What to eat in Los Angeles
A sun-soaked city of immigrants where the French dip, Korean BBQ, and the taco truck all earned citizenship.
Five dishes. Zero regrets.
French Dip Sandwich
Tender sliced roast beef on a crusty French roll dunked in its own rich au jus — the sandwich that started an argument, since two century-old downtown counters both claim to have invented it in 1908. Sawdust floors, old phone booths, and a century of regulars included.
Try it at: Philippe The Original (Cole's also claims the invention)
Korean BBQ
Premium marbled bulgogi, galbi, and thick slices of pork belly grilled right at your table, wrapped in lettuce with banchan and ssamjang — LA's Koreatown perfected this interactive feast. The smoky, caramelized meat straight off the grill is the point.
Try it at: Quarters Korean BBQ in Koreatown
In-N-Out Double-Double
Two fresh-never-frozen beef patties, two slices of cheese, and the famous spread on a toasted bun — the burger that made a cult out of simplicity. Born in Baldwin Park in 1948 as California's first drive-thru, and still family-owned.
Try it at: any In-N-Out Burger (order it Animal Style for the full initiation)
Street Tacos
Al pastor shaved off the trompo, birria with its brick-red consommé for dipping, lengua, cabeza — LA's taco trucks are a late-night institution and arguably the best cheap eats in America. Two corn tortillas, onion, cilantro, salsa; that's the whole ritual.
Try it at: taco trucks across East LA and the Arts District — follow the lines and the trompos
Dodger Dog
A foot-long grilled pork-and-beef frank in a steamed bun — the official food of a day at the ballpark in LA, bigger and snappier than the average stadium dog. Half the fans eat it grilled, half swear by the steamed version.
Try it at: concession stands at Dodger Stadium
