Ep 1. Los Angeles, California

Street Food: USA season 1 episode 1 takes us to the city of Los Angeles, California to explore the diverse street food scene that has made this city a hub for foodies and culinary enthusiasts from all over the world. Los Angeles is known for its diverse culinary landscape, which is reflected in its street food culture.

The episode starts with a visit to Grand Central Market, a historic food hall that has been serving the city of Los Angeles for over 100 years. The market is home to a variety of vendors serving everything from tacos to burgers to vegan cuisine. We meet several of the vendors, each with their own unique story to tell about how they got started in the food business and what inspires their cuisine.

One of the standout vendors we meet is Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, a family-owned and operated business that has been in the market for over 20 years. They specialize in traditional Mexican cuisine, with their menu featuring a wide variety of authentic tacos and other dishes that are sure to satisfy any craving for authentic Mexican flavors.

Another highlight of the episode is the visit to All Flavor No Grease, a popular food truck that has gained a cult following for its creative take on classic street food. The owner, Keith Garrett, is a self-taught chef who started his business as a way to make ends meet and has since become a fixture in the Los Angeles food scene. We learn about his unique cooking style and how he uses flavors from around the world to create dishes that are both familiar and exciting.

We also get a glimpse into the world of vegan street food with a visit to Word of Mouth Truck, a food truck that serves plant-based versions of classic comfort foods. We learn about the challenges of running a vegan food business in a city that is known for its meat-centric cuisine and how the owner, Chef Hollan, is breaking down barriers and introducing a new audience to the joys of vegan eating.

The episode also explores the role of street food in bringing communities together, with a visit to Watts Coffee House, a family-owned restaurant that has been serving the Watts neighborhood for over 50 years. We meet the owner, Rosie, who shares her story about how she took over the business from her father and how the restaurant has become a gathering place for the local community.

Throughout the episode, we see how street food is more than just a meal- it's a way for people to connect, share their stories, and celebrate the diversity of their community. From the historic food halls like Grand Central Market to the buzzing food trucks and small family-owned businesses, Los Angeles is a city that truly embodies the spirit of street food.

Overall, Street Food: USA season 1 episode 1 provides a fascinating look at the dynamic and diverse street food culture in Los Angeles, California. With a focus on the people and stories behind the food, this episode is sure to leave viewers hungry for more.