By Lucy Derby, 3L
If you ever get tired of free pizza on campus, why not take a short stroll across the street to try different types of Asian cuisine at affordable prices. Below are the best lunch specials that are literally a few steps from our school. Listed in order from lowest- to highest-priced lunch specials.
Keungama Tofu House ($5.99)
This restaurant specializes in Soondubu, a traditional Korean spicy silken tofu soup, that can be filled with ingredients like seafood (shrimp, clams, oysters), beef, pork, or Korean dumplings. Soondubu for $5.99 is a steal, especially since black rice and various traditional banchan dishes (appetizers) are served alongside. There is nothing like a piping hot and spicy flavorful soup to re-energize after those morning classes. Other $5.99 lunch specials include the blue mackerel fry or the spicy beef broth with cabbage and sprouts. Of course, you can also order off of the lunch menu for other items. Keungama Tofu House uses no MSG and is also vegetarian-friendly as they offer vegetable based soups that stay true to quality and taste.
3020 Wilshire Blvd., #119, Los Angeles, CA 90010 (213) 387-5334
Moo Dae Po II Korean B.B.Q. ($6.99)
This spanking-new Korean BBQ joint across the street from the Westmoreland building and next door to OB Bear is drawing crowds with its new and shiny, contemporary décor. While it offers a limited menu for lunch, the lunch box specials are the highlight. For $6.99, you can order a lunch box with your choice of galbi, bulgogi, or chicken that comes with rice and various banchan dishes. Each order also comes with a clear, flavorful beef soup that is savory, yet refreshing. The spacious dining area is complete with flat screen TVs and most importantly, effective ventilation should you desire to opt for the $16.99 all-you-can-eat barbeque special that runs all day.
3014 Seventh St,, Los Angeles, CA 90005 (213) 381-9990
Pata’s Café Thai Cuisine ($6.95 - $9.95)
The only Thai restaurant within walking distance is literally right across the street as you cross Wilshire Place. Popular with students and local businesses, this café offers affordable specials that include a small cup of cabbage soup and a standard salad. $6.95 dishes include chicken or beef curry, basil land chili stir fry, panang chicken or beef, pad thai, pad see ew, and more. The higher-priced items are more entrée-style dishes like deep fried filet of catfish, steamed mussels, and seafood with garlic or basil. While this is certainly not the most authentic Thai food, it is passable and hits the spot when you are craving Pad Thai or Tom Yum Kai (spicy and sour chicken lemongrass soup).
3012 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010 (213) 382-2804
Wasabi Japanese Noodle House ($8.95 - $10.95)
Located conveniently across the street at the Wilshire Vermont Station Plaza, this corner restaurant serves lunch and dinner specials with sushi, ramen, udon, teriyaki, rice, and more. During lunch, choose from two- or three-item bento box combos, served with a choice of California or spicy tuna roll, miso soup, rice, and salad. Served in traditional Japanese bento boxes, you can mix and match from a list of options, which includes chicken, beef, or salmon teriyaki, shrimp and vegetable tempura, chicken, pork, or fish katsu, gyozas, and California, spicy tuna, or salmon rolls. The portions are just right leaving you feeling full, not heavy. Happy Hour is from 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. with $1 sushi (four-piece salmon or spicy tuna rolls, limit 2 rolls per person) and $2 beers (small Asahi).
3183 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 186, Los Angeles, CA 90010 (213) 384-7484
