"GOBI is a gallery space in East Hollywood that rotates through art in different mediums, and also acts as a gathering space for curated dinners, tastings, and film screenings. My first solo exhibition was held here, so this gallery has a special place in my heart."

"Founded by Richard Lim in 1968 in Koreatown, High Society created custom clothing for celebrities, including Prince and Kobe Bryant. After his father passed, David Lim took over the brand, moving it to Beverly Grove and continuing the tradition of custom designs, while also expanding to ready-to-wear and lifestyle products. This store is featured in my book Koreatown Dreaming."


"A cult-favorite burger bar in the heart of Koreatown, Love Hour has become the de facto meeting spot for L.A.’s diverse creative community. Started by Mike Pak, Koreatown’s unofficial ambassador, the smash burger joint has come to serve as the hub for Koreatown Run Club, as well as an organizing spot for wildfire relief. When I moved to L.A., I found my first friends here."

"Started by Chef Uyen Le, Bé Ù is a local favorite in Virgil Village, serving up homey and hearty bánh mì sandwiches and other rice and noodle dishes. Bé Ù focuses on environmental and worker sustainability by using an equitable pay model, and also intentionally keeps its prices affordable for the locals, who live in a gentrifying neighborhood. This is my go-to for a quick bite when I’m in the area."

"This bookshop in Chinatown focuses on cookbooks and other books with an emphasis on immigrant experiences. Started by Ken Concepcion and Michelle Mungcal in 2017, the store also serves as a vibrant location for artist talks and book events. They carried Koreatown Dreaming when it first came out and really helped support the project. "

"Chifa is a term referring to the meeting of Peruvian and Chinese cuisines. The creative project of Humberto Leon, formerly of Opening Ceremony, the restaurant fits into the ethos of L.A.—the meeting of different cultures in a new, experimental landscape. My favorite dishes are the lomo saltado and Japanese sea bream in a ceviche-like dressing."

"When Joel Chen was in his 20s, he was driving along Melrose Avenue when he saw a store with Chinese antiques and ceramics in the window, after which he told his father that he wanted to start an antique store. Over 40 years of hard work and aided by Chen’s discerning taste, JF Chen has expanded to more than 54,000 square feet, selling everything from antique furniture to art. I could spend hours wandering the space to get inspiration."

"The creator of a cult magazine focusing on Asian American pop culture from 1994 until the early 2000s, Giant Robot has been instrumental in shaping the content landscape through a DIY and zine-aesthetic. Now, the Sawtelle-based store sells an array of artist goods, designer vinyl dolls, minifigures, plush dolls, stationery, art, T-shirts, and other creative goods, while also holding events."

"Founded by Jennifer Yee, Bakers Bench is one of L.A.’s most beloved bakeries serving vegan and other specialty pastries. They focus on sustainability by practices such as minimizing single-use plastics, and work with suppliers that use sustainable practices. She brings unique Asian flavors, such as black sesame, yuzu, and even furikake, to well-known pastries."

"A purveyor of a wide variety of Thai ingredients including curries, noodles, bean curd, Thai chilies, lemongrass, holy basil, and beyond, this cozy grocery store is a gem in the neighborhood. In the heart of Thai town, this is one of my favorite places to frequent, especially when I’m making Thai food for friends and family. "