The Best 10 Filipino Restaurants in Los Angeles, CA: A Guide to the City’s Top Filipino Eateries
Los Angeles is a city known for its diverse food scene, and Filipino cuisine isn’t any exception. With its wealthy flavors and unique dishes, Filipino food has turn out to be increasingly popular in recent times. In Los Angeles, there are various Filipino restaurants to select from, each offering its own tackle traditional Pinoy dishes.
For those seeking to experience the very best Filipino cuisine in Los Angeles, 10 restaurants stand out above the remainder. From historic Filipinotown to La Cañada, these restaurants offer a variety of dishes that showcase the very best of Southern California’s Filipino food movement. Whether you’re craving crispy lumpia, savory adobo, or sweet halo-halo, these restaurants will satisfy your taste buds.
Each restaurant on this list has been rigorously chosen based on its popularity, menu offerings, and overall dining experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Filipino food or a newcomer to the cuisine, these 10 restaurants are a must-try for anyone trying to find delicious and authentic Filipino cuisine in Los Angeles.
Understanding Filipino Cuisine
Filipino cuisine uniquely blends indigenous, Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences. It is thought for its daring flavors and use of garlic, rice, coconut, vegetables, and seafood. Its geography heavily influences the cuisine, with over 7,000 islands, each with culinary traditions.
One in all the defining characteristics of Filipino cuisine is its use of garlic. Garlic is a staple ingredient in lots of dishes, and it’s used so as to add flavor to meats, vegetables, and rice. The cuisine also features a variety of rice dishes, which are sometimes served with meat or seafood.
Coconut is one other key ingredient in Filipino cuisine. It’s utilized in various dishes, including curries, stews, and desserts. The coconut milk is used so as to add richness and flavor to dishes.
Filipino cuisine also encompasses a wide selection of vegetables, including eggplant, okra, and bitter melon. These vegetables are sometimes utilized in stews and soups and are a key a part of many vegetarian dishes.
Seafood can be a very important a part of Filipino cuisine, with the country’s long coastline providing a wealthy number of fish and shellfish. Some popular seafood dishes include grilled squid, shrimp adobo, and fish sinigang.
Finally, indigenous ingredients play a very important role in Filipino cuisine. These include ingredients like calamansi (a variety of lime), ube (a purple yam), and bagoong (a fermented fish paste). These ingredients add unique flavors and textures to many dishes.
Top Filipino Restaurants in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to a vibrant Filipino community that has brought with it a various and delicious cuisine. With so many options to select from, it could be difficult to know where to start out. Listed here are the highest Filipino restaurants in Los Angeles, each offering a singular experience and delicious food.
Kuya Lord
Address: 5003 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States
Kuya Lord is a singular and flavorful restaurant concept by renowned Chef Lord Maynard Llera that celebrates his childhood memories in Lucena City, Quezon Province, Philippines. From the La Cañada garage where all of it began, Kuya Lord has expanded to an East Hollywood storefront.
Here, diners can enjoy classic Filipino dishes like sisig and adobo and modern twists like their ube macapuno pie. Reasonably priced and flavorful, Kuya Lord is the proper spot for a fast and satisfying meal that is bound to satisfy the taste buds.
Sari Sari Store
Address: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
Sari Sari Store is a Filipino restaurant situated in Grand Central Market. They provide a choice of classic Filipino dishes like lumpia and pancit and unique items like their ube horchata. The atmosphere is energetic, and the food is delicious, making it an important spot to grab a bite to eat while exploring the market.
Lasita
Address: 727 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA, United States, California
Lasita is the proper spot for an informal meal with friends! Positioned in Historic Filipinotown, this Filipino restaurant offers classic and modern dishes, like lechon kawali and chicken tinola, in addition to unique vegan options like mushroom adobo.
Longtime friends Chase & Steff Valencia and Chef Nico de Leon, who first worked together on the Filipino-American high-quality dining restaurant, LASA, had a vision to create a energetic Filipino rotisserie & natural wine bar. In the course of the pandemic, they pivoted the LASA space to make their vision come to life, and Lasita was born! Here you possibly can enjoy fun, food, and natural wine in a laid-back atmosphere.
Kusina Filipina
Address: 4157 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90065, United States
Kusina Filipina is the go-to spot for a real taste of the Philippines in Los Angeles. With a team of experienced Filipino chefs boasting over 25 years of culinary experience, Kusina Filipina offers an authentic choice of classic and unique Filipino dishes, reminiscent of pork adobo, kare-kare, and garlic fried rice. Enjoy a delicious and traditional Filipino meal in a warm and family-friendly atmosphere at Kusina Filipina in Eagle Rock.
Dollar Hits Pinoy Street Food
Address: 2432 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States
Dollar Hits is a Filipino restaurant in Historic Filipinotown that gives a singular dining experience. Customers can select from a choice of skewered meats, vegetables, and seafood, each priced at only one dollar. The food is cooked over an open flame and served on a stick, making it a fun and inexpensive option for a fast meal.
Little Ongpin
Address: 1700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States
Tucked away in Eagle Rock, Little Ongpin is a hidden gem for Filipino cuisine. Serving up classic dishes like pancit and lumpia, in addition to unique items like their signature chicken curry, it’s the proper spot for an informal meal with friends.
Locals adore it here, and it’s easy to see why – the nice and cozy and laid-back atmosphere, the friendly and attentive staff, and the delicious Chinese and Filipino dishes that may make your taste buds sing! Plus, the costs are good. So come on over to Little Ongpin for an unforgettable dining experience!
Big Boi Filipino Comfort Food
Address: 2027 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, United States
Big Boi is the go-to spot for a singular and memorable culinary experience. From the stylish and upscale atmosphere to their within your means menu, you’ll end up wanting to return back for more! Whether you’re searching for an important day or an off-the-cuff date night, Big Boi offers an array of classic and modern Filipino dishes that may tantalize your taste buds.
From the pork belly adobo to the chicken inasal, you’ll you’ll want to find something to satisfy your cravings. But what truly sets Big Boi other than other Filipino restaurants in the world is their freshly baked Pandesal. Soft, fluffy, and totally irresistible, it’s the proper accompaniment to any meal and even by itself.
Neri’s Casual Filipino Dining
Address: 3377 Wilshire Blvd #100a, Los Angeles, CA 90010, United States
Come to Neri’s and treat yourself to some delicious Filipino cuisine! Benefit from the crispy pata, lumpia, and lechón, all cooked to perfection. And don’t forget to try their famous halo-halo! Wash all of it down with one in all their refreshing fresh juices. Not only will you get a tasty meal, but you’ll even be treated to great service and friendly staff. And all at a price that won’t break the bank! So come to Neri’s and experience the charming atmosphere for yourself.
Lutong Bahay Restaurant
Address: 3756 W Ave 40, Los Angeles, CA 90065, United States
Lutong Bahay Restaurant in Los Angeles is a haven for lovers of Asian cuisine. With an in depth menu of over 100 dishes, the restaurant offers an array of traditional Filipino dishes reminiscent of Adobo, Kare Kare, Filipino Beef Steak, Beef/Goat Caldereta and Sisig. The restaurant’s chefs use only the freshest ingredients to create authentic dishes that may satisfy the taste buds.
From the succulent Adobo to the savory Sisig, Lutong Bahay Restaurant has something to satisfy everyone’s cravings for delicious Asian cuisine. Moreover, the restaurant offers an array of other dishes from various parts of Asia reminiscent of Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian and Japanese. With a big range of dishes and flavors, guests can enjoy a really unique dining experience. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for 2 or a family gathering, Lutong Bahay Restaurant in Los Angeles is the proper place to enjoy a taste of Asian cuisine.
Manila Sunset – Los Angeles
Address: 1016 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029, United States
Manila Sunset is the go-to spot for unique and hard-to-find Filipino treats like Bibingkang Galapong and Puto Bumbong, which are frequently only available in church plazas and roadside stalls during Christmas.
Their star dish, Pancit Malabon, is cooked from a secret recipe from the fishing village of Malabon, where its name originates. Come and experience the true taste of Filipino cuisine at Manila Sunset.
Signature Filipino Dishes
Filipino cuisine is thought for its daring flavors and unique mixtures of ingredients. Listed here are among the signature dishes which you could find in the very best Filipino restaurants in Los Angeles:
Adobo
Adobo is a classic Filipino dish that features meat (often pork or chicken) marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and other spices. The meat is then simmered within the marinade until it’s tender and flavorful. Adobo is commonly served with rice and is a staple in Filipino households.
Sisig
Sisig is a preferred dish that originated in Pampanga, a province within the Philippines. It’s made out of parts of the pig’s head (reminiscent of the cheeks, ears, and snout) which are boiled, grilled, after which chopped into small pieces. The meat is then mixed with onions, chili peppers, and vinegar to create a tangy and spicy flavor. Sisig is commonly served on a sizzling plate and topped with a raw egg.
Lumpia
Lumpia is a Filipino version of the spring roll. It’s made with a skinny wrapper that’s stuffed with a mix of vegetables (reminiscent of carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts) and sometimes meat (reminiscent of ground pork or shrimp). The lumpia is then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. It is commonly served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Lechon
Lechon is a complete roasted pig that may be a centerpiece of many Filipino celebrations. The pig is full of lemongrass, garlic, and other herbs and spices before it’s roasted over an open flame. The result’s crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Lechon is commonly served with rice and a dipping sauce made out of vinegar and soy sauce.
Pancit
Pancit is a noodle dish that is commonly served at Filipino gatherings. It’s made with thin rice noodles which are stir-fried with vegetables (reminiscent of carrots, celery, and cabbage) and sometimes meat (reminiscent of chicken or pork). Pancit is a flexible dish that may be served as a most important course or as a side dish.
Influences on Filipino Cuisine
Filipino cuisine is a mix of varied cultures and influences which have shaped the country’s culinary landscape. The cuisine is a mirrored image of the country’s history and cultural diversity. The next are a few of the foremost influences on Filipino cuisine:
Chinese Influence
Chinese influence on Filipino cuisine is obvious within the widespread use of soy sauce, a staple ingredient in lots of Filipino dishes. Chinese immigrants introduced soy sauce to the Philippines, quickly becoming a preferred ingredient in Filipino cuisine. The Chinese also introduced noodles, utilized in dishes like pancit, a Filipino stir-fry dish.
Spanish Influence
The Spanish colonized the Philippines for over 300 years, and their influence on Filipino cuisine is critical. They introduced onions, garlic, and tomatoes, that are utilized in many Filipino dishes. In addition they introduced vinegar, which is a standard condiment in Filipino cuisine. The Spanish also introduced dishes like adobo, a Filipino stew made with meat, vinegar, and soy sauce.
American Influence
The American colonization of the Philippines within the early 1900s also had an impact on Filipino cuisine. The Americans introduced ingredients like corn, potatoes, and tomatoes, that are utilized in many Filipino dishes. In addition they introduced fast food chains, which have turn out to be popular within the Philippines.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a staple ingredient in lots of Filipino dishes and is used so as to add flavor and richness to curries, stews, and soups. Using coconut milk is believed to have originated from the Malay and Indonesian cultures.
Desserts in Filipino Cuisine
Filipino cuisine is thought for its vibrant and diverse flavors, and its desserts aren’t any exception. From sweet and creamy ube to refreshing halo-halo, Filipino desserts offer a singular and delicious experience. Listed here are among the hottest desserts in Filipino cuisine:
Ube
Ube is a purple yam that is often utilized in Filipino desserts. It has a sweet and nutty flavor and is commonly used to make ube halaya, a preferred dessert made with mashed ube, coconut milk, and condensed milk. Ube can be used to make cakes, ice cream, and other sweet treats.
Buko Pandan
Buko pandan is a dessert made with young coconut and pandan-flavored gelatin. It is commonly served with sweetened cream or condensed milk. Buko pie, a pie stuffed with young coconut meat and sweet custard, is one other popular dessert that features buko.
Halo-Halo
Halo-halo is a preferred Filipino dessert that is bound to tantalize your taste buds and funky you down on hot summer days. The name literally means “mix-mix” in Tagalog, and it’s made with a pleasant combination of shaved ice, sweetened condensed milk, and various toppings reminiscent of fruits, beans, and jelly.
The result’s a colourful and refreshing treat that may be customized to suit individual preferences. To top it off, some people enjoy adding evaporated milk, ube ice cream, or other sweet toppings to their halo-halo.
Other Desserts
Filipino cuisine offers a wide selection of other desserts, including leche flan (a caramel custard), bibingka (a rice cake), and turon (a fried banana spring roll). These desserts are sometimes made with coconut milk, rice flour, and other ingredients commonly present in Filipino cuisine.
Regularly Asked Questions
Where can I find the very best Filipino restaurant in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is home to many excellent Filipino restaurants, making it hard to decide on only one. A number of the top-rated Filipino restaurants in Los Angeles include Kuya Lord, LA Rose Cafe, Tita Lina’s, The Park’s Finest, Dollar Hits, Sisig, Spoon & Pork, Neri’s, Lasita, and Kusina Filipina Los Angeles. Each of those restaurants offers a singular and delicious tackle traditional Filipino cuisine.
What are among the hottest Filipino dishes?
Filipino cuisine is thought for its daring flavors and unique mixtures of ingredients. A number of the hottest Filipino dishes include adobo, a savory stew made with chicken or pork, vinegar, and soy sauce; sinigang, a sour soup made with tamarind and vegetables; and lechon, a complete roasted pig that may be a staple at many Filipino celebrations. Other popular dishes include pancit, a stir-fried noodle dish, and lumpia, a variety of Filipino spring roll.
What’s probably the most famous Pinoy restaurant in Los Angeles?
There are lots of famous Filipino restaurants in Los Angeles, but one of the vital well-known is Kuya Lord. Kuya Lord began as a small catering business in La Cañada and has since expanded to a preferred fast-casual restaurant in East Hollywood. The restaurant is thought for its delicious Filipino dishes, including adobo, sisig, and lumpia.
Where can I purchase Filipino food near me?
If you happen to’re seeking to buy Filipino food near you, there are various options in Los Angeles. A number of the hottest Filipino grocery stores in Los Angeles include Seafood City Supermarket, Island Pacific Supermarket, and FilStop. These stores offer a big range of Filipino ingredients and products, including fresh produce, meat, and seafood.
What’s Filipino food known for?
Filipino cuisine is thought for its daring flavors, unique mixtures of ingredients, and powerful Spanish and Chinese influences. Many Filipino dishes feature a combination of sweet, sour, and salty flavors, and infrequently include ingredients like vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Filipino cuisine can be known for its use of rice, which is a staple in lots of Filipino dishes.
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