For those blessed to be born in the Golden State, it’s almost easy to take all we have for granted. Other than the picture perfect beaches and the perpetually sunny weather, we’re also blessed with some of the greatest food on the planet. TBH California eating is a way of life. But some of us wander on off for college or for job opportunities, and realize what we’re leaving behind only when its too late.
We’re here to cry with you over all of the things we’re missing out on while we’re out of state, and for a reminder of the essentials next time we get to visit the homeland. #westcoastbestcoast
1. Avocado on Everything
Photo by Amanda Shulman
I mean, yes, you can technically get avocado anywhere in the US. But can you get more avocados than you can possibly eat because your neighbor had extra from their farm? Probably not.
2. Açai Bowls
Photo courtesy of Lucy Cheng
Smoothie bowls are never as good anywhere else. With SoCal chains like the Malibu-based Sunlife Organics, the Santa Barbara-famous Backyard Bowls and basically anywhere in Encinitas, you’re basically guaranteed a satisfying acai bowl wherever you go.
3. California Burritos
Photo by Dyan Khor
These made it onto San Diego’s 31 things to eat before you die list for a reason — it’s a SoCal classic. Because fries in a burrito is pure genius, and the rest of country hasn’t seem to caught on yet.
4. Green Juice
Photo by Angie Oo
Thank God the rest of the US is catching onto this trend. But seriously, no one does it better than CA, and tbh, LA is probably the only place in the US where 1) you won’t be judged sipping your green juice and 2) you’ll find amazing juice places on every block.
5. Napa Valley Wines
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia
There’s more world-acclaimed wineries in Napa than in any other region of North America. Plus Napa Wines have the highest average alcohol content #turnt. Enough said.
6. Fish Tacos
Photo by Dyan Khor
What do you eat after a long day of surfing? Nothing but fish tacos. Nobody in the country can do it like CA does.
7. Breakfast Burritos
Photo courtesy of Yelp
If you haven’t noticed, we’re all about those burritos. In all forms. Who needs a breakfast sandwich when you can have it wrapped up in a burrito instead?
8. Brunch Every Day
Photo by Kathleen Kennedy
We tried to go out to brunch on a Thursday morning in Boston and realized that no other state does brunch every day. A sad story, but a true one. They don’t know what they’re missing out on.
9. Authentic Mexican Food
Photo by Dyan Khor
No, Taco Bell & Chipotle don’t count. When your state borders Mexico and some parts are literally a 15 minute drive from the border, you can bet that it has the best Mexican food around.
10. Local Microbreweries
Photo courtesy of Yelp
We’re the original hipsters in that we love our microbreweries.
11. In-N-Out
Two words: animal style.
12. Year-Round Farmers’ Markets
Photo by Nancy Chen
You know you’ve lived in California for all your life when you move to a different state and are surprised when they don’t have year-round fresh produce. Which is a rude awakening. Only in California can you stroll through a farmers’ market in December and find seasonal produce that was grown less than 10 miles away.
13. Jamba Juice
Photo by Bari Bhanga
Let’s be real — Jamba’s $1 happy hours were the best parts of our lives. Smoothies for life.
14. Good Boba
Photo by Jisoo Kim
We know our boba, and we know that the boba in the rest of the country doesn’t even begin to compare.
15. Healthy Food Chains
Photo by Nancy Chen
Chain restaurants don’t have to be crappy. With region chains like Tender Greens, Urban Plates and Urbane Cafe, we can get fresh food fast.
16. Non-Healthy Food Chains
Photo courtesy of Media Cookery
Every Californian knows that Freebirds > Chipotle. They also won’t throw a fit about making you a quesarito.
17. Herbivore Options Everywhere
Photo by Maddy Shannon
Vegan? Vegetarian? No problem. Not only do all-vegan cafes like Native Foods exist, but there’s also vegan/vegetarian options available on nearly every menu.
18. Nuts
Photo by Lauren Kaplan
California produces 99% of the nation’s walnuts and 70% of the world’s almonds. So they’re cheaper and fresher here, and if you live in the Sacramento area, there’s a very good chance your walnuts came from less than an hour away.
19. Sprinkles Cupcakes
Photo courtesy of jetsetbarbie.wordpress.com
Forget Georgetown Cupcakes. This L.A.-based chain was the world’s first cupcake bakery and to this day is known for their gorgeous cupcakes and unique flavors.