Broken Mouth opened inside an LA food hall with Chef Tim Lee bringing his Oahu childhood to life through genuine home-cooked Hawaiian plate lunches.
The counter-order restaurant has earned recognition as the #1 Restaurant in the USA in 2023, making four consecutive Top 10 appearances that speak to the quality of every dish.
Located at 718 South Los Angeles Street, this spot became famous for its 24-hour marinated Meat Jun and shell-on garlic shrimp, each showcasing what Chef Tim calls being “Korean by blood, Hawaiian at heart.”
What Makes Broken Mouth Special
The restaurant delivers authentic Hawaiian plate lunches with Korean influence, where “broke da mouth” perfectly describes food so delicious you can barely slow down to chew.
The Meat Jun arrives at your table after a 24-hour marination process, egg-battered and pan-fried to create what guests describe as “one of those meals that make you realize life is beautiful.”
What sets them apart is the purple multigrain japgokbap that replaces white rice—Chef Tim’s mother’s recipe—paired with incredibly friendly hospitality that embodies true Aloha spirit.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
Broken Mouth launched when Chef Tim Lee couldn’t find the Hawaiian flavors he grew up with after moving to the mainland from Oahu.
Drawing inspiration from family dinners and his uncle’s Honolulu restaurant, he built a menu around the genuine home-cooked food he remembered.
The compact plate lunch lineup proved so authentic that it earned the #1 Restaurant in USA title in 2023, with four consecutive Top 10 appearances that solidified the restaurant’s reputation throughout the Los Angeles dining community.
Los Angeles’ Favorite Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Garlic Shrimp: Shell-on shrimp pan-fried in garlic butter creates a bursting-with-flavor signature dish that stands as the top attraction. The buttery preparation showcases the Aloha spirit that defines every plate lunch here. 🦐
- Meat Jun: This 24-hour marinated ribeye gets egg-battered and pan-fried to create what guests call “one of those meals that make life beautiful.” The tender preparation delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes it Chef Tim’s specialty. 🥩
- Spam Musubi: Classic Hawaiian snack priced at $4.25 features perfectly grilled spam in this crowd favorite. The simple preparation creates an addictive combination that has become the most popular grab-and-go item. 🍙
- Potato-Mac Salad: This creamy salad at $8.50 studded with boiled egg makes everything better, just like Chef Tim’s mother’s recipe intended. The preparation showcases the Korean-Hawaiian fusion that defines the plate lunch accompaniments. 🥔
- Purple Multigrain Rice: Mother’s japgokbap replaces traditional white rice, creating a unique side that adds Korean influence. The colorful preparation showcases the family recipe that makes these plate lunches special. 🍚
- Local Plate: Mixed protein combination delivers variety in the Hawaiian tradition of generous portions. The multiple-item plate brings an authentic experience to this food hall setting. 🍱
Atmosphere
The restaurant sits at 718 South Los Angeles Street inside a bustling food hall, where the counter-order setup creates a casual vibe perfect for Downtown lunch crowds.
Inside, you’ll find moderate noise levels in a welcoming environment that’s dog-friendly and ideal for groups gathering over plate lunches.
The food hall location means quick service, though pre-orders are strongly recommended since wait times can stretch over an hour during lunch and early dinner—a testament to how good the food truly is.
Bottom Line
Visit Broken Mouth to experience Korean-Hawaiian plate lunches at their finest, featuring Meat Jun and garlic shrimp that earned the restaurant its #1 Restaurant in USA recognition in 2023.
You’ll discover spam musubi, potato-mac salad, and that signature purple multigrain rice, all served with genuine home-cooked quality made with love.
The four Top 10 appearances, incredibly friendly hospitality, and food that truly breaks a mouth prove this Korean-Hawaiian fusion spot has earned its place as a Los Angeles institution. 🌟
Address: Broken Mouth
718 S Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
📞 (213) 418-9588
🕐 Tue-Fri: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Sat: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Closed Sun-Mon)
Pre-orders recommended | Counter-order | Food hall location | Dogs allowed | Purple multigrain rice