Restaurants are among the most powerful ways people stay connected to their culture, reminding them of family traditions, shared memories and the places they come from. When affinity group leaders at Poly were asked to recommend restaurants that represent foods from their cultures, they highlighted family memories and their favorite dishes.
Senior Allison Nieves, a Latines Unidas leader, immediately thought of El Patron, a Mexican food restaurant located on Lake Avenue in Altadena. This restaurant has held great importance to her for many years, and she explained, “I grew up coming here with my parents often, especially after COVID.”
When she goes to El Patron, Nieves typically orders mole or mojarra Frita. Mole is a rich sauce made with a variety of ingredients and spices, often served with chicken, while mojarra frita is a whole fried fish; both dishes represent classic Mexican flavors and traditions. Nieves commented, “It’s one of the local restaurants I appreciate the most because of how authentic it is, both the food and the restaurant itself.”
Junior Kara Kang, one of the leaders of the Asian American Alliance, recommended Eighth Street Soondae, a Korean restaurant near Westlake and Koreatown that specializes in soondae, which is a traditional Korean blood sausage. The restaurant is part of her family’s regular dinner rotation. “My parents have been eating at Eighth Street since before I was even born,” Kang said.
Kang noted that her family likes to order the traditional menu highlights, including soondae stew, a variety of meat cuts and traditional banchan, or side dishes, such as kimchi, a fermented cabbage dish, or kakdugi, seasoned radish cubes. Even though soondae is not her favorite Korean food, Kang said, “It reminds me of how L.A. is able to offer the flavors of Korea.”
“Eating traditional food reminds me of growing up with my cousins and enjoying lots of meals with my grandparents…I think this restaurant is truly a testament to how Koreans have been able to carve out their own communities in different neighborhoods, but in L.A. in particular,” she added.
Senior Lennon Standridge, a leader of the Black Student Union, highlighted Fixins Soul Kitchen, which is located at L.A. Live, an entertainment complex outside Crypto.com Arena, where the Grammy Museum, hotels, and restaurants reside in downtown Los Angeles. This restaurant is known for serving traditional soul food, and Standridge shared, “It’s the epitome of African American cuisine.” He shared how he always orders chicken and waffles when he goes to Fixins Soul Kitchen. He commented, “I go there after every family gathering and/or with my cousins.”
Lastly, junior Tara Parsa, a member of the Middle Eastern Affinity Club, recommended Toranj, a Persian restaurant located in Westwood. One of the dishes she always orders is albaloo polo, a sweet-and-sour dish that includes sour cherries, saffron-infused rice, and chicken.
“My family has been going there for many years, so it feels familiar and reminds me of home,” Parsa said. “It is special to me because it reminds me of my culture and the food I grew up eating with my family.”
All of these restaurants are not just places to eat but spaces where people can remember their culture, spend time with loved ones, and create meaningful memories. They are also opportunities for people to try new cuisines and learn about cultures different from their own. In our next issue, the Life section will feature a second part to this series, including other affinities. Stay tuned for April’s release!
