Southern California's dynamic food scene always has something new to explore, and this week brings a fresh look at establishments stretching from Studio City to Westlake Village and down to Echo Park. Whether you're craving a specific regional dish or looking for a full culinary experience, several local spots are drawing attention.
For those who have noticed the rising popularity of khao soi, a Northern Thai curry noodle dish, Studio City offers a prime destination. Saoha, located in a strip mall at 3250 Cahuenga Boulevard West, focuses heavily on this dish, offering numerous variations. Kat Thompson, an audience editor, observed that khao soi has become a new fixation for many Americans, moving past the long-held affection for pad Thai. Saoha’s menu includes khao soi topped with luxurious combinations like A5 wagyu and scallops, or a whole fried softshell crab. Diners can also find lobster tail khao soi or a version featuring sai oua, an herbaceous Northern Thai sausage. The restaurant also serves a dry khao soi, which Thompson described as "reminiscent of Japan’s mazemen," featuring the dish's core flavors condensed into a creamy coconut-based sauce with pickled mustard greens and roasted chiles. Beyond the main event, Thompson recommended adding something spicy to cut through the curry's richness, highlighting the Lao-style papaya salad with salted black crab as an excellent choice.
Moving west, the San Fernando Valley is home to Branch Patty, a Caribbean patty business brought to Southern California by Sam Branch and his wife and business partner Lisa Lloyd-Branch. The couple moved their family from New York to Los Angeles a few years ago to introduce their popular patties to the region. Mona Holmes, an editor, found the classic Caribbean dish done right, praising the patties for their flaky, firm crust and generous fillings. Options include a curried squash and chickpea patty or a barbecue jerk chicken variety. The classic beef patty, made with grass-fed wagyu, onions, scallions, and a blend of spices providing a touch of heat, was particularly noted. Holmes suggested stocking enough patties to last for months, recommending they be heated in an air fryer for a quick snack. Branch Patties are available at the Woodland Hills Farmers Market every Saturday, through Goldbelly, or directly from their kitchen at 31324 Via Colinas, Suite 115, in Westlake Village.
In Culver City, Destroyer, the daytime cafe from Vespertine chef Jordan Kahn, offers a striking culinary experience at 3578 Hayden Avenue. Editorial manager Nicole Fellah recently visited for a lingering lunch, enjoying what might be the final days of their summer menu. Among the standout dishes was a sweet corn porridge, steeped in miso brown butter and laden with Jimmy Nardellos, chopped Marcona almonds, and whole-leaf marjoram. An optional poached egg pouch could be added, adding a rich, golden element to the bowl. Fellah described this dish as "one of the most soul-warming, sunny dishes" she had encountered since the start of fall. The meal was complemented by a crisp red gem lettuce and pear salad. Destroyer also features impeccably made coffee drinks, teas, and a bountiful pastry case, including dark chocolate almond cookies which Fellah noted were "sinfully good" and "Ferrero Rocher–coded." With hyperseasonal dishes that change frequently, and a tomato sandwich still on the board, Fellah encouraged visitors to go soon before the summer offerings transition.
Finally, for those looking to explore the evolving taco scene in Echo Park, a multi-stop crawl offers several appealing options, centered around 2511 West Sunset Boulevard. Tacos Royale, described as an “Echo Park’s rising carne asada superstar,” has expanded its hours, now open into the afternoon on Thursdays and Fridays. Deputy editor Rebecca Roland suggests starting with a taco or two loaded with tender steak, customized from the self-serve salsa bar. Just a few minutes down the road is the newly opened Tijuanero by Tijuanazo. For those visiting Friday through Sunday, Mariscos Los Corchos is now set up in the same parking lot as Tacos Royale, serving specialties like pescado zarandeado or a taco zarandeado. Roland recommends concluding any of these taco excursions at Monkish Brewing, where patrons can enjoy a barrel-aged saison or a funky IPA. This cluster of options provides a diverse culinary experience for taco enthusiasts in the heart of Los Angeles.