For Los Angeles standards its pretty cold for Winter 2024 so we are on the hunt for foods that will keep you warm. Seasonal winter food can be so delicious, cozy, and warm. And some are also full of flavors, rich textures, and picture perfect presentations. True LA Hackers know that our city has some great winter comfort food options, even though the temperatures don’t dip dramatically. It’s a great time to embrace all the diversity of the city through its wide selection of comfort foods.
In this list we have some delicious recommendations where you can find some of the best winter dishes in LA. Remember to take your guests or friends and enjoy them all before the season is over.
1 – Soups and Stews
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Our first recommendation is Pho soup, this delicious warm broth is one of the most popular dishes in winter time here in Los Angeles. The rich, savory broth, adorned with thinly sliced beef, and fresh herbs, becomes a welcome respite from the crisp winter air, providing a culinary journey that marries the essence of Vietnamese comfort with the laid-back vibes of Los Angeles. Take a trip to Little Saigon in the OC for an authentic experience, and enjoy the soup at one of the several restaurants in this area.
Caldo the Res or Beef Soup is next in our list. The cool crisp air calls for a hearty and soul-warming dish – like Mexican or Salvadorian caldo de Res. Amidst the palm-lined streets and under the winter sun, this traditional beef soup takes center stage in the quest for comfort food. Find it at any warm and cozy Mexican or Salvadorian restaurant near neighborhoods like Boyle Heights, East LA, or Highland Park. We like El Salsabor, but there are several other great places in LA.
Looking for more great soups? Ward off the chill with a steaming bowl of comforting ramen soup. Los Angeles, known for its diverse culinary scene, is a haven for ramen enthusiasts seeking a warming and flavorful experience. High on our list is a visit to Daikokuya in Little Tokyo. Renowned for its rich and flavorful broth, this cozy spot boasts an authentic atmosphere that transports diners straight to the streets of Tokyo. Their signature Daikoku Ramen, featuring succulent pork belly and perfectly cooked noodles, is a winter treat that satisfies both the taste buds and the soul.
Location: various
Pic Credit: @eaterla
2 – Korean Bowls
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Los Angeles, offers a tantalizing array of Korean bowls that delight the senses and satisfy the cravings of hard to please foodies, especially at this time a year. Begin your Korean bowl adventure in Koreatown of course, and at the epicenter of Korean culture and cuisine in LA, here you’ll discover The Corner Place.
This hidden gem is renowned for its delectable dolsot bibimbap, served in a sizzling stone pot that crisps the rice to perfection. The combination of savory toppings, including marinated beef, vegetables, and a fried egg, creates a harmonious medley of flavors that captures the essence of authentic Korean cuisine.
Venturing into the Sawtelle Japantown neighborhood, you’ll find Bopomofo Cafe, a cozy spot that seamlessly blends Korean and Taiwanese influences. Their signature Stone Pot Bopomofo Bibimbap offers a delightful twist to the traditional dish, with the addition of Taiwanese sausage and a perfectly fried egg, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @pbssocal
3 – Roasted Meats
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Take your foodie comfort expectations to a luxurious level with a visit to Majordōmo. This fine restaurant will impress you and your guests with the delicious dish Bo Ssam: This whole (or half) smoked and glazed pork shoulder served with all the fixings like lettuce, perilla leaves, and ssamjang is a feast for the soul and perfect for sharing.
Do you love Pot Roast? Make sure to visit The Jar, and come hungry as you enjoy decadent braised short ribs with creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Enjoy ultimate comfort in a cozy atmosphere in this modern American chophouse restaurant.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @Majordōmo
4 – Hot Pot
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There’s nothing quite like gathering around a steaming pot of hot pot to chase away the chill and fill your belly with pure comfort.
Hot Pot’s beauty lies in its endless possibilities. Choose your broth – spicy Sichuan, savory tomato, or maybe a delicate mushroom – then dive into a smorgasbord of fresh meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles. Each dip into the bubbling pot is a mini-celebration, as thinly sliced meats cook in seconds, veggies soften to tender perfection, and noodles soak up the rich broth like sponges.
From mega chain restaurants to small family owned joins, LA has a big array of Hot Pot options for you to enjoy this winter season. If looking for a well known and loved hot pot chain look no further than The Boiling Point. With multiple locations across Los Angeles, Boiling Point offers a variety of broths and ingredients, from classic Taiwanese hot pot to spicy Sichuan options. Bring the whole family, everyone will find a favorite broth.
Craving some heat? Try Qianlixiang Spicy Hot Pot. This Sichuan-inspired hot pot spot will have your taste buds tingling. Their fiery broths are packed with chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, but don’t worry, you can adjust the spice level to your liking.
These are some of our favorites, but there are plenty more around town for you to explore. Especially if you are strolling around Arcadia, Torrance, or San Gabriel. Enjoy everyone!
Location: various
PIC Credit: @laist
5 – Warmest Drinks and Desserts
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Okay, okay, yes we have the sweets suggestions for you too. Just because it’s cold in January does not mean there are not perfect desserts for the season and we have to start with churros and Champurrado.
Start your sweet tour at Churros Calientes in Santa Monica. The inviting ambiance, coupled with the heavenly aroma of freshly fried churros, makes this Santa Monica gem a must-visit. opt for the classic cinnamon sugar-dusted churros or venture into the realm of filled options like chocolate or dulce de leche.
Have you had your champurrado today? You must get one on Olvera Street. Los Angeles’s oldest Mexican marketplace, Olvera Street, is a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells. Among the colorful papel picado, flags and lively mariachi music, you’ll find the delicious warm chocolatey Mexican drink also known as champurrado, bubbling away in clay pots at nearly every corner.
Last but not least is the winter LA dessert superstar, Bread Pudding. The city of Angels offers bread pudding in all its glorious forms, from classic comfort to innovative twists. Where to find it? Our top recommendation is The Morrison in Los Feliz.
The Morrison reigns supreme in the realm of classic bread pudding. This cozy gastropub crafts their masterpiece with buttery brioche, plump raisins, and a hint of orange zest. The warm, custardy pudding arrives crowned with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a buttery caramel drizzle. Each bite is a delightful dance of textures and flavors, a comforting hug on a chilly LA winter evening.
Other great places to visit when craving bread pudding include The Auld Fella in Culver City, and Pitchoun in DTLA. Pitchoun is a Parisian-inspired haven in downtown, offering a decadent bread pudding that features toasted baguette soaked in creamy custard and laced with vanilla and rum.
So that’s it Angelenos, enjoy all our suggestions, adventure your palate and discover your new winter favorite flavors.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @Mapquest
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