My LA discovery of the year is Chong's Grocery. A tiny little storefront in Koreatown, Chong's makes its own sesame oil! And it's fantastic! I had no idea fresh sesame oil could taste so alive. No hint of rancidity at all. Chong's sells both light and dark oil in a variety of bottle sizes. I got the smallest, a 16 ounce bottle for $10, which is a bargain. They also have toasted sesame seeds, barley, soy beans, etc.Warning: if you're trying to find the store, please be aware that they're on the phantom 8th street. Phantom 8th street, you ask? Yes. Because, it turns out that there are two 8th streets: the main 8th street and a tiny side street that parallels it for about a hundred feet which is also called 8th street. Chong's is on that parallel side street.
Chong's Grocery
3560 W 8th Street
LA 90005
213 387 0651
BTW, according to the Korean spelling, the store should really be called Jeong's Grocery. Just saying.
5 comments:
I don't really care for sesame oil, JP, but fresh is usually best!
Sigh, wish I could get there to buy some. Sounds wonderful. I can almost smell its rich and toasty aroma.
It's always these little things that brighten every-day life! Thanks for your comment, Chris.
I missed this entry the last time I visited your blog. The MIL will be pleased. She only "deals" with smuggled sesame oil from the motherland. Personally, I'm not convinced getting stuffed shipped from Seoul is a good way to live.
Do they have any other specialties?
Hi Sinosoul, Chong's also has a variety of grains, beans, nuts, etc. I've tried the light & dark sesame oils, toasted sesame seeds, and the rolled barley—all excellent and very fresh.
BTW, does your MIL know about Soo Bok soy sauce? Also made in LA with no preservatives. I wrote about it on my food blog: http://notjuliachild.blogspot.com/2011/08/soy-sauce.html
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