this post was submitted on 20 Oct 2025
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Depends on where. If bay area, Smitten Ice Cream. They make it with liquid nitrogen, so the ice crystals are impossibly fine; it's the smoothest ice cream I've ever had.
If Seattle, Un Bien is always a strong option for sandwiches. I worked at their prior shop as a teenager between terms.
I've been around the US a lot as a foodie, I can say more if I know what areas you plan on exploring!
Awesome I'm going to LA any tips?
Oh cool! So-Cal is the place to get tacos, of course. Anyplace that looks a little bit seedy that has a big lunch queue is going to have no wrong answers, but if you see quesabirria on the menu, get that (assuming you eat meat ofc). Don't skip the consomme, it's for dipping.
Looks like there's a place that does the liquid nitrogen schtick in LA now, Creamistry on Downey Ave. I don't think they were there last time I was in town. Maybe they give Smitten's a run for their money, would love to know your opinion!
Screenshotted this for future reference! Nice one thanks
LA is great for for variety! If you have 'Mexican' and it's not great don't give up. There's so much variety- tex mex, mex-mex, Baja, ...; and everyone does it a little differently. Second on the birria tacos!
If you like meat, try the regional differences in BBQ - West Coast tri-tip, Texas brisket, etc. pork/beef ribs, ...
Find something Cajun! I don't know if it's popular in other countries, but a great bowl of gumbo is a blast of flavor.
I'm not from the area so can't give any actual spot suggestions. Like others have said, you owe it to yourself to try some authentic Mexican / Hispanic in general food. Same with Asian food, large diaspora there so you can get real authentic and delicious Chinese for scams.
Ask the people you're staying with or the staff where you stay what is good near them.
You asked what snacks to try - nothing you find in America snack wise will be good or better than wherever you're travelling from. Quintessential USA snacks though would be anything from lil Debbie or Hostess (twinkees and so forth), you might also find some novel candy if you look around.
Most of our snack stuff is highly processed garbage. It blows my mind how much higher quality the snacks are from overseas. My wife got my this snack box subscription that sends you treats from a different region around the world each month and it low-key makes me sad how much better the snack food is compared to our American trash.
That said, we have plenty of excellent and authentic ethnic food spots, especially in LA. Hope you enjoy yourself. I also would urge caution coming to the USA right now because of everything going on. If you can change your plans I'd say visit somewhere else for the next four years.
At the very least, I'd say pack a burner phone and if you bring any other electronics make sure they're clean installs and nothing on them except games or whatever work stuff. Don't come with a digital footprint, border agents can be dicks and they have way more authority than that should be granted and can just tell you to fuck off and deny entry. So don't fuck around.
Good tip on the food thanks! I'm white British so I don't think I'll have issues
I had some root beer from a microbrewery on Route 1 that was incredible. I don't remember the place or if it's even still there, but microbrew root beer would be my personal suggestion!