Exploring food markets in Los Angeles: from Grand Central Market to Smorgasburg LA

The gastronomy of Los Angeles is not easy to define because, in this place, there is no typical dish as such, but in this place, there are traditional dishes from different parts of the world. In restaurants you can find American food with Mexican touches, for example, and this is what makes the gastronomy unique and special.

Los Angeles is a very diverse city, its gastronomy is prosperous, and one of the most valued attractions by locals and tourists who want to visit it. There are small restaurants that have been passed down from generation to generation to haute cuisine places that have the famous Michelin stars.

It does not matter if you choose to visit the city for pleasure or work or if you are a local resident, an LA food tour is always a good idea to enjoy the best dishes and the influence of different cultures on local gastronomy. You can tour the markets and food plazas and see the iconic and modern places while you enjoy a wonderful experience.

Discover the most popular markets in LA

Los Angeles has a very important and influential gastronomic scene throughout the country. From typical and simple dishes to the most innovative ones, they come together so that people who visit the city can experience an explosion of flavor and culture in just one bite.

Markets also play a fundamental role in gastronomy and, among the most popular, are the following:

• La Paloma Market: this is not a simple gastronomic market; this site provides accessible commercial possibilities and support for new ventures. You can find cultural events such as art exhibitions, live shows and even film screenings that support the city’s artists.
  If you choose to take a unique LA food tour, you must visit Holbox, a restaurant that has seafood from the coast of Mexico as the core of the menu.
  The strong points of this restaurant are the sea urchin ceviche and fresh scallop, as well as charcoal-grilled lobster;

• Grand Central Market: This emblematic site is located in the heart of the city and has received hundreds of people for more than 100 years.
  In this place, you can enjoy an interesting variety of places to enjoy the best meals and desserts.
  You can buy fresh products such as fruits and vegetables and you can also purchase an interesting variety of dry products from Latin America;

• Taste Food Hall: This space is located on the lower level of FIGat7th and it has a branch of the popular burger chain Five Guys, in addition to other renowned places.
  One of the best known is Koreatown, which offers an innovative fast-casual food concept so people can build their own plate. You can choose the rice, noodles, vegetables and sauces;
• Corporation Food Hall: This site is recent because it opened its doors in 2017. This site emerged as an alternative to Grand Central Market.
  The Corporation Food Hall is located in the historic center of the city, within walking distance of some of the most recognized hotels.
  Its size is small if compared to other establishments, but, even so, it offers a very interesting and high-quality gastronomic experience where you can enjoy Asian and Jamaican food;

• The Original Farmers Market: this market was inaugurated in 1934 and is an emblem of the city. This is an outdoor space and has appeared on different television shows.
  Here there are well-known brands such as Starbucks, but the real attraction of the market is the people who sell fresh products and those who run food stalls and specialized stores.
  On this site there are family businesses that were passed down from generation to generation for many years and also some more modern ones.
  You can travel the world tasting food from Brazil, Singapore or France.
  Although food and fresh products are the heart of this market, different events are organized on site throughout the year such as concerts or local festivities;
• Smorgasburg LA: This is the largest open-air food market in the city. On this site there are approximately 100 food, beverage and other types of vendors.
  You can enjoy this market on Sundays for free.
  There is a wide variety of foods and products and, one of the most interesting points, is that it offers vegan options.

Some must-see dining options in LA

In Los Angeles, there are endless attractions for all ages and tastes, but, without a doubt, the gastronomy is truly wonderful.

The diversity is immense and, as there is a great cultural influence, it is normal that in the city you will find a good variety of foods from different parts of the world.

The city’s gastronomy has taken on different traditions that derive from Latin America, Africa, Asia and Europe. This is a great advantage because you can take a LA food tour and enjoy flavors from different regions in the same place and this is like taking many trips in one because you do not leave the city.

Mexican food is always the order of the day: tacos and burritos are the most popular, followed by enchiladas and nachos. To drink, margaritas or tequila is the most popular and unmissable.

You can also delight in typical dishes such as ceviche, tamales, arepas and empanadas.

In Asian neighborhoods, you can try typical dishes from China, Japan or Vietnam, for example. If you go to the south of the city, African American food is present through southern dishes made with chicken or pork, vegetables and legumes.

There is a wide variety of foods, but if you just want to try a traditional dish from the city, the French dip sandwich is ideal. This is a baguette bread that is filled with roasted and sliced ​​meat. You can add cheese, onion and seasonings and accompany it with French fries and broth to dip the sandwich.

The most popular drinks in the city are rum, whiskey, beer and wine that is harvested in the region.

The apple pie and the cheesecake, finally, lead the sweets. Then follow the donuts, ice cream and churros.

Gastronomic tourism is the best way for you to learn everything about the place you visit: history, culture, traditions and how the culture of other countries comes to innovate or transform dishes and give them an incredible and unique touch.