Owner Shan Shan Estacio grew up in China, surrounded by family and food.
“Everything is really amazing,” Estacio said. “In our culture, the food is love.”
She said that just like the city of Los Angeles, her restaurant is a melting pot of its own.
Japanese cartoons line the walls and dishes from different countries populate the menu.
“A lot of people drive like one hour away, two hours away, just come to eat that vegan teriyaki chicken,” Estacio said.
Everything here is plant based, from the steamed dumplings to the Beyond Meat ramen and sushi.
Estacio’s love for animals inspired her plant-based lifestyle.
At Gokoku, the chicken is made from soybeans, and the salmon is crafted from rice.
Estacio said she is living the American dream, thanks to the community of North Hollywood and beyond.
“I came here 11 years ago, started with zero,” Estacio said. “I’m really very thankful they are supporting us. All the love from them, I am really thankful.”
During the wildfires, Gokoku worked with the community to provide free meals to victims, and Estacio said they do a lot of charity work involving animals.
Gokoku is located at 4147 Lankershim Blvd., in Studio City.
Thank you, Lauren Bendik, for the submission.
