Spoon By H

Tucked into an unassuming strip mall between a Papa John’s and a GameStop, Spoon By H defies every expectation you might have about strip-mall dining. From the outside, it looks like a standard Korean dessert shop—and technically, it is. But step inside this candy-colored wonderland in Beverly Grove, and you’ll discover one of the most exciting Korean kitchens in all of Los Angeles.

The tiny space seats about nine tables and has the kind of whimsical decor that feels like a craft classroom meets a fever dream: plastic snowflakes, dandelion-puff lights, and a wall of mysterious headshots. It’s endearingly quirky. But when the dinner specials start rolling out of that kitchen, the atmosphere shifts entirely. Sure, the shaved snow and waffles are delightful, but the real draw is the modest “Food” section of the menu and whatever rotating daily specials the staff mentions when you order.

The pork belly dumpling soup is the dish that keeps regulars coming back multiple times a week. It’s a masterpiece of comfort food—pillowy dumplings, chewy glass noodles, bouncy rice cakes, and silky pork belly all swimming in a soul-warming broth crowned with crispy fried onions. The Spam fried rice is another must-order, featuring perfectly cooked grains studded with Spam and topped with a golden egg. When the spicy rice cake special appears on the board, don’t hesitate—it’s a bubbling pot of chewy garae-tteok in fiery gochujang broth with melted cheese that rivals the city’s best.

This is the kind of place where you’ll overhear tables excitedly discussing every bite, where spontaneous plans to return tomorrow are made before the check arrives. Come solo for a quick lunch, bring a friend for a casual dinner, or just walk in whenever the craving strikes—Spoon By H doesn’t take reservations and doesn’t need them. Just bring your appetite and an open mind.