Los Angeles is a city known for its diverse culinary scene. Among the many cuisines represented in the city, Taiwanese cuisine stands out for its unique blend of flavors and cooking techniques.
Taiwanese restaurants in Los Angeles offer a range of dishes that are both delicious and affordable. From street food to upscale dining experiences, there are plenty of options to satisfy your appetite for Taiwanese cuisine.
Taiwanese cuisine is heavily influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian flavors. This fusion of flavors creates a unique taste that is hard to find anywhere else.
Taiwanese cuisine is also known for its use of fresh ingredients, including seafood, vegetables, and herbs. Some of the most popular dishes include beef noodle soup, popcorn chicken, oyster omelettes, and stinky tofu.
Whether you are a fan of traditional Taiwanese dishes or looking to try something new, there are plenty of Taiwanese restaurants in Los Angeles to choose from. Many of these restaurants are family-owned and offer a welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. In this blog post, we will explore the best Taiwanese restaurants in Los Angeles, highlighting the dishes and experiences that make each one unique.
1. Joy
Joy is a modern Taiwanese counter serve restaurant that puts a hip twist on traditional Taiwanese classics.
From the team behind Pine & Crane, Joy offers delicious and fresh Taiwanese food that is made with authentic recipes and good quality ingredients. The menu can be a bit confusing at first, but the staff is friendly and attentive.
The standout dishes include the shrimp wonton soup, minced pork over rice, and Dan Dan noodles. The restaurant can get very busy, so be prepared to wait.
Save room for dessert, as the shaved ice with various toppings is a refreshing treat on a hot day. Joy is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for authentic Taiwanese food with a modern twist.
2. Pine and Crane Silverlake
Pine and Crane Silverlake offers authentic and delicious Taiwanese cuisine with a great variety of menu choices.
The restaurant has a hip and communal vibe, and the service is good. The small dishes at the counter are similar to those found in Taiwan.
The spicy shrimp wontons and pork belly with garlic are highly recommended dishes. The restaurant can get busy, so expect a wait.
Parking can be challenging, but the outside seating is great. Prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is pleasant.
3. Kato Restaurant
Kato Restaurant offers a unique and creative take on Taiwanese cuisine.
The dishes are beautifully presented and the flavors are expertly crafted. The cocktail menu is also noteworthy.
Although a bit pricey, the quality and taste of the food justifies the cost. The service is friendly and attentive.
Kato Restaurant is a must-visit for those looking for a high-end dining experience with a Taiwanese twist.
4. Hock + Hoof
Hock + Hoof is a Taiwanese restaurant that offers a unique blend of traditional and modern flavors.
The menu is diverse and features small plates and entrees that are perfect for sharing. The service is friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming.
The standout dishes are the beef tongue, scallop carpaccio, and squid ink pasta. The cocktails are also worth trying, especially the soju-based drinks.
Hock + Hoof is a great spot for a date night or a night out with friends, and the prices are reasonable for the quality of the food and service.
5. Cup O' Joy
Cup O' Joy is a Taiwanese restaurant and bubble tea store that serves great food and drinks. The staff is friendly and provides excellent service.
There is a large variety of Taiwanese snacks and drinks, including the recommended salt cream covered tea. The takoyaki is relatively authentic, and the boba is amazing. The place is clean and welcoming, and they provide wifi.
The Thai tea is always satisfying, and the spicy mango slushy is yummy. The chicken special is very good, and the cookies and cream shake made with real ice cream is delicious.
The milk tea is super good, and the strips of chicken plate are great. The popcorn chicken, takoyaki, sweet potato fries, and Thai tea are all yummy. If you're in the area, Cup O' Joy is worth a visit.
6. Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung is a modern Taiwanese restaurant chain known for its handmade soup dumplings and Chinese cuisine.
The staff is professional and the food is consistently delicious. The spicy pork and shrimp wontons are a must-try and the green beans with extra garlic are a standout side dish.
The Kurobuta pork xiao long bao is a star item and the sautéed Taiwanese cabbage with garlic is done to perfection.
The wait can be long, but it's worth it for the fantastic food and service. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a great Chinese dining experience.
