Picture this: Glistening tacos dripping with meat juices and salsa, steaming ears of tender elote slathered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and a sprinkle of chili powder, tamales filled with flavor and steam and that juicy fresh fruit served in a cup. It’s safe to say that Los Angeles boasts some of the most sensational street food in the entire United States. And guess what? If you’re from Mexico, you don’t have to go all the way home to be able to savor your favorite food!
Los Angeles is a culinary melting pot, where the confluence of diverse cultures, DIY work ethic, and the city’s unique urban sprawl has given birth to an epic street food scene. Think of it as a street food fiesta that’s been sizzling long before the city officially legalized it in September 2018. The heart of LA’s street food culture is a treasure trove of flavors and experiences, where taco trucks, fruit carts, and paleta vendors have been dishing out affordable, mouthwatering delights for years, all without hogging the spotlight like high-profile restaurants.
Let’s go through some of the best Mexican street food Los Angeles has to offer! Get ready to explore the hidden gems and iconic bites that make LA’s street food scene a fiesta of flavor and fun! We do have to warn you…after reading this blog, you WILL BE HUNGRY.
At Tacos Tacuba, we are known for our delicious ‘al pastor’ meat, which is made with the best ingredients! On top of that (literally), all of our salsas have an amazing habanero kick to it, making you want even more agua fresca AND more food! By the way, did we tell you about our guac? Our flavorful guacamole sauce must be added to your tacos – or else it’s not a Tacuba original!
A family from Oaxaca, Mexico, has been bringing authentic Oaxacan food to Southern California through their food truck since 2014. With a background in cooking from their small town in Oaxaca, the family prioritizes fresh ingredients, fantastic dishes, and friendly customer service. Notably, they serve unique dishes like chicken mole tacos, a rare find that adds an extra special touch to their menu. If you come across their food truck, be sure not to miss out!
Mariscos Jalisco, a beloved veteran among classic taco trucks (loncheros), has gained a dedicated fan base for good reason. Their standout dish, the shrimp tacos dorado, lives up to its reputation with tasty, fresh shrimp wrapped in a corn tortilla, fried to perfection, and served with generous slices of avocado and a flavorful salsa roja. Don’t miss their renowned tostadas, especially the Poseidon featuring shrimp ceviche, octopus, and a spicy red aguachile of shrimp!
Known for its striking deep blue truck, this popular Mexican Seafood Truck has locations at Silver Lake’s Sunset Triangle Plaza and near Sawtelle. Despite the potential wait, it serves up some of the city’s most inventive mariscos, featuring a distinctive fish al pastor. Don’t miss the soft-shell crab taco when available, and other top picks include the fish al pastor and enchilada suiza, a delectable mix of grilled shrimp, melted cheese, habanero lime crema, avocado slices, and salsa verde.
Situated in Watts, this Afro-Mexican food truck offers a delicious array of dishes from Mexico’s Guerrero region. Known for its exceptional pozoles, tamales, and tacos, the truck elevates its creations by topping them with avocado, cabbage, and chicharrones, all served over hours-long–simmered stews. Don’t miss the just-barely-fried tacos, featuring fillings like barbacoa or pescadillas at Tamales Elena y Antojitos.
We totally get it; all this talk about mouth watering Mexican street food is enough to make anyone’s stomach rumble. If you’re craving something utterly delicious and satisfying, don’t wait – head over to Tacos Tacuba, and trust us, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked and craving more!
