Travel for Food Hub The Food Blog for Travel Lovers
Last Updated on March 10, 2023
Los Angeles is known for its year-round nearly perfect weather, the star-studded neighborhoods throughout the city, and, of course, the best street food in Los Angeles. From classic Mexican tacos to Korean BBQ, LA has something to offer for everyone.
This city is one of the melting pots of culture in the United States. Therefore, there is no doubt that the offering of dishes in Los Angeles is unique and diverse enough to satisfy any craving.
As you explore the city, you will begin to see that the restaurants of Los Angeles have as much personality as the people who live there. From familiar favorites to special treats, this list will show you all the street food you must try when visiting Los Angeles!
Best street food in Los Angeles
BBQ Tacos
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When it comes to street food in LA, tacos are the undisputed king. You can find taco trucks and stands all over the city, each with its own unique take on the classic Mexican dish. Some popular taco trucks include Kogi BBQ, which combines Korean flavors with traditional Mexican tacos, and Guisados, which specializes in slow-cooked meats and homemade tortillas.
If you are looking for a more upscale taco experience, head to Salazar in Frogtown, where you can enjoy delicious tacos and margaritas in a chic outdoor setting.
Fish tacos
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If you are looking for the best fish tacos in Los Angles, then Marisco Jalisco is the place to go. Shrimp is a popular filling for these tacos, but you can also have white fish like pollock and tilapia.
Whether you prefer it fried or grilled, be sure to add tomato salsa and a squirt of lime juice to fully enjoy the tangy flavor of fresh fish in a warm corn tortilla.
Gourmet burger
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For a gourmet burger experience, head to The Oinkster. The beloved burger restaurant in Los Angeles has been serving up delicious burgers, sandwiches, and sides since 2006. The restaurant is known for its commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, house-made buns and its dedication to traditional cooking methods.
One of the most popular items on the menu is the “Oinkster Burger,” which is made with grass-fed beef, caramelized onions, and house-made ketchup and pickles. Another fan favorite is the “Pulled Pork Sandwich,” which features slow-cooked pork shoulder, cabbage slaw, and house-made BBQ sauce.
The restaurant’s retro-inspired decor, complete with checkerboard floors and vintage signage, adds to its charm and has made it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. So if you’re in the mood for a delicious burger or sandwich, head to The Oinkster for a truly authentic LA dining experience.
Elotes
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Elotes, or Mexican-style corn on the cob, is one of the best street food in Los Angeles. You can find elote vendors all over the city, usually set up on street corners or outside of grocery stores. The corn is usually grilled and then topped with mayonnaise, chili powder, and cotija cheese. If you’re not a fan of corn on the cob, you can also find esquites, which is basically elote in a cup.
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food, and LA has no shortage of great fried chicken joints. But if you’re looking for one of the best street food in Los Angeles, head to Howlin’ Ray’s food truck, which is known for its Nashville-style hot chicken. The chicken is juicy and spicy, and you can choose your level of heat, from “mild” to “howlin’.”
Pupusas
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Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish that have become a popular street food in LA. These thick corn tortillas are stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as cheese, beans, and pork, and are usually served with a side of curtido, a pickled cabbage salad. Some popular pupusa spots in LA include Elena’s Famous Mexican Food in East LA and Pupuseria La Flor Blanca in South Central.
Lobster rolls
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With its proximity to the ocean, it’s no surprise that LA has some amazing seafood options. For a quick and easy seafood fix, head to Broad Street Oyster Co. which serves up lobster rolls and shrimp tacos. Another great option is Mariscos Jalisco, which has been a staple in Boyle Heights for over 30 years and is known for its crispy shrimp tacos.
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Korean BBQ
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Korean BBQ has exploded in popularity in recent years, and LA is home to some of the best Korean BBQ restaurants in the country. But you don’t have to sit down at a restaurant to enjoy this delicious cuisine. You can find Korean BBQ at many street food vendors, including the popular Seoul Sausage truck, which serves up Korean-style sausages and rice bowls. Another great option is the Kogi BBQ truck, which we mentioned earlier, and is known for its fusion of Korean and Mexican flavors.
Breakfast (lunch or dinner) Burrito
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This southwestern dish is a breakfast staple for locals on the go. Standard ingredients of a morning burrito include eggs, cheese, and potatoes all wrapped into a tortilla. Nonetheless, wander into any L.A. breakfast hotspot, and you can get something a little more special.
Chorizo and avocado are a few ways this city’s restaurants are adding a twist to this recipe. On the other hand, some places even add pico de gallo and steak to the mix. However you like your burrito for breakfast, you can find a great tasting meal for inexpensive prices all around town.
Head over to Macheen for probably the best burrito in LA.
Fried Cauliflower
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Cauliflower is a common ingredient used to replace Buffalo wings, pizza crust, and mashed potatoes, but you’ve never seen cauliflower like this before. Fried cauliflower is not quite as healthy as you ay expect. It is delicate and light, yet so addicting you’ll be munching them out like they were a bag of chips.
The crispy outside is reminiscent of fried calamari, and the taste makes for a passable imitation without the fishy flavor. You can´t miss this guilt-free delight that comes with parmigiano-reggiano and lemon aioli in Black Market Liquor Bar, Studio City.
Pink’s Chili Hot Dog
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Try a classic chili dog covered with onions, mustard, and chili, or take on some of the variations on the original that has made Pink’s famous for all these years. There is no question why this restaurant calls itself a “Hollywood legend:” they serve chili dogs named after famous people, places, and movies. So you can have a lord of the rigs dog, a Marta Stewart dog or a Brando hot dog among others.
TAKEAWAY: To share a culinary experience with some of Hollywood’s greatest celebrities, have a chili dog at Pink’s. This restaurant has been feeding Los Angeles residents since 1939, and they have definitely perfected the recipe in that time.
Tonkotsu Ramen
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Ramen is originally a Japanese noodle soup that has found its way to the City of Stars. There is no shortage of top quality ramen restaurants throughout Los Angeles. And it is almost certain they will all be serving a piping hot bowl of tonkotsu ramen.
Tonkotsu ramen is made with a pork-based broth that is boiled for hours. Once it’s cooked, it is often topped with thick cuts of juicy pork. The broth is a bit creamy and mixes well with the soft texture of the ramen noodles. A few additions you can incorporate to this noodle soup are boiled eggs and green onion.
Tatsu Ramen has three restaurants around LA where you can try the most delicious tonkotsu ramen in Los Angeles.
Churros
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For a sweet treat on a hot LA day, head to one of the city’s many ice cream trucks. One of the most popular is Ridges Churro Bar, which serves up churro ice cream sandwiches that are both delicious and Instagram-worthy. Another great option is the Afters Ice Cream truck, which is known for its unique flavors, such as Milk and Cereal and Jasmine Milk Tea.
LA has a wide variety of street food options, from classic Mexican tacos to Korean BBQ and everything in between. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, LA has a street food vendor that can satisfy your cravings. So the next time you’re in the city, you will know where to find the best street food in Los Angeles.
If you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert, there will be a restaurant waiting to serve you.
Keep your eyes open wherever you go, and you might just find yourself sitting next to a celebrity dining on one of these amazing places!
What´s your favourite street food in LA? Let us know in the comments. ↓🌮
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