul has transformed immensely since many Koreans left a once-oppressive regime for opportunity here in California. Koreatown needs to catch up.
Koreatown, however, is full of many gems. Many of the beautiful old buildings along Wilshire have been refurbished, the nightlife flourishes, acupuncture treatments are available for a great price, and plenty of supermarkets and grocery stores offer great produce and delicious Asian goods.
The jewel, however, is a few blocks past Western going west on Wilshire.
Hwa Sun Ji Tea House, on the first floor of a nondescript office building, takes you back to the old tea shops of old Korea and touristy Insa-dong, and that is a wonderful journey indeed. Sipping the Korean teas make for a great afternoon or evening, especially after a meal.
Hwa Sun Ji’s owners have done everything possible to mask what was probably once a drab old office or restaurant. Decorations from Korea slather the walls, bamboo curtains give customers privacy, and traditional crafts and han-ji (handmade paper) help make the space comfortable and cozy. Even the foam ceiling tiles are hidden by Korean-style window panels.
The true joy, however, is Hwa Sun Ji’s menu. Several types of green tea are offered, but the beauty is in the traditional teas that are hard to find outside of Korea.
Mae-shil-cha (plum tea,
pictured) is great for a tummy ache; my favorite,
o-mi-ja-cha, or 5-spice tea, is that perfect ruby-colored blend of tart and sweet;
jujube, yuja, and
quince beg to be sampled, too.
You can also sample the legendary pat-bing-su, the chop suey of desserts. A favorite of Koreans during the summertime, it is a sundae of shaved ice, fresh fruit, red bean, condensed milk, green tea ice cream, and gummy candies--always different, always curious, always the fast track to a mid-day nap.
The tea house has a friendly, gentle staff that will recommend the perfect tea, and wireless is available. With all due respect, skip Starbucks and savor one of the most genuine Korean experiences possible at Hwa Sun Ji!
Hwa Sun Ji, 3960 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 100 Los Angeles, CA. Parking is in the rear off of Ingraham. (213) 382-5302
