The worst thing when you’re a tourist is to be perceived as one. We all want to blend in and get to be treated like locals, especially since many vendors and small businesses might upcharge a tourist if they know they can get away with it.
When you’re ready to blend into LA, this is everything you need to do!
Enjoy the Food Trucks
In some cities, food trucks might be seen as schlubby and unclean, but in Los Angeles, they’re incredibly popular and glamorized. You can get everything from funnel cakes to macaroni and cheese pizza from a food truck.
The taco trucks are the real star of LA, offering a taste of authentic Mexican food cooked on the go. These trucks are usually affordable and offer enough flavor that you’ll want to come back time and time again.
Avoid Chains
Chain restaurants can be a great choice if you’re in an unknown city, but if you’re in Los Angeles, it’s a good idea to avoid them. You’re in a city full of thousands of unique restaurants that only exist here, so skip Mcdonalds or TGIFridays, and focus on the food you can’t find anywhere else.
Of course, if you have to sneak out for a McGriddles one morning, nobody could blame you! Just avoid making chain restaurants a large part of your diet.
Don’t Fear the Green
A large portion of restaurants in Los Angeles is vegan or vegetarian. This can shock some tourists, but it’s a great way to get introduced to foods you’ve never tried before. Don’t let the fact that a restaurant is veggie-based scare you away from trying their awesome dishes.
Anything Can Be a Snack
There’s a thin line between a snack and a meal in Los Angeles. In NYC, the example would be pizza, meaning that many native New Yorkers consider a slice of pizza a quick street snack: but in Los Angeles, it’s definitely tacos!
Don’t be shy about getting a taco from any truck that strikes your interest. You can usually get them for less than a couple of dollars per taco, which gives you the opportunity to inexpensively try as many different takes on the perfect food as possible.
Of course, you shouldn’t fill up before meals, but don’t be afraid to go to food trucks any hour of the day!
Lines Don’t Mean Flavor
If you’re in the area looking at Los Angeles homes for sale, and you see a giant line for a restaurant: don’t let this fool you into thinking that it’s the best restaurant out there. Often these lines are due to new restaurants opening or tourist destinations that have recently gotten popular online.
Although you may be curious about the cotton candy ice cream burrito that’s making a big comeback, these are usually gimmicks that don’t offer a ton of flavor.
LA is One of a Kind!
Whether you’re in town for the weekend or moving here: you’ll fall in love with this incredible city! Los Angeles is one of a kind and understands how to have fun!