That’s a Spicy Rice Bowl

A little food stand inside the California Market does a great job with kimchi fried rice. It’s as spicy as you would expect if you have tasted the hotly seasoned Korean pickle kimchi, and it contains bits of beef that taste of sweet Korean barbecue marinade. An order includes a lot of rice, topped with a fried egg; a cup of sweet, yellow daikon pickles and a carton of soup--anchovy broth that contains shreds of spongy fried tofu and seaweed.

The stand is on your left as you enter the market. Six photographs mounted overhead serve as the menu. The kimchi rice is second from the right as you face the stand. Little English is spoken, so point to the photo and you’ll soon be handed the rice and its accompaniments neatly packed to go.

Kimchi fried rice, including fried egg, soup and pickles, $5 at California Market, 450 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 382-9444.