There are diverse cities in America and then there is Los Angeles. We take diversity to another level.
Let back that statement up with some interesting facts.
- The LA area holds the largest population of Armenians in the world outside of Armenia.
- As many as 560,000 Central Americans live in the Los Angeles area.
- As of 2010, there were 393,488 Chinese Americans in Los Angeles County
- 32 percent of all Filipinos in the United States live in either LA, San Francisco or New York.
- Southern California and especially LA has the largest Iranian-American community in the United States.
- Los Angeles has the second largest Jewish population in the U.S., second only to New York City, and has the fifth largest Jewish population of any city in the world.
- Greater Los Angeles has the largest Korean community in the United States with about 60,000 ethnic Koreans.
- People of Mexican descent make up 31.9% of Los Angeles residents, and 32% of Los Angeles County residents.
And what is the end result of all that information? Its shows just how exposed we are to distinct and diverse cultures and all the richness of experience that provides. From trying new new traditions, customs and of course delicious foods!
To experience the best of these cultures you can ethnic enclaves. Entire neighborhoods dedicated or associated with a particular culture.
Lets take a look at some of the best ethnic enclaves in LA.
1 – Little Tokyo
Description:
Little Tokyo is a 135 year old community in Los Angeles loved for its authenticity. If you or your guests love Japanese culture you will have a great time stopping at bars, restaurants, unique boutique shops and visiting the Little Tokyo Museum of Contemporary Art.
The neighborhood of Little Tokyo is friendly and extremely walk able and you can stroll around and admire all the decor and art that makes this area so charming and inviting.
Location:
Los Angeles CA, 90012
Pic Credit:@discoverla
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Little Tokyo has many amazing places to eat its really hard to choose one. The suggestion changes depending on what you are craving so we have a link to some of the best places to eat in Little Tokyo.
2 – Little Tehran/Little Persia
Description:
Do you love good Persian food? Make sure you visit Persian Square also known as Little Persia in Westwood. The area is packed with delicious authentic Persian restaurants with some of the tasty dishes in all of Los Angeles.
From old school classic dishes with traditional spices from restaurants that had been opened for more than 30 years, to newer fusion options like Persian pizza, it has something for everyone.
Location:
Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90025
PIC Credit:@hodakatebi
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Little Persia is in Westwood not far from Century City. People often overlook Century City as a place for entertainment but its actually stocked with some awesome restaurants and things to do. Since you are over that way anyway check out Annenberg Space for Photography, the new WestField Mall, and the amazing Eately.
3 – ChinaTown
Description:
Famous for its tasty ethnic dishes, costumes, cheap toys, weird produce and many other fun things, China Town is a truly colorful local destination that you must visit if you want some delicious Asian food along with a great time.
LA’s Chinatown has enjoyed a recent resurgence in the last few years making it one of the most popular place in LA to hang out. Its packed with a mix of traditional Chinese and experimental American places to eat and grab a drink.
Lots of people also enjoy taking the tour which takes about 2 hours and 1/2. Here you can appreciate Temples, herbal shops, galleries, antique stores, classical courtyards and more. Visit China Town website for tours schedule.
Location:
Los Angeles, CA
PIC Credit:@lachinatown
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Make sure you check out China Town Summer Nights. Its a massive night market/food festival that happens every second Saturday during the Summer (June, July and August). It is one of the most popular night markets in the city and with good reason as it delivers lots of energy and fun.
4 – Cambodia Town
Description:
Cambodia town is a 1.2 miles long area where you can find and experience a wide range of Cambodian businesses, including bridal shops, jewelry stores, restaurants and temples.
But of course most visitors and tourists come here for the food. You can find traditional and popular Cambodian food as well as very exotic dishes.
Location:
PIC Credit@yoshinaga_chan
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Throughout Cambodia Town there are Buddhist temples sprinkled throughout the neighborhoods. If you are a practitioner or just curious about this philosophy/religion Cambodia Town is a good place to explore it as many come together to practice spirituality.
5 – Little Ethiopia
Description:
You can find little Ethiopia in the Mid-Wilshire district of central Los Angeles. This area is recognized for its restaurants, and unique grocery stores which carry amazing Ethiopian coffee, incense and other spices as well as injera ( a traditional Ethiopian type of bread made of teff flour).
Take a walk and immerse yourself within Ethiopian culture and traditional decor. Also find traditional Ethiopian furniture, antique shops and authentic restaurants.
Make sure you come hungry for lunch as the food is very filling. Ethiopian eating is very social and its best to come with a group.
Location:
Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles CA
PIC Credit:@gourmetpigs
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Ethiopian meals are pretty non traditional compared to American standards. You eat with your hands in generally a communal setting so leave your inhibitions at the door. If you have never had it before you may want to go with someone who has so they can explain how to order etc.
6 – Sawtelle, Japantown
Description:
This is an amazing historic area in West Los Angeles near UCLA is a true gem. It was primarily formed by Japanese American postwar settlers and their descendants. The most recent generations of Japanese American community can be found on Sawtelle Boulevard from Santa Monica Boulevard to Olympic Boulevard.
Some locals and visitors call this street one of the best to go eat in LA because of the mouthwatering Japanese flavors you can get at the blocks long row of restaurants. You can also find tasty Korean, Taiwanese, Chinese and Filipino food.
Location:
Westside, Los Angeles CA
PIC Credit:@sawtellejapantown
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If you love Japanese pop culture be sure to stop by Giant Robot after you have had your fill of food. This popular store helped to kick off the exciting and fun scene at Sawtelle Japantown that we know today. At Giant Robot you are sure to find the perfect gift or take home for yourself with their collection of original Asian and Asian American art, prints, toys, t-shirts and books.
7 – El Pueblo
Description:
The oldest district in Los Angeles, which means lots of historic architecture that will take you back to the early 1800s. Tour around Olvera Street ( which has one of the most popular Mexican market places in LA), also get your camera ready and check out the Olvera St mural America Tropical.
Good food of course and tons of other cool historical things to see like Avila Adobe ( this historical landmark was built in 1818), Italian American Museum, The Sepulveda House, La Placita Church, La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, The Pico House, The Old Plaza Fire House and the Los Angeles Plaza Park.
Location:
125 Paseo De La Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012
PIC Credit:@leo_boiboi
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If you are loving the LA history you are soaking up at Olvera Street take it up a notch with a visit to The Avila Adobe is L.A.’s oldest house. This awesome California landmark is still standing in its original location where it was built by Francisco José Avila in 1818.
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!