Discover Global Flavors in Los Angeles

By Margot Black

It's a small world after all -- especially if you happen to be visiting Los Angeles. Do you want to nurture a child's appreciation for diverse cuisines, cultures and communities? Immersing them in different tastes, traditions and lifestyles from a young age is key. Fortunately, this city serves as a melting pot of global experiences, offering endless opportunities to explore international flavors, people and customs -- perfect for expanding your family's cultural palate.

Here are some neighborhoods brimming with culinary diversity, suitable for all ages, occasions and budgets. Plus, there are a few free, family-friendly activities to enjoy along the way.

Step into a slice of old Mexico at Olvera Street, a historic area that dates back to the early 1900s. Created to honor LA's rich Mexican heritage, this quaint district is filled with food options, free attractions and noteworthy architecture. Some of the city's oldest structures reside here, and the atmosphere evokes an "Old Mexico" vibe. Wander through the vibrant, vendor-lined walkway to discover Mexican-style clothing, musical instruments and souvenirs, making it a delightful spot for the entire family.

El Paseo Inn offers authentic Mexican food and sometimes features live mariachi performances. Introduce kids to flavors such as chile verde, sopes carnitas and chicken mole while enjoying drinks like horchata and tamarind juice. Or indulge in fresh churros and other sweets at Mr. Churro. One free and fun activity is the Avila Adobe, built in 1818 and the oldest existing house in the city. Another is the Plaza Firehouse, built in 1884 and now a museum that features 19th-century firefighting tools and equipment.

Tucked between Silverlake and Echo Park, Historic Filipinotown is the only designated community for Filipino culture and heritage outside of the Philippines. It's also home to some of the best barbecue in Los Angeles. The Park's Finest Barbecue offers a unique blend of American cuts of barbecue with Filipino flavors. Signature dishes such as Mama Leah's Coconut Beef and Noel's Smoked Gouda Mac are must-tries. When you've had enough to eat, explore the nearby Echo Park Recreation Center. Rent a swan boat from Wheel Fun Rentals to enjoy the lake from morning to sunset.

Little Tokyo offers a variety of Japanese bakeries, bookshops, restaurants and stores. It's also home to the Japanese American National Museum and the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar offers a fun dining experience where you can pick your dishes off a moving conveyor belt. Introduce your family to tastes of unagi, edamame and miso. Yamazaki Bakery has Japanese style breads, cakes, pastries, baked goods and raving fans for their steamed buns. Enjoy them all with a cup of coffee in the Japanese Village Plaza.

Chinatown in Los Angeles is an engaging way to introduce your family to new foods and a new way of eating them in a colorful cultural setting. Golden Dragon Restaurant offers a variety of dim sum dishes, perfect for a family-style meal. Try a range of dumplings, noodles and hotpots. Then explore mom-and-pop shops that sell paper lanterns, umbrellas and colorful robes, and visit the Thien Hau Temple with its bursting color and elaborately curved roofs.

East Hollywood's Little Armenia offers a rich tapestry of Armenian culture. Marouch Restaurant serves up a delicious mix of Lebanese, Armenian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Try authentic kebabs, hummus and fresh pita. Explore Barnsdall Art Park and its historic Hollyhock House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. They also offer children's activities and free art workshops.

For a bonus experience, try immersive, experiential dining journeys at Mon Ami in Santa Monica. Here you'll find a special event dining series called "First Class," where you can experience meals, music and drinks from different countries. The culinary delights strive to mirror the richness of Mediterranean cultures.

On Barcelona Night we enjoyed dishes such as Iberian Jamon with Burrata, Calabrian Chile on a Crustini, Tapas Trio (Truffle Mushroom, Garlic Shrimp, Spicy Tomato and Peppers), Grilled Octopus with Patatas Bravas and Marinated Skirt Steak with Spanish Rice and Roasted Zucchini. A decadent blackberry mojito topped off the night. We had recently returned from Barcelona, and this "visit" got a passport stamp of approval. Whether you're dreaming of the vibrant tastes of Tangier or the serenity of Santorini, Mon Ami's event series makes it possible to travel to distant lands in record time.

Los Angeles, a city offering rich ethnic and cultural diversity, brings the world to your taste buds. These recommendations are curated to appeal to a variety of levels from budget-conscious families to those with room to splurge, whether you have a big appetite or big curiosity. On your next visit to Los Angeles explore an entire world of cuisine with no passport necessary.

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WHEN YOU GO

Olvera Street: www.olvera-street.com

El Paseo Inn: www.elpaseoinn.com

El Pueblo Visitor Center: www.elpueblo.lacity.org/tours

The Park's Finest: www.theparksfinest.com

Wheel Fun Rentals (Echo Park Swan Boats): www.wheelfunrentals.com/ca/los-angeles/echo-park

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar: www.kurausa.com

Golden Dragon Restaurant: www.goldendragontg.com

Marouch Restaurant: www.hollywoodmarouch.com

Explore Barnsdall Art Park: www.barnsdall.org

Mon Ami: www.monamism.com

Mon Ami First Class: www.monamism.com/first-class

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Margot Black is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.