Food trucks have long been a part of West Los Angeles’ culinary landscape. Currently, West L.A. is home to a thriving food truck scene, offering a diverse variety of delectable dishes with unique flavors at budget-friendly prices. From classic tacos to gourmet bagels, here are our five favorite food trucks on the Westside. Save this guide for when you want to take a break from dining at expensive restaurants! 

Leo’s Taco Truck, at La Brea and Venice

Leo’s Taco Truck has a fleet of 11 trucks parked all over Los Angeles. It is wildly popular for its lip-smacking traditional Mexican street tacos. This cash-only taco truck’s tacos are crafted using good quality ingredients, such as hand-grilled carne asada, al pastor, carnitas, and fresh vegetables. Leo’s Taco Truck’s Al Pastor Tacos have a cult following, and for good reason. Each taco is assembled with a generous portion of meat, chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, creating a greatly comforting and affordable meal. The friendly and hospitable chefs add to the inviting setting, making this taco truck a beloved spot for taco lovers. Leo’s Taco Truck is my go-to for consistently good tacos in West L.A.

Kogi BBQ, Palms

Helmed by chef Roy Choi, Kogi Taqueria is a well-loved food truck in West Los Angeles known for its innovative Korean-Mexican fusion dishes. Founded in 2008, Kogi BBQ’s food truck is usually in Palms, but they also frequently attend food truck festivals and events throughout the city. Kogi’s signature dishes include the Kogi Dog, Kimchi Quesadilla, Kogi Sliders, Short Rib Burrito, Calamari Tacos, and Sweet Chilli Chicken Quesadilla. I tried the Short Rib Burrito ($10), which exceeded my expectations. It consisted of slow-cooked short ribs, perfectly cooked rice, beans, and fresh toppings wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla. The burrito was packed with flavor and hit the spot. 

Brothers Cousins Tacos, Sawtelle

Conveniently situated at the corner of National and Sawtelle, just off the 405,​​ Brothers Cousins Tacos is a local favorite. They serve scrumptious tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. You can choose your meat of choice—asada, carnitas, chorizo, lengua, or suadero, among others. Don’t miss the soft, fat-cooked potatoes and caramelized onions and the spicy salsa station. At Brothers Cousins Tacos, you may have to wait for your tacos, especially on the weekends. The friendly and efficient chefs and the delicious food make this unassuming taco truck a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Yeastie Boys Bagels, Venice and Brentwood

If you are craving New York-style bagels, look no further than Yeastie Boys, West Los Angeles’ renowned bagel-focused food truck. This eatery on wheels serves hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels and bagel sandwiches loaded with fresh ingredients such as smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, bacon, and more. Our top picks from their bagel sandwich offerings are the Mishka, Lox Deluxe, Game Over, Cheddy Wap, and Diss Track. Moreover, their classic plain and everything bagels with house-made schmears, including classic cream cheese, savory scallion, and spicy jalapeno cheddar, also pack a punch. 

Paratta, Venice 

Paratta is a food truck in West Los Angeles that whips up authentic Pakistani and Indian street food. Their most famous offering is the flaky, buttery paratha, which they use to wrap up a range of fillings, including chicken tikka and vegetables. Their menu includes other Southeast Asian dishes, such as samosas, naan, and rice bowls. Paratta uses only the freshest ingredients and 100 percent halal-certified meat. I ordered the Paro Roll ($15), which included a flaky paratha wrapped around tender, boneless chicken pieces smoked and marinated overnight in yogurt, green chili, cilantro, and spices. The Paro Roll was as good as the ones I have had in India. It was perfectly spiced and balanced with vibrant flavors.

Photo courtesy of Yeasty Boys.