Koreatown welcomes a new chain after the departure of Shake Shack: Sorimmara just opened near Chapman Market and City Center on 6th, in the dead center of the small strip mall on 6th and Alexandria that also features several franchise and independent Korean restaurants, plus bakery-cafe standby Paris Baguette.
Sorimmara is a well-known chain in Korea, with almost 200 stores throughout Korea. The company is expanding their US footprint via Koreatown, upon the success of their Buena Park and New York City locations. The neighborhood’s large Korean community and vibrant culinary landscape make it the ideal place to see if the chain is prime for further expansion in the US.
Sorimmara is a málà restaurant and pub offering both Korean and Sichuan dishes and a full bar featuring soju, a distilled alcoholic drink brewed from rice similar to how vodka is made. What is a málà restaurant, and malatang cuisine? Málà refers to the spicy flavor profile unique to the Sichuan region, literally translating to “numbing and spicy” incorporating Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chilis. Malatang gets its distinct flavor from the addition of garlic and ginger to the dried chilis and peppercorns, balanced out by a fermented chili bean paste called doubanjiang. It has taken off in Korea as a popular street food, with Korean dishes and fusion elements spinning off into K-malatang.
Malatang gets its distinct flavor from the addition of garlic and ginger to the dried chilis and peppercorns, balanced out by a fermented chili bean paste called doubanjiang.
The K-malatang at Sorimmara is served hot pot style, where you choose your own ingredients, broth, and pay by the pound. Malatang is known for its uniquely spicy profile, but mild broths are also available. The chain features northern Chinese specialties like guobaoru, a sweet and sour pork or shrimp dish, and Korean street food like tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes.
Vegetarian and vegan Koreatown residents who often feel left out of the KBBQ frenzy can rejoice, for there are many vegetarian and vegan-friendly options on the menu. With a commitment to accessibility, you can even request nut-free dishes. Tteokbokki is normally cooked in a fish-based sauce, but you can now get a vegan version without having to cook it yourself!
While there is no outdoor dining, takeout is available. At the time of writing, Sorimmara is not listed on any major food delivery apps so you’ll need to pick your food in person. If you work the late shift or want a bite after hitting the many billiards clubs in the neighborhood, they’re open til midnight every night.
