Soan — Review by Eater
Los Angeles, United States — Korean
Daniel Dae Kim visits Soan in Korea Town LA to explore Korean cuisine beyond basic barbecue. He praises the fresh octopus, house-made kimchi, and the restaurant's ability to combine beautiful presentation with excellent flavor. The experience showcases authentic, homestyle Korean dining at its finest.
What was great: Fresh presentation and quality of the octopus, properly aged kimchi made in-house that is light and refreshing, beautiful plating combined with excellent taste, variety of dishes
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The meal at Soan showcased a variety of Korean specialties starting with octopus prepared with impressive presentation. Daniel employs his signature one-glove technique for eating - chopsticks in his right hand while wearing a glove on his left - a method he uses specifically for kajang. He praises the finish of the octopus, noting that the freshness is immediately apparent in how it tastes, and he makes sure to eat both the legs and body, noting that his father would be upset otherwise. The restaurant serves an abundance of side dishes and kimchi, all made in-house. The kimchi receives particular praise for being properly aged with a light, refreshing quality that avoids becoming too heavy with spices. Additional dishes include what appears to be a generously portioned Korean rice dish that Daniel jokes is enough food for a family of five, featuring beautiful composition and plating.
The Experience
The atmosphere at Soan captures authentic Korean homestyle dining, which Daniel emphasizes is his preferred approach to Korean cuisine in Los Angeles rather than fine dining establishments. The setting allows for genuine conversation about Korean food culture, and the service appears seamless and attentive throughout the visit. The overall vibe is casual yet refined, with staff ensuring that each dish is presented beautifully while maintaining the integrity of traditional Korean cooking methods.
Value and Pricing
While specific prices are not mentioned in the transcript, the generous portions and quality of ingredients suggest solid value for the dining experience. The abundance of side dishes and house-made kimchi indicate thoughtful preparation and authentic service standards typical of quality Korean establishments.
Notable Moments
To me, it's the finish. Like, that's when you can tell how frozen it is, how long it's been out. And um this finish is very fresh.
I think of just down home places in LA.
Daniel's approach to evaluating Korean food is rooted in his personal background and his mother's amazing cooking, giving him an educated palate for assessing authenticity and quality. His observations about Korean food culture, including references to Korean dramas and street food trends, reflect his deep connection to the cuisine.
The Verdict
Soan represents the type of authentic, homestyle Korean restaurant that Daniel Dae Kim genuinely appreciates and recommends in Los Angeles. The restaurant excels at delivering both visual appeal and authentic flavor, proving that beautiful plating doesn't have to compromise on taste. This establishment is perfect for anyone seeking genuine Korean dining beyond the typical barbecue scene, with particular appeal to those who appreciate properly executed traditional Korean dishes and house-made side dishes.