One of the best things about living in Los Angeles is that you don’t have to hop on a plane to taste the world. A few blocks in any direction, and you can be transported into new flavors. Healthy eating in Los Angeles means sushi in Little Tokyo, rich stews in Little Ethiopia, curries in Artesia’s Little India, or steaming bowls of pho in the San Gabriel Valley. LA is a patchwork of international cuisines, and every menu is a passport stamp.
But here’s the challenge: those menus are long, tempting, and filled with both nourishing choices and heavy pitfalls. When you’re on the path of recovery—whether from addiction, emotional eating, or simply old habits—food becomes part of the story. The trick is learning how to enjoy the international feast without letting it overwhelm your body or your balance.
Japan: Beyond Sushi Rolls
Los Angeles is filled with excellent Japanese restaurants. The sushi culture here is alive and well, but it’s easy to forget that not all sushi is created equal.
Healthy choices? Sashimi is your best friend. It’s fresh, clean protein without the extras. Pair it with miso soup or a seaweed salad for minerals and flavor. A simple roll, like tuna or cucumber wrapped in rice and seaweed, can also be light and satisfying.
What to watch out for? The “Americanized” rolls stacked with fried tempura, spicy mayo, or cream cheese. Delicious, yes. Helpful for your balance? Not so much. And remember: soy sauce is a sodium bomb. A little goes a long way.
Ethiopia: Injera and Stews
Step into an Ethiopian restaurant in LA, and you’re welcomed with warmth, community, and a platter of injera bread topped with vibrant stews.
Healthy choices? Lentil dishes like misir wat, vegetable stews, and spicy greens. They’re filling, high in fiber, and loaded with flavor. Share the platter and focus on the plant-based dishes.
What to watch out for? Too much injera. It’s easy to keep tearing off piece after piece of this sour, spongy bread. Enjoy it, but let the vegetables and beans be the star.
India: Curries, Spices, and Choices
In Artesia, also known as Little India, menus stretch forever with fragrant curries and breads.
Healthy choices? Tandoori chicken, dal (lentils), or chana masala (chickpeas). These are flavorful and satisfying without drowning in cream. Pair them with basmati rice and vegetables, and you’ve got a well-rounded meal.
What to watch out for? Cream-heavy sauces like butter chicken or korma, and fried appetizers like samosas or pakoras. Tasty, yes. But moderation is key.
China & Thailand: Stir-Fries and Soups
Los Angeles has an endless variety of Chinese and Thai restaurants, from hole-in-the-wall gems to upscale dining.
Healthy choices? For Chinese, think steamed dumplings, stir-fried vegetables, or Buddha’s Delight. For Thai, try tom yum soup, fresh spring rolls, or a green papaya salad. These dishes are flavorful, fragrant, and light enough to keep you steady.
What to watch out for? Deep-fried dishes, noodle plates dripping with sauce, and anything labeled “sweet and sour.” Delicious in the moment, but often loaded with sugar, sodium, and oil.
The Art of Ordering Well
So what’s the secret to healthy eating in Los Angeles when temptation is everywhere? A few simple practices make all the difference:
- Share. Most international dishes are meant to be enjoyed communally. Order a few healthy options and pass them around the table.
- Balance. Pair a richer dish with something lighter. If you’re having curry, add a vegetable side. If you want dumplings, balance them with a broth-based soup.
- Savor. Slow down. Many cultures, including French women and international eaters, linger over meals. That’s how they stop before stuffed.
- Experiment. Try a new dish you’ve never heard of—chances are, it’ll be lighter and more authentic than the fried favorites on page one of the menu.
For more inspiration, check out the official Discover Los Angeles Eat & Drink guide or Eater’s regularly updated Essential LA Restaurants map.
A Final Thought
Los Angeles offers the world on a plate. The beauty of recovery, balance, and mindful eating is that you don’t have to avoid these experiences—you can fully enjoy them. The key is choosing with intention, honoring your body, and remembering that satisfaction comes not from quantity, but from presence.
So go ahead—explore the city’s international kitchens. Let the spices of India, the vegetables of Ethiopia, the broths of Japan, and the stir-fries of Thailand remind you: food is not the enemy. It’s culture, connection, and joy. And when chosen with care, it’s also healing.
Ready to find balance in your own “international menu” of choices? Book a Free Clarity Session.