From food trucks to five-star restaurants, LA has exciting food choices from around the world along with unique creations you won't find anywhere else.
In addition to the wide range of activities and sightseeing in Los Angeles, the food scene here is not to be missed. While attending medical school, students can try cuisine from around the world, plus unique fusions they're not likely to find anywhere else.
Regional dishes
Ask anyone what the best food in Los Angeles is and the answer is most likely tacos. LA Weekly defends the town's tacos — from those served at taco trucks to unique creations at high-end restaurants — against others from anywhere else in the country.
However, the city has more than just exceptional tacos. Students can also branch out to different neighborhoods for authentic foods from around the world. They can have a noodle bowl in Thai Town this weekend, and visit a ramen bar in Little Osaka next week. For more Asian cuisine, check out Little Tokyo, Chinatown and Koreatown. Arguably, LA may offer some of the best Chinese food in the country. But those looking for truly authentic Chinese and Asian dishes should take a drive to San Gabriel Valley. Visitors can find regional styles from across China, along with Vietnamese, Burmese and Indonesian restaurants.
Sample other international dishes from Little Ethiopia or Little Armenia. Looking for more kosher fare? Try Langer's, a Jewish deli. For Mediterranean fare, grab a falafel at Madcapra. Those interested in local, sustainable food can try Forage, where many ingredients come directly from local backyard gardens. Or sample what Los Angeles has to offer at the Grand Central Market to get a taste of what's new on the restaurant scene along with some classic local favorites.
Unique fusions
Not only does LA have almost every cuisine in the world, it also puts those together in new ways. For those late-night study sessions, grab a dozen donuts along with Kung Pao chicken at one of the many joint donut/Chinese food shops around town.
Un Solo Sol features mostly Latin American dishes, with a sprinkling of other fare from Mediterranean to Chinese, plus vegetarian and vegan meals. While in Koreatown, try a fusion of Colombian and Korean food at EsCaLA.
LA offers unique dining experiences along with creative cuisines. Taste French-Japanese cuisine served by waiters dressed in cosplay at Royal/T Cafe. Garlic fans, or anyone feeling particularly adventurous, can try The Stinking Rose, where everything edible features garlic, including dessert. Garlic ice cream, anyone?
Medical school in LA is a great time for students to expand their palates along with their minds. Then, join the debate on what's the best food in Los Angeles.
By Patricia Chaney