In Japan, a shokudo is the kind of neighborhood spot where people come for simple, nourishing meals at reasonable prices. Now, Westchester has its own Shokudo, the latest project from Jimin and Sandy Kim, a husband-and-wife team who have poured years of experience—and a lot of heart—into creating a place that is already generating a lot of buzz. This is their third restaurant together (and their second in Westchester, as they were the original owners of the nearby Ramen Joint) and that expertise comes through in the relaxed dining experience, mouth-watering dishes, and genuinely friendly service.
After sitting down with Sandy, it was clear that Shokudo is more than just another restaurant.
“We love Westchester for its close-knit feel,” she told me, explaining why the neighborhood felt like the right fit for their vision of “high-quality Japanese comfort food that’s affordable and approachable.”
Their hope is that it becomes a spot that appeals to everyone—whether you’re grabbing a quick weeknight dinner, meeting friends for a bowl of perfectly cooked noodles, or sharing plates during date night. And they’re serious about doing it right, with quality ingredients, no shortcuts, food made with the kind of care you’d put into cooking for your own family.
That commitment carries straight into the kitchen. Sandy shared that her husband, chef Jimin, is there every day, hand-making fresh udon noodles from scratch. One bite in, and you understand why they’re a signature menu item—the texture is just right, with that perfect chew you want from great udon.
The Food
We started with edamame, potato salad and tempura to share. The tempura was outstanding—light and crisp, not greasy or heavy. Shrimp was paired with delicately fried vegetables like kabocha squash, lotus root, shiso, and purple Okinawan sweet potato. The potato salad has all the classic flavors you’d expect, with the twist of a soft-boiled egg and dollop of grainy mustard on top, making it not only delightfully creamy and tangy, but also Instagram-worthy–but then again, almost every dish we’ve tried here is beautifully plated.
I ordered the Chicken Katsu, which was everything I’d hoped it would be. They import their panko straight from Japan, and you can taste the difference. It’s perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, with a savory katsu sauce for dipping. It arrives with rice, miso soup, and a bright cabbage salad that provides a fresh balance. Another popular choice is the Kurobuta pork loin katsu, made with premium heritage pork.
My vegetarian friend ordered the Classic Udon bowl with fresh ginger and vegan broth, and was genuinely impressed. The flavor was savory and complex, proving that plant-based doesn’t have to mean bland. You can customize your udon bowl with add-ins like seaweed and kelp, braised beef, crispy garlic, mala chili sauce, or shiso, depending on your mood.
I’m already planning a return visit for one of the Seoul Plates, which Sandy says are her personal favorites. The Beef Bulgogi, in particular, is a crowd-pleaser—thin slices of ribeye sizzling in a house soy marinade.
Why Shokudo Stands Out
As Westchester continues to evolve, Shokudo stands out for something refreshingly simple: food made with passion and attention to every detail. This is comfort food in the truest sense—thoughtful ingredients, careful preparation, and a genuine desire to provide a memorable, craveable meal for everyone who walks through their door.
Check out our Q&A with owner Sandy Kim to learn more about the restaurant!
Q. Congratulations on the opening of Shokudo! This is the third restaurant you’ve opened as a husband-wife team, and the second in Westchester. Can you share a little bit about yourself and what brought you back to 90045 to open your latest eatery?
A. We share a passion for the restaurant industry and hospitality. Our goal has always been to create humble, everyday food made with thoughtful, quality ingredients—food that feels approachable and comforting, yet intentional. Returning to Westchester was an easy decision. We missed the sense of community, the regulars, and the lasting relationships we built through our first restaurant. Being back allows us to reconnect with the neighborhood and serve food we truly believe in, which is at the heart of why we opened Shokudo.
Q. Everyone we’ve talked to who has eaten at the restaurant has been raving about the food. How has the response been so far from the community?
A. The response has been incredibly encouraging. After about a month and a half of soft opening, we’re already seeing many repeat guests, which is the greatest compliment we could ask for.
We’re grateful to the community for returning and supporting us—it reassures us that the food is connecting.
For first-time visitors, we always recommend our handmade udon or the Seoul Plates, if in the mood for rice dishes. The Seoul Plates are based on recipes from our moms (mains and banchans), so sharing them feels especially meaningful to us. It’s been a joy to pass those flavors on to the community and see them become part of people’s regular visits.
Q. What do you think sets Shokudo apart from other local eateries and makes it unique?
A. Our focus on simple, comfort-driven food made with care and quality ingredients. Our menu is rooted in family recipes and the everyday dishes we grew up with—food that feels familiar, honest, and approachable. We also place great importance on hospitality and community, creating a space where guests feel welcome and want to return often.
Q. When do you plan to open for breakfast/lunch and what do you look forward to serving?
A. We’re hoping to begin lunch service later this month. The menu will feature Japanese sandos, Korean kimbap, and a selection of grab-and-go items that are easy, satisfying, and thoughtfully made.
For breakfast, we’re keeping things simple—soft-scrambled organic eggs served on shokupan from our friends at Roji Bakery, along with Japanese-style breakfast sets on the weekends. We’re also excited to introduce a coffee program with Asian-inspired drinks using matcha, hojicha, and black sesame. And we’re hoping to receive our beer and wine license soon to round out the experience.
Q. Anything else you’d like to share with Westchester/Playa?
A. We’re truly grateful for the warm welcome and support from the Westchester and Playa communities. Shokudo was created with the neighborhood in mind, and we’re excited to continue growing alongside it. We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new guests, and hope Shokudo becomes a place people feel comfortable returning to again and again.
Shokudo Westchester is located at 6224 Manchester Ave. and is currently open 5:30 to 9 p.m. every day. Follow them on Instagram @shokudo_westchester.
I want to hear from you! What is your go-to local dish—the one you’d tell a new neighbor they have to try? Drop a comment, send me a message, or say “Hi” if you see me at the market. Let’s keep swapping favorites! Email me at birkettcory@gmail.com.
Cory Birkett is a foodie, and admin for the “Quarantine Cooking-Westchester & Silicon Beach” Facebook Group. When she’s not trying new recipes or checking out local restaurants, she spends her days as a real estate agent and long-time community volunteer, which includes serving on committees for the Westchester/Playa Neighborhood Council.
Story by Cory Birkett. Photos by Zsuzsi Steiner.