Around the World (in LA)
and Maggie Marks, Staff Writer
From Los Angeles natives to those who have just moved to the city, there are endless unique spots—especially restaurants— to explore. L.A. is a vast and diverse city with an abundance of different cultures present in the food scene. To celebrate the range of cuisines in LA, The Samohi has gathered a list of the best food spots from a variety of cultures!
Violeta Buitrago / The Samohi
Bangkok West Thai:
Bangkok West Thai is located at Santa Monica Blvd. and 6th st., and offers a wide range of classic Thai foods, as well as some Chinese dishes. Although the restaurant offers takeout and delivery, the classic interior at Bangkok West Thai makes for a great in-person dining atmosphere. From their authentic pad thai to their green curry and mango sticky rice, Bangkok West Thai has menu options for anyone, and is very local to Samo.
Darya restaurant:
Darya restaurant is a charming restaurant located in West LA on Santa Monica Blvd. that serves a variety of authentic Persian foods. Darya has gained several awards for their food including “2022 best of the Southland by the LA times”. Along with their delicious meals that include a variety of kebabs, soups and persian appetizers, they also have live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Darya offers event catering and take-out, as well as vegetarian options.
Awash:
Maggie Marks / The Samohi
Violeta Buitrago / The Samohi
Located in Little Ethiopia, Awash prides itself on its phenomenal Ethiopian cuisine and wide assortment of meats. Beef is their specialty and is featured in a wide variety of their dishes, raw kitfo ribs sauteed with onion and garlic particularly being a crowd favorite. Awash focuses primarily on more traditional cuisine and is well-deservingly packed every day of the week. Along with the mouthwatering dishes, Awash sells numerous drinks and offers catering options. The portions are plentiful, the atmosphere is welcoming and the wait is short—be sure to stop in!
Sunny Blue:
Violeta Buitrago / The Samohi
Sunny Blue is a family-owned Japanese restaurant specializing in Omusubi, or rice-balls. As the first “made-to-order” Omusubi restaurant in America, the restaurant has become a local favorite among Santa Monica residents. Omusubi is a classic Japanese lunch food that includes any fillings such as meat or furikake, wrapped in rice, and wrapped once more in seaweed. Sunny Blue offers some more traditional fillings such as tuna-mayo and shiso-ume, and also more original flavors like ginger-pork-curry and miso-beef. With two locations, one in Culver City and one on Main St. in Santa Monica, Sunny Blue is the ideal afternoon snack spot!
Street tacos:
Maggie Marks / The Samohi
A quintessential Los Angeles experience is to be driving on a major street with the windows down, only to be overwhelmed by the smoky, delicious scent of tacos. Taco stands line the streets of Los Angeles nightly and can be found in any neighborhood. Though most Taco stand locations will not disappoint, one local Santa Monica stand is posted in front of the Whole Foods on Lincoln Blvd. and Rose Ave. This stand offers tacos, burritos and quesadillas with a variety of meats to choose as well as vegetarian options!
Woon Kitchen:
Woon Kitchen / Contributor
Initially starting as a family-run pop-up shop, Woon Kitchen has gained wide recognition for their charming restaurant and homestyle Chinese menu. Located near Silverlake and Echo Park, the restaurant’s recipes are an ode to the owner's mother, “Mama Fong”. The menu is simple yet carefully curated, ensuring that every item on the menu is delectable, with influences of Shanghainese and Cantonese flavors. In addition to the restaurant's comforting atmosphere, Woon Kitchen is an excellent spot for tofu fishcakes, beef noodles, fried rice and much more.