Elevating LA’s Eastside Food Scene: Meet Mokja
If you thought the Eastside coffee scene couldn’t get any cooler, the newest Korean cafe Highland Park has to offer is about to prove you wrong. Opening its doors tomorrow, August 7, Mokja (which translates to “Let’s eat!”) is a brilliant hybrid space blending a modern cafe, a street-food haven, and a curated Asian grocery market.
According to Eater LA, this highly anticipated project is a powerhouse collaboration between renowned Korean-American Chef Debbie Lee and specialty coffee experts Frank and Michelle La of Be Bright Coffee. Located right next to Chef Lee’s modern pocha, Yi Cha, Mokja is ready to become the ultimate hangout spot for foodies and caffeine fiends alike.
DIY Ramen, “Addictive” Eggs, and Next-Level Sandwiches
Forget your standard avocado toast. Mokja’s menu takes heavy inspiration from the vibrant street food culture of Seoul, remixed for the Los Angeles palate.
The undisputed star of the show? A fully customizable DIY Ramen Bar where you can trick out your instant noodles with gourmet toppings. If you’re looking for an instant classic, you have to try the Mayak (addictive) Egg Sando, featuring those famously savory, soft-boiled marinated eggs. For a heavier bite, grab the PBL&T—a mouthwatering stack of crispy pork belly, marinated tomatoes, and a kick of kimchi mayo. Throw in some spam or tofu musubi, a Gochujang chicken cobb salad, and you’ve got a lunch menu that completely redefines the Korean cafe Highland Park experience.
And leave room for dessert: the pastry case is loaded with black sesame chocolate pie, kimchi cheese biscuits, and yuzu icebox pies. You can even grab to-go banchan (side dishes), kimchi, and cold noodles (naengmyeon) for your fridge at home.
A Beverage Menu Crafted by a Champion
You aren’t just getting a regular cup of joe here. The beverage program was masterminded by Frank La, the 2024 U.S. Barista Champion.
He’s infusing specialty coffee with nostalgic Korean ingredients, resulting in a wildly creative menu. Sip on a Misugaru (roasted multi-grain) latte topped with rich cold foam, a sweet corn latte, a refreshing yuzu lemonade cold brew, or a vibrant Omija (five-flavor berry) sparkler. Classic espresso drinks, cold brew, and traditional barley and corn teas are also on deck for the purists.
More Than a Market: A True AAPI Community Hub
Mokja isn’t just a place to grab a bite; it’s designed to be a cultural hub. The retail section is stocked with AAPI-owned brand favorites like Seoul Sausage, Rooted Fare, Ooon Kitchen, and Valerie Confections, alongside bags of Be Bright Coffee beans and iconic Korean snacks like Turtle Chips.
Looking ahead, this isn’t just going to be another Korean cafe Highland Park locals pop into for a quick coffee. Mokja plans to host cookbook author talks, K-beauty masterclasses, and dumpling-making workshops, transforming the space into a buzzing community center.
Ready to say Mokja? Grab your friends, design your dream ramen bowl, and experience LA’s coolest new culinary mashup this weekend!
