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Home to residents from over 140 countries, Los Angeles is widely considered a melting pot — and for good reason. The city’s vibrant diversity is reflected beautifully in its food scene, with cuisines from every corner of the world at just about every price point.

MISFITS LA caters to the everyday working creative with dreams that won’t quit — but let’s be real: when you’re an artist or entrepreneur waiting for your breakthrough, it can feel like your wallet’s giving up first. That’s where Melting Pot Picks comes in. Every month, I’ll highlight a handful of affordable eats that stood out to me on my local adventures. Read on for my July faves.

— RISSY

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Chicago Dog @ Tail o’ the Pup — West Hollywood

With July 4th just behind us, you might still be craving an American classic: a savory Chicago-style hot dog complete with a crunchy pickle and a smear of tangy mustard. Tail o’ the Pup in WeHo is a down-to-earth spot to hit before a night out. The restaurant’s ambiance is charming and the pickle packs a tart punch, making this spot hit all the right notes. This is definitely a destination to remember for late-night cravings.

📍 8512 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

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Curry Goat @ Country Style Jamaican Restaurant — Inglewood

This one’s for the flavor chasers. If you’ve never had Jamaican curry goat, prepare for a deeply spiced, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Country Style is an unpretentious gem tucked away in Inglewood — it doesn’t try too hard; it just is that good. The goat is tender and drenched in a rich curry sauce that soaks perfectly into the rice and peas and compliments the included plantains like a dream. This is the kind of dish that slows you down and reminds you why L.A.’s culinary diversity is something to be grateful for.

📍 630 N La Brea Ave Suite 111, Inglewood, CA 90302

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Chahan + Gyoza @ Kouraku — Little Tokyo

Not only is Kouraku widely considered the first ramen shop in L.A. history, it’s also a nostalgia-laced comfort zone in the heart of Little Tokyo. But don’t just come for the noodles — this spot serves up a whole range of home-style dishes. On my latest visit, I went for the chicken chahan (Japanese fried rice) and fresh gyoza (dumplings). Kouraku never fails to remind me of cozy meals at my grandmother’s house in the early 2000s — except with a twist: robot servers glide to your table for your entire visit. Between the faux food displays and Dodgers bobbleheads in the window, Kouraku is retro-futurism at its finest — and it’s a must anytime you’re in DTLA.

📍 314 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

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Vegetable Biryani @ Trader Joe’s — Across L.A.

Go ahead, call it a cop-out — I’ll still stand by it. This frozen veggie biryani from L.A. food culture staple Trader Joe’s is that good. It’s vegan, but rich, filling, and full of flavor with tender veggie dumplings, lima beans, and little pops of sweetness from golden raisins. It tastes like takeout and takes under five minutes to make. While everyone’s chasing Erewhon aesthetics, some of us (like yours truly) are still haunting TJ’s in goth Crocs, sunglasses, and gratitude for their global flavors at real-life prices.

📍 Find a Trader Joe’s location near you here

Follow me, RISSY, on Instagram for more local faves from a real L.A. native.