Whether you come to Los Angeles for business, to visit someone you know, or just because you found a last-minute flight to LAX that you couldn’t pass on, it would be a shame to not explore their vibrant food scene. Local cuisine tells the story of the people that make up any city, and LA has a wide range of offerings that are each a piece of its cultural puzzle. To get help you navigate through a Los Angeles food tour, we’ve got our picks for the culinary experiences that you don’t want to miss out on.
Avocado Toast
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While the simple idea of serving mashed avocados on toast did not originate in LA, it has become a staple of cafe menus across the city, with many restaurants finding innovative ways to improve the dish and stand out in the market. Additional toppings like poached eggs, pickled onions, olives, nuts, or fresh fruit are often used to great effect. Head to any trendy-looking cafe in town to see what all the hype is about!
Street Tacos
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No food tour would be complete without some iconic street food sold from food carts along major pedestrian intersections. For LA, we recommend finding a taco cart for the most quintessential experience. LA has a substantial Mexican and Central American population that has brought authentic ingredients and recipes to the area. Many carts are open 24 hours, so they can be a lunch, dinner, or a late night snack.
Korean BBQ
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Another immigrant population that has a big presence in LA, Koreans have opened many BBQ spots across the city, especially in Koreatown. This is a communal dining experience where guests grill their marinated meats right at their tables over charcoal or gas grills. The interactivity between guests and freedom to mix-and-match sides makes this a great experience for groups. Vegan alternatives are often available, so you don’t have to be an omnivore to partake!
Sushi
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LA is a world-renowned sushi destination, arguably rivaled only by Japan itself, so a stop at a good sushi restaurant is a must. While it is debated if the famous California roll actually originated here, the classic crab and avocado roll is but one iteration to enjoy. With many restaurants employing fusion recipes, tasting menus, and other chef-driven innovations, you will find no shortage of new experiences in LA’s sushi scene.
LA Street Dog
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Every major US city has their own versions of the hot dog, one of America’s most iconic street foods, but no one does it quite like LA. Here, they wrap beef or pork franks in bacon before grilling or deep-frying and finishing with toppings like sauteed onions and peppers. These are often served by unlicensed vendors and are more commonly found at night, so keep your eyes out when walking around later in the evening to get your opportunity to try this unique LA offering.
Halo-Halo
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To finish off our LA food tour, we have the vibrant sweet-treat, halo-halo. This is a cold and colorful desert made of layered crushed ice, evaporated milk, and a variety of sweet add-ons like fruits or jellies. The variety of mix-ins can create a wide range of flavors and textures, but you can bet that it will always be colorful and full of flavor. This dish originated in the Philippines, but has become a staple of the LA food scene.
