From superb Vietnamese cooking to progressive ideals, it’s hard to go wrong at Bé Ù. The menu, which includes popcorn chicken with a garlicky aioli and caramelized pork and eggs, is affordably priced for neighborhood locals. Additionally, Lê is committed to paying her workers above market wages, prioritizing their health and safety, and fostering a respectful and equitable culture.

Head over to Phoenix Bakery in Chinatown where the Chan family’s been baking since 1938. Sample traditional Chinese pastries and cookies made using family recipes or try French-style desserts like eclairs, palmiers, and fruit tarts. But don’t leave without a slice of the signature fresh strawberry whipped cream cake and a dozen almond cookies.

Headed by chef Johnny Lee, Pearl River Deli prepares Cantonese and Chinese classics including char siu, Hainan chicken, and a slew of specials that change on-the-fly.

Come into Jack Benchakul’s Endorffeine in Chinatown for carefully crafted caffeinated beverages, from classic espressos to Thai-inspired specialty drinks.

Chef Choi calls the banh mi served at this humble shop the “best sandwich ever.” First-timers would do well with the dac biet, the house-special banh mi filled with various cold cuts, pate, pickled vegetables, jalapenos, and cilantro.

The Voodoo Vegan food truck specializes in “super tasty” Creole cajun vegan food, says Choi. Try chef Whitt’s shrimp po’ boy and the Who Dat Mac baked macaroni and cheese.

For a soulful, holistic, and homey experience, Choi recommends Shiku — a Korean food stall located in Grand Central Market. Owned and operated by husband and wife, Kwang Uh and Mina Park, Shiku is dedicated to sharing and preserving Korean vegetables lost to industrialized farming. The vegetables served at Shiku are derived from seeds provided by farmer Kristyn Leach of Second Generation Seeds.

Named after the Mesoamerican milpa system of cultivation, Milpa Grille was opened by Deysi Serrano in 2018. In addition to serving a menu chock-full of corn, beans, and squash — the trifecta of the milpa system — the restaurant welcomes up-and-comers, including Macheen and Cafe Cafe, to operate under its roof.

Chefs Juan Garcia and Ivan Flores are dedicated to preserving Jalisco-style birria with Goat Mafia. In addition to classic tacos and mulitas, the pop-up serves an innovative meatless quesadilla made with beets and goat cheese.

In addition to dishing up delightful smoothies, cold brews, and teas, this Leimert Park shop serves as a hub for the community.

Owned and operated by the Keeling family since 1984, Simply Wholesome is an all-in-one health food store and vegan restaurant. Come in for spinach patties and vegetarian tacos, and leave with locally-made products that line the store’s shelves.