A delicious list of dishes curated by the Little Tokyo Community Council & Little Tokyo Vibes!

GO LITTLE TOKYO PRESENTS

INDIECADE FESTIVAL EDITION

WELCOME TO LITTLE TOKYO!Little Tokyo is one of three remaining Japantowns in the United States. Before World War II, Little Tokyo was the largest Japanese community in the United States which had a population of 30,000 and covered over three square miles.

The Little Tokyo Historic District is now a National Landmark and full of unique shops, cultural and arts institutions, authentic restaurants, and thriving community.

We invite you to use this guide to explore the neighborhood:

Use the next few pages as your Little Tokyo Food Guide to explore unique restaurants and discover local favorites only found in Little Tokyo!

Make a purchase at any of your favorite Little Tokyo businesses, take a picture of your receipt(s) and email them to IndieCadeInLittleTokyo@

gmail.com to enter our FREE drawing! See page 12 for more details.

Learn more about Little Tokyo and keep on exploring! Visit GoLittleTokyo.com to plan your next downtown adventure.

WELCOME TO INDIECADE!Thank you for joining us at the 10th Annual IndieCade Festival, celebrating the best of indie games created by game makers from around the globe. Activities for our tenth-anniversary event are held throughout historic, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.

Here are some highlights of this year’s Festival you won’t want to miss:

Go to IndieCade.com for the complete Festival Schedule or check out the mobile version or use the QR code to link directly to a mobile version of the Festival Schedule.

Friday, October 6th

• Festival Kickoff - Game Exhibits open at 4pm. Play more than 200 games during the festival

• GameJam the Movie - Begins at 5pm• Fight Night Tournament - Begins at 6pm. Join the

competition and test your gaming skills against your friends

Saturday, October 7th

• Registration opens at 9am• Conference Sessions, Exhibits and Keynotes - 10am–6pm• Night Games - 6pm–10pm• Play more than 200 games and check out the best in indie

gaming - 10am-6pm

Sunday, October 8th

• Registration opens at 10am• Conference Sessions, Exhibits and Keynotes - 10am–4pm• Kids and Parents Game Play - begins at 10am• Multiplayer Gameplay and Ninja - 11am–3pm

All Sessions and activities will be held at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) and the Tateuchi Democracy Forum in Little Tokyo. Badges and wristbands can be purchased at Registration.

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LITTLE TOKYO FOOD GUIDE

Loco Moco Take one bite of Aloha Cafe’s hearty tower and you’ll understand how this favorite Hawaiian comfort food has people feeling delightfully loco. Sitting on top of a bed of sticky rice and homemade hamburger patty, lie two runny eggs and grilled onions, all nestled under a cozy blanket of creamy gravy that’s sure to leave you satisfied. Aloha Café, 410 E 2nd St

Lil Tokyo Steak Pizza A perfect blend of Japanese flavors, including miso, shishito peppers, and yuzu kosho (a beloved Japanese paste of ground chilis, salt, and yuzu fruit), once you get your hands on a slice of Baldoria’s locally-inspired pizza, we know you’ll be asking for more. Baldoria, 243 S San Pedro St

Lavender Hot Chocolate Though hot chocolate is traditionally a winter favorite, Cafe Demitasse’s lavender hot chocolate is perfect for summer with it’s hints of Tahitian vanilla and lavender swimming in a rich cocoa pool you’ll be delighted to dive into. Topped with a perfectly toasted marshmallow, one cup will have you yearning for starry skies and cozy nights around the campfire. Cafe Demitasse, 135 S San Pedro St

Bacon Donut + Hong Kong Milk Tea Latte (Hot or Iced) Take one bite of Cafe Dulce’s bacon donut and be transported to a realm where pillowy-soft sweetness meets salty and smoky bacon. Pair the f luffy treat with a refreshing Hong Kong Milk Tea Latte (hot or iced) and you’ll be ready to face whatever life may bring your way. Cafe Dulce, 134 Japanese Village Plaza Mall

Chicken Katsu Curry with Fried Egg Crunchy, panko-covered chicken, sandwiched between a creamy coconut milk gravy and a hearty helping of rice all topped with a fried egg made just the way you like it. Curry House’s special recipe stands out from the crowd with over 25 herbs and spices simmered into a flavorful reduction worthy of their name. Curry House, 123 S Onizuka St, Ste 204

Salmon and Spicy Tuna Bowl Step into Little Tokyo’s favorite neighborhood maritime-themed tavern and feast on their famous salmon and spicy tuna bowl. Treat yourself to this bowl of fluffy rice topped with overflowing fresh sashimi and pickled garnishes, and pair it with a draft beer or sake for the perfect end to a long day. Ebisu Japanese Tavern, 356 E 2nd St

Ming’s Wings Far Bar goes far beyond good with their plate of Ming’s Wings, crispy and succulent chicken wings, dry-rubbed with a special spice blend and buried under a bed of green onions, garlic, and spicy peppers. Guard your plate carefully for they’ll be gone before you know it. Far Bar, 347 E 1st St

Peanut Butter Mochi With its delicate, chewy and strawberry-f lavored rice cake on the outside and crunchy peanut butter on the inside, this mochi is a tasty must-try! The Peanut Butter Mochi is a culinary bridge between the rich history of over a century of mochi-making at Fugetsu-Do and a yummy delight for future generations of customers to come. Fugetsu-Do, 315 E 1st St

Tofu Sampler Gazen takes the seemingly humble tofu from simple to simply divine. Made daily, Gazen’s fresh tofu shines brightest in their tofu sampler, a trio complete with servings of a plain tofu nestled alongside miso paste and sprinkled with roasted green tea salt, a black sesame tofu accompanied by kickin’ wasabi, and a cream-infused tofu that will melt in your mouth. Gazen, 362 E 1st St

Yakitori + Agedashi Mochi An authentic izakaya (Japanese gastropub), Honda Ya prides themselves on serving traditional and simply good food, with their yakitori (skewers grilled to perfection over a charcoal fire) and agedashi mochi (deep fried rice cake). Indulge in a cold draft beer and explore their vast menu. Honda Ya, 333 Alameda St, Ste 314

Honey Affogato Getting back to the basics is what Honeymee does best. Have a cup of their Honey Affogato, a novel ice cream experience made with 100% Californian milk and honey, doused with freshly brewed espresso, for a perfect pick-me-up. Honeymee, 120 Japanese Village Plaza Mall

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A delicious list of dishes not to miss curated by the Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC) and Little Tokyo Vibes!

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Injeolmi Ice Cream Ihwamun Ice Cream is making waves in LA’s ice cream scene, a difficult task when there are so many different options to help Angelenos beat the heat. In addition to their commitment to mixing up small batches using local organic dairy, what sets them most apart is their commitment to introducing customers to traditional Korean flavors, such as injeolmi (Korean rice cake dusted in soybean powder). Ihwamun Ice Cream, 333 S Alameda St, Ste 103

Creamy Dashi Broth Brown Rice Cheese Risotto You haven’t had risotto until you’ve had Izakaya & Bar Fu-ga’s Creamy, Cheesy Brown Rice Risotto. Their take on the classic Japanese dashi broth (made with dried kelp and bonito fish flakes) is prepared tableside in a wondrous circular block of parmesan cheese. Izakaya & Bar Fu-ga, 111 S San Pedro St

“My family’s go-to restaurant to celebrate any occasion is

Izakaya Fu-ga. I cannot get enough of the Creamy Dashi

Broth Brown Rice Cheese Risotto.”

– Amy Okuda, Actress

Chashu Hash Skillet The Ishii family at JiST Cafe has been serving the Little Tokyo neighborhood for over 70 years. Made of tender pork belly chashu, topped with six-minute-eggs and breakfast potatoes, you can taste the authentic family recipe in this customer favorite with every bite! JiST Cafe, 116 Judge John Aiso St

“A Foodbeast favorite in Little Tokyo is the Chashu

Hash Skillet at JiST Cafe!”

– Reach Guinto, Editor at Foodbeast

Beef Shabu Shabu For some of the best shabu shabu in LA, head over to KaGaYa and treat yourself with impeccably fresh ingredients and high-grade, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef. Leave time in your schedule to savor the delightful experience of DIY cooking your way to paradise. KaGaYa, 418 E 2nd St

Wagyu Come to Kinjiro with a craving for quality wagyu and leave entranced. From marbled Japanese Wagyu Carpaccio served with Arima Sansho (Japanese pepper sauce) to grilled Australian Wagyu Chuck Rib Kalbi delicately seasoned with sea salt, Kinjiro doesn’t disappoint when you’re in the mood for wagyu. Kinjiro, 424 E 2nd St

Tenshin Chahan Ankake Step into this authentic Japanese diner serving comfort food late into the night for over 40 years. Their Tenshin Chahan Ankake, a snowball-shaped dome of curry- f lavored pork fried rice wrapped with a shrimp omelet and covered in gravy is a delicious, home-style meal at Kouraku you won’t ever forget. Kouraku, 314 E 2nd St

Uni Cream Udon Marugame Monzo takes the udon noodle game to the next level by crafting their noodles fresh and in-house, a rarity amongst even the best restaurants. However, the rich and creamy uni broth of this dish truly seals the deal by perfectly complementing the texture of the udon noodles, leaving you simultaneously content and planning your next trip back for more. Marugame Monzo, 329 E 1st St

“I actually really love Monzo and their udon is by far the best I

have ever eaten in California because of the fresh noodles they

serve there. I always go there when I have a chance!”

– Linda Le, @VampyBitMe, Cosplayer and Model

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Hot Pressed Blue Velvet Nitro Pocket Craving something sweet but can’t decide between a cupcake, ice cream or sweet bread? Let Molecular Creamery take care of all three cravings at once with their hot pressed blue velvet nitro pocket! The pockets start off with their made-to-order blue velvet liquid nitrogen ice cream, gets fully encased in a freshly pressed sweet bun, and ends with a flavor and texture explosion in your mouth. Molecular Creamery, 369 E 2nd St

Chicken Cold Ramen with Ponzu Sauce When you’re in the mood for ramen but the weather outside has you feeling the heat, head on over to Mr. Ramen for a plate of refreshing cold ramen, topped with chicken and accompanied by a tangy ponzu sauce. Mr. Ramen, 341 E 1st St

Japanese Snacks Whether you’re after a particular snack or have no idea what you’re in the mood for, Nijiya Market has you covered with its endless rows of f lavors and textures of Japanese snacks to tickle your palate and stir your imagination. Nijiya Market, 124 Japanese Village Plaza Mall

Kalbi Jimm Poutine Fries Despite a colorful and flavorful array of sausage offerings, Seoul Sausage’s Kalbi Jimm Poutine Fries are a must. Heftily topped with mounds of braised short rib, pepper jack cheese, kimchi-pickled onions and a tangy avocado cream sauce, be sure to order your own plate as these fries are addictive and you won’t want to share! Seoul Sausage, 236 S Los Angeles St

Milk Teas With 16 different base options to choose from, from the classic green milk tea to spunkier options such as the red velvet black milk tea, Snociety has you covered when you need a full-bodied, creamy milk tea in your life. Snociety, 330 E 2nd St, Ste C

“I love the refreshing milk teas from Snociety

in LA’s Little Tokyo.”

– George Takei, Actor

Ready-Made Bento Boxes Feeling a lack of time or energy to whip yourself up a homemade bento box? Simply head over to Marukai Market where they’ve taken the pleasure to supply a wide variety of fresh, ready-made tasty lunch options for you. Marukai Market, 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St, Ste 105

Mochi Ice Cream Originally opened in 1910, Mikawaya takes great pride in wrapping rich and smooth ice cream with their secret family mochi (rice cake) recipe. Escape the summer heat and try f lavors like plum wine, green tea, kona coffee, mango and so much more! Mikawaya, 118 Japanese Village Plaza Mall

“I LOVE Japanese desserts. The Japanese make the best desserts in

the world, hands down! One of my favorite sweet shops in Little

Tokyo is Mikawaya for mochi rice cakes. So many great flavors

and always fresh!”

– Steve Aoki, DJ and Record Producer

Imagawayaki Come to Mitsuru Cafe for your daily dose of sweet magic as they churn out piping-hot, stuffed red bean pancakes before your very eyes. The perfect size for snacking, dessert, or maybe even sharing, we bet you can’t just have one. Mitsuru Cafe, 117 Japanese Village Plaza Mall

Okinawa Soba Mitsuru Sushi & Grill is known near and far for being the go-to place when you want to grab a table,fill your belly and soothe your soul with comfort food and a welcoming ambience that hits the spot. Their Okinawa soba, a rich bowl of brothy noodle soup topped with kamaboko (fish cake), sliced scallion, and a thick slice of stewed pork belly, is a customer favorite. Mitsuru Sushi & Grill, 316 E 1st St

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Red Bean Taiyaki Shaped like an adorable 3D fish, Snowya’s taiyaki might at first appear too pretty to eat! The crispy and buttery flakiness of the outside gives way to a warm and buttery red bean filling that will have you thanking your lucky stars you took that first bite. Snowya, 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St, Ste 103

Street Cart Fries + Sangria Diving into a basket of Street Cart Fries with a glass of sangria is a culinary combination that you don’t know you need till the moment you have it. The balanced blend of fruit, spice and citrus from the sangria is the perfect complement to the salty and tangy creaminess of the fries, guaranteed to incite a f lavor explosion in your mouth. Spitz, 371 E 2nd St

Sukiyaki Suehiro Cafe’s classic Sukiyaki epitomizes the unpretentious and nostalgic feelings you’ll get from dining here. Your bowl will be filled to the brim with noodles, cabbage, tofu, onions, bamboo shoots, and thinly-sliced beef steak, all swimming together contently in a f lavorful brothy soup that’s sure to take you back to the comfort of grandmother’s kitchen. Suehiro Cafe, 337 E 1st St

Sashimi Deluxe When you’re looking for melt-in-your mouth sashimi, Sushi Gen is the place to go. Always served fresh daily with excellent, quality portions for both lunch and dinner, the Sashimi Deluxe is a favorite that will not disappoint. Sushi Gen, 422 E 2nd St

“Sushi Gen is definitely my top favorite in Little Tokyo!”

– Christine, @LosAngelesFoodieGirl

Matcha Ice Cream Composed of light and creamy matcha soft serve and generously dusted with a fine matcha powder that comes through in every sweet bite, Tea Master of Little Tokyo’s Matcha Ice Cream is like a fine culinary melody you won’t be able to or want to get out of your head. Tea Master of Little Tokyo, 450 E 2nd St

Aburi Salmon Salad If you’re looking for something light and fresh but filling, head over to Teishokuya of Tokyo (TOT) for their Aburi Salmon Salad. Delicate salmon pieces are freshly seared and arranged over a bed of salad greens with seaweed, avocado, cucumber, chives, and a refreshing ponzu dressing. Teishokuya of Tokyo (TOT), 345 E 2nd St

Lunch Special: Tori Soboro Bowl Shake up your lunch routine and let Torigoya entice you with their homey and satisfying Tori Soboro Bowl. They simmer their ground chicken in a lightly sweet soy sauce gravy and plate it over a bed of rice all topped with a raw quail egg for a meal that’s sure to hit the spot. Torigoya, 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St, Ste 203

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LITTLE TOKYO FOOD GUIDE MAP

Public Parking

(Rates vary, visit golittletokyo.com/map)

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ENTER OUR FREE DRAWING AND WIN LITTLE TOKYO PRIZES!

Make a purchase between 10/5/17–10/8/17, at any of your favorite Little Tokyo shops and restaurants, and enter our free drawing to win exclusive prizes!

To enter, take a photo of your receipt(s) and email to

IndieCadeInLittleTokyo@gmail.com

One entry per receipt from a Little Tokyo business.

GRAND PRIZE2018 IndieCade Festival All Access Pass (valued at $500 each). Five passes given out.

2ND PRIZEOne-night stay at Little Tokyo favorite, Miyako Hotel

OTHER PRIZESVarious gift certificates from Little Tokyo businesses such as Anime Jungle, Bunkado, Tsurumaru Honpo, Ebisu, Daikokuya, Oreno Yakiniku & more!

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Go Little Tokyo is a community led effort aimed at highlighting the unique cultural programs, community events, and dining and shopping experiences found in Little Tokyo. As one of Los Angeles’ most vibrant cultural hubs, there is an abundance of destinations and landmarks in and around this historic walkable neighborhood, and Go Little Tokyo will help you uncover them.

Go Little Tokyo is a Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC) run neighborhood marketing campaign created by Community Arts Resources (CARS) and funded by Metro Los Angeles.

Follow us on / golittletokyogolittletokyo.com #golittletokyo

The Little Tokyo Food Guide is presented by Go Little Tokyo, sponsored by the Little Tokyo Business Association (LTBA) and Indie Cade, International Festival of Independent Games, and curated by the Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC) and Little Tokyo Vibes.