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Pig's Pick
LOS ANGELES
CULINARY EXPLORATION IN CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES = THE CITY OF TACOS
With nearly 4,000,000 people Los Angeles is America’s second largest city, and with such a large population comes dynamic diversity in culture, heritage, and cuisine. The city of angels is home to some of the best Korean, tacos, ramen, and Mexican food in the country. They boast ethnic cultural areas such as little Tokyo, Koreatown, Thai-town, China town, East LA (Latino), and Soul central the African American neighborhood. In each ethnic neighborhood comes amazing little culinary storefronts that are putting out some of the most authentic ethnic cuisines to be found west of the Mississippi. But most of all to me LA is the king of street food, it is home to Kogi and Guerrilla which pump out fantastic high-quality tacos from little truck kitchens. Los Angeles is always an adventure, one that I get excited every time I'm lucky enough to go, and with so many unique neighborhoods I may never run out of places to explore.
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The Pig
VIDEO: STREET TACOS - LOS ANGELES, CA
PIG'S PICKS
Where to eat street tacos, legit ramen, and explore secret bars in Los Angeles
HOWLIN' RAY'S
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN
WHEN: You want the best chicken sandwich of your life, and you don't care how long you have to wait.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Sando - Medium heat
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Shake fries
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WHY: Located in the heart of LA's Chinatown is NOT where you would expect to find the best Nashville hot chicken you have ever had in your life, but you would be wrong. This little counter service store front has a line a couple hours long from the time it opens toll it closes at 4pm, and it is totally worth the wait. Mark my words, Howlin' Ray's will soon be a bucket list stop for hole in the wall foodies nation wide.
DAIKOKUYA RAMEN
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: JAPANESE NOODLES
WHEN: you're craving a hot bowl of ramen.
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Tonkotsu ramen
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Spicy miso ramen
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Fried rice
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WHY: Located in the heart of Little Tokyo, Daikokuya has been producing some of the best ramen in Los Angeles, a city known for bowls of rich flavorful broth and handmade noodles. If you love ramen, then make Daikokuya a destination, and get there early or expect to wait, there can be a 45 min line on Tuesday night.
OTUS THAI KITCHEN AND COFFEE
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: TRADITIONAL THAI BREAKFAST
WHEN: You want an amazingly simple traditional Thai breakfast.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Kai-Kata
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Moo Ping
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Brioche French Toast
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WHY: I've been searching the country for Asian breakfast, and Otus delivered. Simple elegance, I could eat this type of breakfast every day. This is worth a special trip to try.
HAM JI PARK
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: AMAZING KOREAN RIBS
WHEN: You have a hankerin for Korean pork ribs.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Pork spare ribs
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WHY: There is only one thing to get at this place, the other food may be great, but no reason to find out. Get the PORK SPARE RIBS. They were some of the best Korean food I had while in LA. The dark crispy caramelized pork with a soy glaze are amazing. The pieces are meaty and flavorful and extremely satisfying. I am beginning to plan my next trip to LA just thinking about them.
GUERRILLA TACOS
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: FUSION STREET TACOS
WHEN: When you want to try the best street tacos in the country.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
Location changes daily, check their website.
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Whatever is on the menu
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Roasted sweet potato
WHY: Simply the best non-traditional tacos I have had from a truck or a brick and motor establishment. The menu changes daily to reflect what options the chef has available to him. The last trip I made to the truck they had a soft shell shrimp taco, yes you read that correctly a eat the whole thing soft shell shrimp, and it was off the charts good.
JEON JU RESTAURANT
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: KOREAN BIBIMBAP
WHEN: You are in the mood for Korean comfort food.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Dolsot Bibimbap
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WHY: Bibimbap Dolsot, or what literally means "mixed rice in a stone bowl". I have had many, but nothing has come close to the screaming hot stone bowl dish that came out of the small Jeon Ju kitchen. This is a culinary experience I still think about.
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WEBSITE: NA
KOGI TACO TRUCK
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: KOREAN FUSION TACOS
WHEN: You and a few buddies want some fusion street tacos.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
Check their website as they do move daily
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Korean braised short rib taco
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Sriracha crispy bar
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WHY: considered by many to be the spark that ignited the upscale food truck revolution. And years later it is still pumping out some of the best Korean fusion tacos available. Make sure to try the one that started it all and get the braised short rib tacos with kimchi slaw.
MYUNG IN DUMPLINGS
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: BIG ASS KOREAN DUMPLINGS
WHEN: You're hankering for some dumplings.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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King steamed dumplings
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Fried dumpling
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WHY: If you love dumplings, real good dumplings, then you need to go to Myung in Dumplings. Located in a little strip mall in the heart of K-Town. At Myung's they form all the dumplings daily by hand.This would be a weekly stop if I lived even 30 minutes away. Do yourself a favor and get the a few to try and share, but don't miss the steamed king dumplings.
MOZZA PIZZERIA
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: CALIFORNIA PIZZA
WHEN: You want to experience California pizza.
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Squash Blossoms pizza
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PIzzette
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WHY: There are tons of pizzerias in every city, especially LA. But Mozza has the best crust I have tried anywhere. It is baked in a wood burning oven like the Italian counterparts, but at a lower temperature and for a longer time. This baking process gives the crust more character and texture.
BREAKROOM 86
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: SECRET 80'S BAR
WHEN: You want to have a fun time at a cool retro bar.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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It's a bar get your favorite drink
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WHY: This is a real secret bar, with a coo 80's vibe, awesome live band karaoke, and cooler secret entrance.
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HOW TO GET IN: It's located inside the Line hotel. Go around the back of the hotel to the loading dock. Look for the line of people. Ask for a snack from the vending machine.
SOBAN
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: KOREAN UPSCALE
WHEN: You want some upscale Korean.
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Gahl-bee-jeem
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WHY: Gahl-Bee-Jeem is a special occasion Korean single pot slow braised beef short ribs in a sweet-savory marinade. At Soban they have an old world traditional presentation; the server brings out the dish and skilfully chops up the meat for you table side, just like an old Korean grandmother would.
GOOD TIMES AT DAVEY WAYNE'S
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: A SECRET 70's BAR
WHEN: You want a drink in with a cool vibe.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER: Ask about their special drink of the day.
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WHY: This is like walking back into a Wisconsin 70's man-cave. Complete with beer can collection, TV counsel DJ stand, and a set of bowling pins.
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HOW TO GET IN: Look for an alley between the two buildings with a old garage sale looking area set up. Walk to the back and go for a beer in the fridge. Be prepared for a good time.
LEO'S TACO TRUCK
PIG SCORE: 3.75 / 4.0
WHAT: STREET AL PASTOR TACOS
WHEN: You only have a couple of bucks, and want authentic late night tacos.
PRICE: $
PAYMENT: Cash only
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Al Pastor taco
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Carnitas
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WHY: This taco truck has a permanent location in the parking lot of a gas station. They specialize in the Al Pastor, a taco named for the Mexican shepherds who would cook a whole leg and shave off a little at a time. The modern rendition is cooked on a spit with onion and pineapple for a spicy and sweet profile. Go here on a Saturday night and they have the spit on display and shave it as needed.
SIDE CAR DOUGHNUTS
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: DELICIOUS CIRCLES
WHEN: You want to enjoy the day a bit with a pastry.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Chocolate Budino
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Apple Fritter
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Red Velvet
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WHY: They take flavor seriously, and don't cut corners. Everything is made scratch, from hand crushing the toppings to baking the streusel.
JITLADA RESTAURANT
PIG SCORE: 3.6 / 4.0
WHAT: THAI CURRIES
WHEN: A night with adventurous friends.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Carne Asada taco/flour tortilla
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WHY: This is considered by many LA foodies to be the best Southern Thai in Thai town. Known for their curries and other regional Southern specials.
RICKY'S FISH TACOS
PIG SCORE: 3.6 / 4.0
WHAT: FISH STREET TACOS
WHEN: It's beautiful outside, and you want the iconic gold standard of fried fish tacos.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Baja fish taco
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WHY: Think of fish tacos, you think of Los Angeles. Think of L.A. fish tacos, you think of Ricky's. The Ricky's Baja taco has been the gold standard in the country for years. The flaky white flesh of the fried white meat topped with your choice of homemade salsas.
LA FLOR DE YUCATAN BAKERY
PIG SCORE: 3.5 / 4.0
WHAT: MEXICAN TACOS
WHEN: You want a taste of Yucatan BBQ.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Conchinita Pibil Taco
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WHY: This unassuming little bodega in a Hispanic part of L.A. puts out the best Conchinita pibil taco I have had. Conchinita Pibil is a Yucatan region bbq pork street taco. There are very few places to sit here, but even if I had to eat standing on the street corner, this is a stop worth making. I was lucky enough to meet the little Mexican grandmother that makes these every day, and while our conversation was short; I don't speak spanish. I learned how to put them together by watching.
MEXICALI TACO & CO.
PIG SCORE: 3.5 / 4.0
WHAT: STREET TACOS
WHEN: With friends and want to grab a casual quick taco.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Carne Asada taco/flour tortilla
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WHY: First let me say, I always order corn tortilla, second let me say get the flour tortilla here. I'm not sure what magic that goes in it, but they put all other flour tortillas to shame. It comes as a simple carne asada taco with a grilled green onion, and a amazing topping bar for you to make it as you want.
GJELINA TAKE AWAY PIZZA
PIG SCORE: 3.5 / 4.0
WHAT: STREET PIZZA
WHEN: You're looking for serious pizza by the slice.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Blanco
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Gruyere
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Four Onion
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WHY: This is an upscale pizza counter serving white table cloth pizza. There is no place to really eat inside, so go outside and pull up a milk crate to enjoy your pizza pie.
HUNGRY JOE’S JAMACIAN KITCHEN
PIG SCORE: 3.4 / 4.0
WHAT: COUNTER SERVICE JAMACIAN
WHEN: You're in the mood for some good take out jerk chicken
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Jerk Chicken
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Pine-Ginger (drink)
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WHY: This is a little counter service takeout in west LA where all the resident Jamacians go for their Jerk chicken fix. The meat was super tender and flavorful, a true insight to what Island cuisine really is.
CALIFORNIA DOUGHNUTS
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: DOUGHNUTS WITH CHARACTER.
WHEN: You need a dozen doughnuts with flair.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Panda
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Matcha green tea
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Blueberry toast crunch
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WHY: It's a retro 24 hour dounut stand, that sells funky new varietals as well as the classics. It's a nice LA standby with good coffee.
POLLO A LA BRASA WESTERN
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: PERUVIAN CHICKEN
WHEN: A quick dinner or lunch with a Latin twist.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Chicken
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WHY: They do a couple of things here, but the real and only reason is the Peruvian rotisserie chicken with the Aji Verde sauce. They have a giant rotisserie as the kitchen, and the chicken coming off it is juicy and flavorful.
WEBSITE: NA
FOO-FOO TEI NOODLE HOUSE
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: JAPANESE RAMEN
WHEN: You're on the east side of the city and are looking for a nice bowl of ramen.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Miso Ramen
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Shrimp Wonton Ramen
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WHY: In a city of great Ramen, this is another authentic location to quench your appetite for a bowl of the umami rich broth.
RANDY'S DOUGHNUTS
PIG SCORE: 3.2 / 4.0
WHAT: ICONIC DONUT SIGN
WHEN: You're by the airport and want a donut nut or a picture for your Instagram account.
PRICE: $
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Glazed
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Wheat and honey
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WHY: Okay, the main reasons are, they are open 24 hours, close to the airport and have a AWESOME sign.
BIBIGO
PIG SCORE: 3.2 / 4.0
WHAT: AMERICANIZED KOREAN FAST FOOD
WHEN: You want a little something ethnic but are in a rush.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT: (multiple locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Bibimbap bowl
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WHY: First let me repeat, I"M NOT A CHAIN FAN, but this is a small regional chain and they are introducing a lot of Americans to approcaable Korean food. The bowls are built to order and delicious. It surprised me that I liked it and is something I would eat again.
