Yup Dduk LA

Tteokbokki—alternatively romanized as ddukbokki—can be found on many bar bite menus across Koreatown, but this namesake specialist offers the best version of the popular spicy rice cake in town. Anointed with copious amounts of gochujang (Korean fermented red pepper paste) and red chili powder, the mellow, pleasantly chewy logs form the basis of a delicious, fiery snack commonly sold as street food and pub grub in South Korea. At Yup Dduk, thin sheets of fish cakes, sausages, cabbage and a shower of mozzarella cheese accompany the dish, which can be upgraded with toppings like instant ramen, boiled eggs and fried dumplings. Luckily for the less spice-inclined among us, the shop lets diners customize their spice level, but as a word of warning: Even the mild version still packs a little bit of a kick.