Ye Dang Korean - La Habra

When it comes to Korean cuisine, the quality of the side dishes can tell you a lot about a restaurant. You can often gauge the overall quality of the food based on how well the side dishes are prepared. If a restaurant offers high-quality side dishes, you can anticipate great things from the main menu as well. Ye Dang stands out as one of the best Korean restaurants in Southern California, especially known for its exceptional side dishes. It's simply the best Korean food in Orange County, and if you're looking to experience authentic Korean cuisine, this place is a must-try.

This restaurant offers the authentic charm of a traditional Korean dining experience. The abundance of complimentary side dishes—served without any extra charge—truly enhances the meal. From kimchi and bean sprouts to various pickles, you can enjoy seven or more delicious options. It's one of the best places around; once you try it and fall in love with the flavors, you'll find yourself coming back time and time again.

Food and service was good but the prices are a bit higher to others providing similar fare.

Well prepared Korean dishes good for sharing. Sinkimchi pork dish is the best!!!

First off, the gyejang (fermented raw crab) was amazing. I don't typically eat this dish, but it was so delicious that I turned into a gyejang enthusiast—I definitely need to find some in Toronto! The bossam (boiled pork belly) was another highlight. It was perfectly tender with a great balance of meat and fat, and the fresh kimchi and side vegetables complemented it beautifully, especially with the ssam jang dip. Both types of naeng myun (cold noodles) were excellent as well. When a restaurant can make such a good broth for cold noodles, you can usually count on them to deliver a stellar galbi tang (beef rib soup), and Yedang did not disappoint. Their stews, including kimchi stew and soft tofu chigay, were rich and hearty—exactly the opposite of the watery versions that I can't stand. These stews are definitely a perfect match with rice. I always say that if a Korean restaurant can't get bibimbap or bulgogi right, it's better to move on, and Yedang met those expectations. The variety of banchan (side dishes) was plentiful and each one was delicious. I'm quite shocked by the number of low ratings this place has received. Many appear to be related to service issues, but based on our experience, it was outstanding. The servers were attentive, even more so than at most Korean restaurants I've been to, despite the place being busy. We're definitely planning to return on our next visit to the L.A. area. Highly recommended!