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ZipPicks Awards
Best Chinese in LA Arts District
Master Critic Review
Hong Kong Jham Phong
7.9
A fourth-floor Korean-Chinese noodle house tucked inside a Garment District building, turning out oversized bowls of hand-pulled jjamppong and jajangmyeon at lunch-counter prices. The format is straightforward—pick your noodles, sit down, and work through a portion built for appetite over presentation. It rewards the kind of eater who measures a spot by bowl size and broth depth rather than ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jham Phong (Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup), Naeng Chae Myeon (Cold Noodles), Jha Jhang Myun (Black Bean Noodles)
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Fourth-floor Korean-Chinese noodle house in the Garment District serving oversized bowls of hand-pulled jjamppong and jajangmyeon at lunch-counter prices
Who should go: Budget-minded noodle lovers craving generous Korean-Chinese portions
When to visit: Weekday mornings for shortest wait; closed weekends
What to order: Start with the Jham Phong for the signature spicy seafood broth, add Tang Tsu Yook to share, and swap in Naeng Chae Myeon on hot days
Insider tip: They close at 4 PM and are only open Monday through Friday — plan accordingly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only in the Fashion District—expect to circle the block. The restaurant itself is hidden on the 4th floor of 735 E 12th St, accessed via escalator or a corner elevator
Weekend wait: Closed weekends—open Mon–Fri 8am–4pm only
Weekday lunch: Can get busy during peak lunch hours; calling ahead may go unanswered when slammed
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a casual Korean-Chinese noodle spot inside a food court on the 4th floor of a Fashion District building. The vibe is no-frills comfort food, not romantic ambiance. Great for a low-key, adventurous lunch date if you both love big bowls of jjamppong, but don't expect intimate lighting or quiet conversation. Only open weekdays until 4pm, so dinner dates are off the table entirely.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - this is a casual food court counter-service spot, so no reservations are needed or likely even accepted. You walk up, order, and grab a seat. Given its hidden location on the 4th floor and weekday-only daytime hours (8am-4pm Mon-Fri), waits are generally not an issue. Lunchtime around noon may see more traffic from Fashion District workers.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably so - the casual food court setting means noise and mess aren't a concern, and the menu features big comforting noodle bowls that older kids may enjoy. No dedicated kids menu has been confirmed. Note that the spicy jjamppong is quite spicy, so younger children may prefer the jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) instead. High chair availability is not confirmed - call ahead if needed.
Is it good for groups? Small groups should be fine given the food court seating arrangement, but specific table sizes and max party accommodations are not confirmed online. The menu is simple and affordable (dishes around $15-17), making it easy for groups to order and split. For parties larger than 4-5, call ahead at (213) 746-1555 to ask about seating availability, as food court tables may need to be combined.
Is there outdoor seating? Not confirmed - the restaurant is located on the 4th floor inside a commercial building's food court in the Fashion District. Some listings mention patio seating, but given the indoor food court setting on an upper floor, outdoor seating specifics could not be independently verified. Call the restaurant directly to confirm current seating options.
Best For
Better for: A cheap, massive bowl of jjamppong or jajangmyeon on a weekday lunch break—no-frills, big portions, under $10 combo boxes
Consider Alternatives If: You need dinner or weekend plans—they close at 4pm and are dark Sat/Sun
Hours
Monday8am - 4pm
Tuesday8am - 4pm
Wednesday8am - 4pm
Thursday8am - 4pm
Friday8am - 4pm
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed