Kimbap is steamed white rice and other ingredients rolled in kim (sheets of dried laver seaweed) and served in bite-size slices. It is often eaten during picnics or outdoor events. The word starts with an unaspirated “k” which is why it’s also spelled gimbap. It had its origins in the Japanese futomaki (makizushi) from the Japanese colonial period, 1910-1945.
Many English speakers refer to kimbap as the Korean version of the Japanese sushi roll. But if you’ve eaten kimbap and futomaki more than a few times, you know there’s a noticeable difference in taste and preparation between the two.
The place from which to get your kimbap fix in Koreatown is Gaju Bunshik, which originally had a stall inside Gaju Market on 5th and Western and was also equally if not more famous for its naengmyeon (cold noodles). After Gaju Market closed in 2011 for the construction of a new building complex, Gaju Bunshik opened up as its own restaurant on Wilshire, a block west of Western Avenue, in the same plaza as Village Bakery and Hite Gwangjang.
Kimbap variants are dependent on different fillings. Popular ones are kimchi, perilla leaves (kkaennip), and tuna (chamchi). Most people grab them to go — it’s best to eat within three hours after being rolled. You can see the owner’s daughter and/or her Latino assistants making the rolls almost right in front of where you order. They’re very popular and they often run out of a particular type or so.
A clear plastic container of their kimbap is six dollars — it’s at least two rolls plus what could be the pieces of a third roll packed on one side. It comes with yellow slices of danmuji.
Address: 3839 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90010
Phone : (213) 380-2174
Gaju Bunshik usually opens at 7:00 am (ready with hardboiled eggs for Korean ajosshis) but isn’t ready with the kimbap or their lunch specials until around 10:00 am. Closing time is 8:00 pm, Monday to Saturday. Closed whole day Sunday.
No, this restaurant does not advertise in and English-language publications. They don’t need to. They’re that popular among the locals. Even an institution already, really!
