Due to inflation, many restaurants are adjusting their menu prices, but one restaurant in Los Angeles Koreatown is doing the opposite. Jin Chinese Kitchen, known for serving Korean Chinese food, has decided to lower the prices of some of its popular dishes.
Located near Olympic Boulevard and Westlake Avenue, Jin Chinese Kitchen has reduced the price of seven dishes, including Sauteed jjajang Myun, Chicken chow mein, Shrimp chow mein, Combo chow mein, Chicken fried rice, Shrimp fried rice, and Combo fried rice, each by a dollar.
Deokhyun Ha, CEO of Jin Chinese Kitchen, explained, “As the cost of dining out continues to rise, we have noticed more office workers and senior Korean-American customers looking for more affordable lunch options. To ease their burden, we have chosen certain menu items where we can reduce our margins and slightly lower the prices.”
Popular Korean Chinese menu items at Jin Chinese Kitchen are generally cheaper compared to others, with prices ranging from $2 to $5 less. For example, Jjajang myun is priced at $11.80, Cham Pong at $14.80, and Sauteed jjajang myun at $14.80. Additionally, weekday lunch specials are available for $13.80 to $15.80 for Sweet and sour pork, Jin’s special chicken, and Mongolian beef, offering a good deal compared to other lunch prices in LA Koreatown, which typically range from $16 to $19.
Established in 2017, Jin Chinese Kitchen has gained a reputation as an “original old-school black bean noodle restaurant.” It embodies the ambiance of 1980s Korean Chinese restaurants, with a simple interior featuring a few tables and a wooden menu on the wall.
Despite minimal advertising, the restaurant has become known for its value-for-money offerings and has attracted a diverse clientele, including office workers, Korean seniors, downtown residents, and takeout customers.
Deokhyun Ha’s 40 years of cooking experience contributes to the restaurant’s success. Born in Daegu, South Korea, and raised by overseas Chinese parents who owned a Chinese restaurant, Ha has a deep understanding of Chinese cuisine. After moving to the U.S. in 1985, he ran multiple Korean Chinese restaurants before opening Jin Chinese Kitchen in 2017.
Ha attributes the affordability of his restaurants to their locations, which have lower rent and fewer operating costs compared to central Koreatown. This allows him to prioritize quality ingredients and generous portions for his customers.
In addition to offering affordable prices, Jin Chinese Kitchen is currently providing a 20 percent discount on food for seniors dining at the restaurant until June. Ha aims to create a welcoming environment where seniors can enjoy delicious and nostalgic Korean Chinese cuisine without breaking the bank.
BY EUNYOUNG LEE, HOONSIK WOO [lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com]
