exploring a few new places for lunch in downtown los angeles

(Los Angeles, CA).  While I normally try to bring lunch to work for healthier eating, I do like to explore lunch options in downtown Los Angeles occasionally for fun.  

One favorite is the Grand Central Market which is undergoing quite an exciting rebirth.  Recently I tried the new extension stall for Sticky Rice which serves more noodle dishes and is just right around the corner from the original location.  We tried the pineapple fried rice with shrimp and drunken noodles - both were flavorful and tasty, but I think I prefer the noodles.  The new location also serves boba tea and other Asian beverages.  

Then on a different outing to the Grand Central Market, I tried some seafood dishes at Bombo - the Fisherman's Stew and the Clams & Sausage with pasta.  The seafood was fresh and well seasoned, but a tad overcooked.  But it didn't bother me so much that I wouldn't come back to try some of their other fare - such as the fried chicken dish.  (For some old favorites, like Belcampo - see my previous blog here.)

I also ventured to the Water Court Plaza to try a fast food Indian restaurant called Saffron.  They served a choice of about 5 entrees with naan or rice.  It was acceptable but not particularly exciting.  I won't be returning anytime soon, but if I ever get a hankering for naan during the week, I'll know where to go.

Probably my favorite recent lunch "find" is the food truck - an nam - that parks on Grand Avenue near MOCA.  It is very difficult to find good banh mi (Vietnamese) sandwiches in Los Angeles.  This one is the closest to the real thing without having to drive more than an hour outside of Los Angeles.  It's the magical combination of the crusty, chewy roll with the pate, cold cuts and pickly veggies - mmmmm...  I look forward to Tuesdays when I allow myself to have carbs during lunch... They also serve a decent garlic noodle and a very fresh, refreshing spring roll.   Everyone on the truck seems super nice so check them out!

Have you found a new place to lunch in dtla recently?