This is another one of my favorites around these parts, a little restaurant tucked away in a nearly abandoned shopping center near the intersection of Roscoe and Topanga. I keep going back because there’s always plenty of seats available and simply because I like the food.
Grandma Kim’s is a family-owned restaurant that started nine years ago with very humble beginnings, according to Richard Pai, the general manager. The idea came from fellow churchgoers who loved to eat the food Grandma Kim made.
“They asked her to open a restaurant, and she did,” said Pai.
Although Grandma Kim has since passed away, her family keeps her legacy alive and continues to serve authentic Korean food.
Seafood Pancake
This is my favorite appetizer Pachan, or seafood pancake. It’s another one of those savory pancakes that is made of various types of seafood and green onions all fried together with dough. You cut it up like a pizza and give everyone a piece to dip into black vinegar/soy sauce. When you eat it hot and crispy it tastes simply delicious
Kimchee Tofu Soup
This is best eaten when its really cold outside, so you can warm yourself up to a steaming bowl of spicy Kimchee Soon Du Bu, or soft tofu soup. But…consider its summertime in the Valley, prepare to get all sweaty.
Galbi
The classic Korean BBQ -Galbi, or thinly sliced boneless beef with a tangy sauce. I can’t say I’m an expert at Korean food (or any type of food for that matter), but in my humble opinion, this Galbi is really good.
The food at Grandma Kim’s is a little more pricey, around the range of $10-20.
Location: 8384 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Canoga Park
