Mokja brings Korean-inspired convenience store charm to Highland Park
Guest: Debbie Lee, co-owner of Mokja, a Korean-inspired market-cafe in Highland Park.
After opening a modern Korean pub called Yi Cha in 2025, chef Debbie Lee decided to pay homage to her heritage with Mokja, this time serving Korean goods and convenience.
Lee sat down with AirTalk Friday host Austin Cross to talk about her vision for gourmet Korean style snacks in L.A.
Grab-and-go convenience with a twist
Lee says the idea behind Mokja was to take the model of American convenience stores and blend it with Korean flavors.
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It’s a place for people who want to grab something for the road, stop by for a quick snack or even meal prep for the week. The store also partnered with Frank and Michele La, creators of Be Bright Coffee, to offer Korean-style coffee drinks to pair with the snacks.
Daru Yu, Frank La, Debbie Lee and Michelle La
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Stan Lee
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Courtesy Mokja
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The Korean word Mokja translates to “let’s eat.”
“If your mom or your grandma was calling you over the table, they’d say, ‘Bali Mokja,’ which means, ‘Hurry, let’s eat’”
What you’ll find at Mokja
One of the quick, to-go items you’ll find is Lee’s northern style mandu dumplings, stuffed with fatty pork and shrimp and inspired by her grandmother’s recipe.
Build your own ramen tray
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Stan Lee
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Courtesy Mokja
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Build your own Ramen station
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Stan Lee
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Courtesy Mokja
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Grab n’ Go Banchan
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Stan Lee
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Courtesy Mokja
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For optimal convenience, the king-sized dumplings are offered in the grab-and-go fridge. Lee recommends popping them in the microwave at the store and enjoying them with a coffee.
Mokja also features a make-your-own ramen station, which Lee says has become incredibly popular for families with kids.
Korean hand pies with southern flair
One of the highlights on the menu is the oxtail hand pie, which features a braised Korean-style oxtail known as kkori-jjim. It’s inspired by southern soul food influences her parents picked up on.
Braised Oxtail aka “Gori Jjim” Hand Pie
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Stan Lee
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Courtesy Mokja
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“My mom learned how to cook from the Black cooks in Jackson, Mississippi, and she learned good old soul Southern food.”
Kimchee Cheese Biscuits
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Stan Lee
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Courtesy Mokja
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Yuja Cha Ice Box Pie
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Stan Lee
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Courtesy Mokja
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Lee said Mokja is all about telling the story through food.
The restaurant also features other Korean/Southern fusion, including a Yuju cha ice box pie and Kimchi cheese biscuits.
Location: 5715 N Figueroa St Ste 102, Los Angeles
Hours: open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.