10 Iconic California Foods You’ve Probably Never Tried
California is a melting pot of cultures and nowhere is that clearer than in its culinary scene. You’ve heard of avocado toast and In-N Out burgers, but the Golden State is bursting with lesser-known culinary treasures that locals love.
If you’ve ever wished you could go on a food adventure that goes beyond the norm, California has you covered. You’ll find flavors as varied as the state’s landscapes in the state’s culinary scene. These dishes may be nostalgic eats or creative reworkings, but they will have you hooked.
Pink’s Hot Dogs Pastrami Burrito
Los Angeles is full of hot dog stands, but Pink’s is one of the best. Mustard, pickles, and a flour tortilla hold juicy pastrami for a flavor bomb. It’s not your standard hot dog, but you’ll never forget it.
California Burrito
Move over, regular burrito. The French fries in the California burrito take things up a notch. We took this flavor-packed creation from San Diego and rolled carne asada, guac, cheese, and yummy fries inside a warm tortilla. This is the best of Mexican and American comfort foods and it’s hard to stop at just one.
Hog Island Oysters Rockefeller
These oysters are grilled to perfection and then decorated with a buttery, garlicky herb sauce. Pair them with a glass of local wine, and you have a meal that tastes as fresh as the ocean breeze. Experts say oysters from this region are particularly prized for their briny sweetness, because of the cool Pacific waters.
Santa Maria Tri-Tip
California’s Central Coast staple tends to be the simple and smoky Santa Maria tri-tip. It’s a beef cut rubbed with spices and grilled over red oak wood. This is a local favorite at backyard cookouts and county fairs, traditionally served with pinquito beans, salsa, and garlic bread. “Something is charming about this dish, letting quality ingredients do the talking,” says food historian Tim Miller.
It’s-It Ice Cream Sandwiches
Still sold today for 50 cents, the It’s-It ice cream sandwich is a San Francisco pastime born in the classic 1920s. The ice cream is scooped between two oatmeal cookies and covered in dark chocolate. It’s crunchy, creamy and chocolatey. These sandwiches are surprisingly still being made using the original recipe by the company.
California Roll Sushi
The California roll started in Los Angeles, and now it’s beloved in most states. The first one was invented by Japanese sushi chef Ichiro Mashita in 1960 and consists of crab, avocado, and cucumber, wrapped in seaweed and rice. It was made for the Americans who didn’t want to eat raw fish, and it’s now a sushi staple worldwide.
Mission-Style Chinese Food
San Francisco is famous for Mission District burritos, but its Chinese food is worth a shout-out. Bold in flavor and fusion, the orange chicken wings or salt and pepper stew pork belly, served with chimichurri on the side offer Chinese American food with a satisfying twist.
Garlic Ice Cream, the Garlic Festival
Garlic ice cream may sound weird, but here’s the thing. This dessert is a star because Gilroy, Calif the ‘Garlic Capital of the World,’ claims the Garlic Festival. The ice cream’s creamy sweetness balances out the garlicky kick. You’d either love it or hate it but you’ll never forget it.
Avocado Honey Toast
In coastal cities, Avocado Honey Toast is a popular dish. It is made with a thick cut of bread and ripened avocado drizzled with local honey and dusted with sea salt. A simple indulgent treat that captures the state’s love affair with avocados.
Persian Ice Cream in Westwood
In the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, there’s some of the best Persian ice cream in the country. It’s a creamy, totally satisfying dessert that’s fragrant with star flavors of saffron and rosewater. If you’re in the state, skip the usual suspects and try these lesser-known gems You may just find your new favorite dish.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
