25 Best Street Foods to Try in Los Angeles
When you think of Los Angeles, street food is likely one of the first things that comes to mind. The city boasts a vibrant culinary scene, where every corner offers tantalizing options. From the savory Tacos Al Pastor to the crispiness of Churros, each dish has its own story. As you explore these culinary gems, you’ll discover flavors that reflect the city’s diverse culture. Ready to uncover the top 25 street foods that make LA a true paradise?
Tacos Al Pastor
When you’re wandering the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, you can’t miss the tantalizing aroma of tacos al pastor wafting from food trucks and taquerias.
With roots in Lebanese shawarma, these mouthwatering tacos showcase marinated pork, pineapple, and fresh cilantro.
Street vendors skillfully slice the meat from vertical spits, giving you a glimpse into taco history while serving up a delicious bite that captures the city’s essence.
Korean BBQ Tacos
Korean BBQ tacos are a delicious fusion that perfectly encapsulates Los Angeles’ diverse culinary scene.
You’ll find taco trucks serving these mouthwatering treats, where tender marinated beef meets fresh veggies and spicy kimchi, all wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Each bite offers an explosion of flavors, blending traditional Korean spices with the classic taco experience.
Don’t miss out on this iconic street food!
Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a vibrant staple that you can’t miss while exploring Los Angeles’ food scene.
This delicious grilled corn is typically slathered with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime juice, and sprinkled with crumbled cheese and chili powder.
With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, you’ll find yourself craving those unique elote toppings long after your first bite.
Churros
Churros are a sweet delight that perfectly captures the essence of Los Angeles’ street food culture.
With a rich history tracing back to Spanish and Mexican traditions, these fried pastries come in various churro variations, like filled with chocolate or topped with cinnamon sugar.
As you stroll through LA, treat yourself to a warm churro—it’s a must-try snack that embodies the city’s vibrant flavors!
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
When you find yourself wandering the streets of Los Angeles, don’t miss out on the irresistible allure of bacon-wrapped hot dogs.
These savory delights combine the rich bacon history with a variety of hot dog variations, creating a mouthwatering experience.
Grilled to perfection, they’re often topped with onions, peppers, and condiments, making each bite a flavorful adventure you won’t forget!
Vietnamese Banh Mi
As you explore the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, don’t overlook the deliciousness of a Vietnamese banh mi.
This iconic sandwich boasts fantastic Banh Mi variations, each bursting with flavor.
You’ll love the mix of fresh Banh Mi ingredients, including:
- Crispy baguette
- Savory meats
- Pickled vegetables
- Fresh herbs
Dive into this culinary delight for an unforgettable experience!
Fish Tacos
If you find yourself wandering the sunny streets of Los Angeles, you can’t miss the tantalizing allure of fish tacos.
These delicious treats burst with coastal flavors, featuring crispy, perfectly seasoned fish tucked into warm tortillas. Topped with fresh ingredients like zesty cabbage and creamy sauce, each bite transports you to the beach.
Don’t miss out on this iconic street food experience!
Nachos
While exploring the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, you’ll surely encounter the irresistible charm of nachos.
These tasty delights come in various nacho variations, each topped with gooey cheese and more. Here are some must-try options:
- Classic cheese nachos
- Loaded beef nachos
- Spicy jalapeño nachos
- Vegetarian nachos
Savor each bite as you indulge in this street food favorite!
Tamales
Tamales are a beloved staple of Los Angeles street food, and you won’t want to miss them during your culinary adventures.
With their delicious masa wrapped around savory fillings, tamale preparation showcases a variety of flavors. You can find tamale variations stuffed with anything from spicy pork to sweet corn.
Each bite offers a comforting taste of tradition that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Thai Mango Sticky Rice
Sweet, ripe mango slices paired with creamy coconut-infused sticky rice create a delightful treat that’s hard to resist in Los Angeles.
This dessert not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers numerous mango benefits, like boosting immunity and improving digestion.
When you try Thai Mango Sticky Rice, savor its:
- Creamy texture
- Sweetness
- Coconut flavor
- Nutritional value
You won’t regret it!
Quesadilla
When you bite into a quesadilla, you’re greeted with a warm, crispy tortilla that envelops a melty blend of cheese and savory fillings.
Explore delicious quesadilla variations, from classic cheese types like Oaxaca and Chihuahua to adventurous options stuffed with mushrooms or grilled chicken.
Each bite offers a delightful crunch and gooey goodness, making it a must-try street food in Los Angeles.
Arepas
Arepas are a delightful revelation in the world of street food, bringing a taste of Venezuela and Colombia right to the bustling streets of Los Angeles.
You’ll love exploring the variety of arepas fillings and toppings. Here are some must-try options:
- Shredded beef
- Black beans
- Cheese
- Avocado
Grab one and immerse yourself in the rich flavors that await!
Street-Style Ramen
After enjoying the savory goodness of arepas, you might find yourself craving something equally satisfying but with a distinct twist.
Street-style ramen is a must-try, served by talented street vendors who masterfully blend flavors.
Choose your favorite ramen toppings—like tender chashu, fresh green onions, or a soft-boiled egg—and enjoy a bowl of warm, comforting goodness that captures the essence of Los Angeles’ vibrant street food scene.
Crepes
As you stroll through the bustling streets of Los Angeles, the enticing aroma of freshly made crepes beckons you to indulge in this delightful street food.
You’ll find a variety of choices, including:
- Nutella and banana for sweet fillings
- Strawberries and whipped cream for a fruity twist
- Ham and cheese for savory options
- Spinach and feta for a gourmet touch
Don’t miss out!
Sopes
When you wander through the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, sopes stand out as a must-try street food that brings a taste of Mexico to life.
These thick, corn masa discs are topped with a variety of delicious ingredients like savory meats, fresh vegetables, and zesty salsas.
With endless sopes variations, you can customize your experience to suit any craving, making each bite unforgettable!
Fajitas
If you’ve enjoyed the vibrant flavors of sopes, you’re in for another treat with fajitas, a sizzling street food delight that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine.
You’ll love the different fajita variations and endless toppings. Here are some must-try options:
- Grilled chicken
- Beef or shrimp
- Sautéed peppers and onions
- Fresh guacamole
Dig in and savor every bite!
Empanadas
Empanadas are a delightful pastry that transports your taste buds to Latin America with every bite.
With countless empanada variations, you’ll find options filled with savory meats, vegetables, and even sweet fruits.
Picture biting into a flaky crust, revealing a warm, flavorful filling that delights your senses.
Whether you prefer chicken, cheese, or spinach, there’s an empanada waiting just for you!
Dosa
As you wander through the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, the aroma of sizzling dosa wafts through the air, beckoning you to indulge in this South Indian delicacy.
You’ll find numerous dosa variations topped with:
- Spicy potato filling
- Paneer and cheese
- Mixed vegetables
- Chutneys and sambar
Each bite offers a delightful crunch, making it a must-try street food experience!
Gelato
When you stroll through the bustling streets of Los Angeles, the sight of gelato shops beckons you to pause and indulge in this creamy Italian treat.
You’ll discover an array of gelato flavors, from classic vanilla to exotic mango. Each scoop is a delight, crafted with fresh ingredients that make it a perfect way to cool off while exploring the city.
Don’t miss out!
Burritos
While you navigate the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, the aroma of sizzling meats and warm tortillas draws you toward the city’s iconic burritos.
Immerse yourself in the deliciousness with these popular burrito variations and toppings:
- Carne Asada
- Carnitas
- Bean & Cheese
- Veggie
Don’t forget to add toppings like guacamole, salsa, cheese, or fresh cilantro to elevate your experience!
Pork Belly Buns
Pork belly buns are a must-try delight that encapsulate the fusion of flavors found in Los Angeles street food.
The tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy bun. Each bite bursts with rich flavor profiles, enhanced by savory sauces and fresh toppings.
You’ll savor the perfect balance of sweetness and umami, making these buns an unforgettable street food experience.
Poutine
Imagine a steaming pile of golden fries topped with gooey cheese curds and drenched in rich gravy—welcome to the indulgent world of poutine.
You’ll find delightful poutine variations across Los Angeles, each with unique poutine toppings. Here are some must-try options:
- Traditional gravy
- Pulled pork
- Spicy jalapeños
- Truffle oil
Get ready to savor every bite!
Falafel
After indulging in the rich comfort of poutine, you might crave something with a different flair.
Enter falafel, a delightful Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. With numerous falafel variations—think spicy, herb-infused, or even stuffed—you’ll never get bored.
Its origins trace back to Egypt, where this crispy treat has won hearts worldwide, including right here in Los Angeles.
Belgian Waffles
While you stroll through the bustling streets of Los Angeles, the inviting aroma of freshly made Belgian waffles can easily draw you in.
With a delightful history dating back to the 18th century, you can enjoy these delicious treats topped with:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries
- Chocolate drizzle
- Maple syrup
Each bite is a sweet adventure you won’t want to miss!
Acai Bowls
As you continue your culinary journey through Los Angeles, don’t overlook the vibrant and invigorating acai bowls that have taken the city by storm.
Packed with antioxidants, the acai bowl benefits your health while tantalizing your taste buds.
Customize yours with delicious toppings like granola, fresh fruits, and honey for a burst of flavor and texture that makes each bowl a rejuvenating delight.
