Lasung House, a new restaurant in Koreatown, has been drawing crowds with its colossal pork cutlets, a homage to the city of Los Angeles, which its name translates to in Korean. This feast for the eyes and stomach stretches the traditional size expectations of donkatsu, a dish deeply rooted in the culinary cross-pollination between Japan and Korea since the Japanese occupation in the 1930s. According to Eater Los Angeles, the restaurant on Olympic Boulevard can barely keep up with the demand, selling out of their jumbo cutlets nightly and serving around 200 each day.
The historically rich dish, which once signified luxury during post-war times in Korea, has found a new avenue for appreciation in the modern-day LA dining scene. Lasung's version of donkatsu is highlighted by a tomato-based sauce, distinct from the thicker curry or tonkatsu sauce found in Japanese preparations, and served with sides of rice, cabbage salad, and mac salad. An innovation to the classic pork version includes toppings like mozzarella cheese or variants such as chicken or fish cutlets made with pollack, according to the restaurant's promotional materials hosted on their website.
Not to be outdone by the mains, Lasung also offers a medley of Korean sides like jjolmyeon, cold spicy noodles in gochujang sauce, and a Korean variant of ragu spaghetti, complemented by traditional beverages like sikhye. The Lasung House Instagram page teases these offerings in anticipation of satisfying the diverse palates of Koreatown's locals and visitors alike.
The enthusiasm surrounding Lasung House has been undeniable since their doors opened on April 1, with a re-opening on April 16 after a brief pause. The joint projects the kind of confidence seen in a culinary scene that thrives on both tradition and innovation. It is not just the oversized cutlets that are making a statement; with plans to introduce frozen cutlets for home preparation, Lasung has its finger on the pulse of convenience too, "Lasung translates to 'the City of Los Angeles' in Korean. We're excited to bring hand-crafted pork cutlets following the Korean tradition to Los Angeles," remarked the team on social media.
Those interested can find Lasung House bustling with activity from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday at its 3134 W Olympic Blvd location in Los Angeles. With the grandeur of the dishes presented and the hearty welcome of Korean hospitality, this Koreatown addition seems ready to become a staple for locals craving the hefty slice of culture it serves up with each plate.
