Pan-Asian Done Right: Lukshon

The term "Pan-Asian" usually makes me cringe. It conjures thoughts of a pasty white guy putting soy sauce on stuff and proclaiming that he's created some awesome Oriental dish.

Banish those thoughts.

Sang Yoon brings us Pan-Asian like no other. Lukshon dishes out fabulous small and large plates inspired by the Southeast Asian region.

Now, before you protest, yes, I realize that Sang Yoon is Korean, so what does he know about Southeast Asia? What makes him any better than a pasty white guy?

Nothing. But trust me on this one, my dears. Lukshon is a must-visit. I love it!




I fell head over heels for this place the moment I stepped foot on the premises. Gorgeous contemporary open design. Swoon. weatherjen and I had the best time on the outdoor patio.

Fever Tree ginger ale ($2.50).

I am a ginger ale and ginger beer fiend. Fever Tree did not disappoint. Great bite.

Baby Monterey squid, Chiang Mai pork sausage, candlenut, mint, rau ram ($15).

Something delicious stuffed with something else delicious and topped with more deliciousness! Chewy! Savory! Crunchy! Saucy! This had it all!

Spicy chicken pops -- Shelton Farms drumettes, garlic, kecap manis, spicy Sichuan salt ($14).

You absolutely must get these. We polished off the whole plate, and there were only two of us! Best li'l spicy drumettes you will ever eat! Ever!

Lamb sausage roti canai, chana dal, cumin, mint, pickled cauliflower ($15).

Imagine if Malaysian, Indian, and Middle Eastern friends got together and made a pizza. This would be the freakishly tasty result.

Brussels sprouts, chile garlic vinaigrette, sesame ($9).

Some of the best Brussels sprouts I've ever had. Tangy with just enough kick.

Heirloom black rice, lap cheong, onion, roasted garlic, fried egg ($11).

Oh my God, how can egg and rice be so good? It just is. It just is.

Complimentary dessert.

Can you believe this? Something free in L.A.? It was like we were dreaming.

Vietnamese iced coffee.

Strong, creamy, and not for the weak. Fearful that we'd be up all night, weatherjen and I shared this. Good call.

Just 11 days later, I returned to Lukshon with Mr. Monkey and the Oros. I was thrilled.

We repeated the spicy chicken pops and Brussels sprouts (and I was more than happy to do so). Here are my point-and-shoot pics of the new dishes we tried.

(1) Duck popiah, cilantro stems, pickled jicama, house-made hoisin chile sauce ($13).
(2) Whole steamed fish, Taiwan spinach, black bean ghee, sambal ijo (market price).
(3) X.O. rice -- jasmine rice, house-made X.O. sauce, long beans, egg ($10).
(4) Sonoma lamb chops, market spices, herb butter ($36).
(5) Crispy coconut rice cakes, pandan, shallot chile jam ($7).
(6) Complimentary dessert.

And, believe it or not, every single thing was fantastic. Not one miss. That doesn't happen often.

Get thee to Lukshon. It will change your mind about Pan-Asian cuisine. I am a convert.