Mei Lin’s Guide to Eating in Los Angeles

I love Kato. Kato is amazing. Jon Yao is doing something so special at Kato, emphasizing on his heritage and creating not only delicious food, but well-curated cocktails by the amazing bar team led by Austin Hennelly.

Hayato is a restaurant I don't get to often, but when I’m able to, I remember how incredible it is. It simply transports you to Japan. The technique is so spot on and always highlighting seasonality in the best way possible.

Bistro Na’s in Temple City. It’s phenomenal. I love it. It’s always a spot I take friends from out of town! Chef Tian is putting out some of the best Chinese food in the city.

Summer Rolls in Rosemead for Vietnamese spring rolls is amazing as well. It’s another killer spot to take friends. Their nem nuong summer rolls are where it’s at. The super crispy egg roll in the summer roll gives it the texture it needs!

Ruen Pair for Thai food in Thai Town. I’ve been coming to Ruen Pair since I moved to L.A. over a decade ago. [It’s] a place we frequented as broke line cooks, after service, where we would order a plethora of dishes to share—like morning glory with crispy pork, salted radish omelette, and warm squid salad, which are amongst the must-haves.