Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is not only famous for glamorous Hollywood but also a street food paradise with countless delicious snacks. Are you ready for a journey to explore the street food scene in Los Angeles, where you can savor unique flavors and experience the diverse culinary culture of this city? Let’s discover the vibrant food streets and famous snacks that locals love!
Grand Central Market Food Hall
Grand Central Market, a historic food market located in downtown Los Angeles, is the first must-visit destination on your street food exploration. Established in 1917, this market is a melting pot of various culinary cultures, from Mexican and Chinese to El Salvadoran and Thai.
Eggslut's famous egg sandwich at Grand Central Market
Here, you can enjoy the famous Eggslut egg sandwich, a familiar breakfast for Los Angeles locals. With its creamy soft-boiled egg, crispy bacon, and soft brioche bun, Eggslut is sure to satisfy every palate.
Besides Eggslut, Grand Central Market also offers many other delicious options such as tacos, pupusas (corn cakes stuffed with meat and cheese), ramen, and dim sum. Take your time to explore each stall and enjoy the dishes you love!
Diverse Street Food in Silver Lake and Echo Park
If you want to experience a more vibrant and diverse street food atmosphere, visit Silver Lake and Echo Park, two famous artistic neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Here, you’ll find countless food trucks with dishes from all over the world.
One of the most famous food trucks in Los Angeles is Mariscos Jalisco, specializing in fresh and delicious Mexican seafood. Mariscos Jalisco’s crispy fried shrimp tacos are a must-try when you come here.
Korean BBQ Kogi taco truck in Los Angeles
If you are a fan of Korean cuisine, seek out Kogi BBQ, a food truck specializing in Korean BBQ combined with tacos. This unique fusion has created a street food dish loved by many Los Angeles residents.
In addition, Silver Lake and Echo Park also have many cafes, ice cream parlors, and pastry shops with tempting snacks. Take time to explore these streets and enjoy the dishes you find!
In-N-Out Burger: California’s Culinary Icon
In-N-Out Burger is an iconic fast-food chain of California and an indispensable part of your street food journey in Los Angeles. Although not a specific neighborhood, In-N-Out Burger is present everywhere in the city and is a familiar destination for locals.
Image for illustrative purposes only
A local’s tip when visiting In-N-Out Burger is to order “Animal Style” from the secret menu. This is a burger loaded with cheese, grilled onions, and special sauce, delivering an explosion of flavor in your mouth.
Experience Korean Food in Koreatown
Koreatown (K-Town) is a vibrant neighborhood in central Los Angeles where you can experience Korean culture and enjoy delicious snacks. Here, you will find countless Korean BBQ restaurants, karaoke bars, and 24/7 spas.
One of the most popular snacks in Koreatown is tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), a spicy and flavorful Korean street food. You can also try other dishes like kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and bingsu (shaved ice).
End Your Journey with Sunset at Griffith Observatory
After a long day exploring the street food scene in Los Angeles, nothing is better than ending your journey with a brilliant sunset at Griffith Observatory. From here, you can admire the panoramic view of the city shimmering in the sunset light, from skyscrapers to the distant coastline.
Brilliant sunset view from Griffith Observatory
Bring some snacks you bought during the day and enjoy them while watching the beautiful sunset. This will surely be an unforgettable memory of your trip.
Useful Tips for Your Exploration
To have a truly complete street food exploration in Los Angeles, you should note a few things:
- Visit on weekends: Weekends are when the food neighborhoods become the most vibrant and bustling.
- Prepare cash: Some food trucks and small eateries may not accept card payments.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You will have to walk a lot to explore the food neighborhoods.
- Try many different dishes: Don’t be afraid to try new and unique dishes.
- Ask locals for advice: Locals always have great suggestions for delicious food and interesting places.
Hopefully, with these suggestions, you will have a memorable street food exploration in Los Angeles. Have a happy and delicious trip!