California’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven from its diverse cultures, fertile lands, and innovative spirit. When you’re abroad, far from the Golden State’s sun-soaked shores, certain foods will tug at your heartstrings and taste buds, reminding you of home. Here are five California staples you’ll find yourself craving when you’re miles away.
1. In-N-Out Burger
Nothing screams California quite like an In-N-Out Burger. This fast-food icon, born in Baldwin Park in 1948, has become a cultural touchstone. The simplicity of the menu—Double-Double, Animal Style fries, and a Neapolitan shake—belies the explosion of flavor that hits with every bite.
The perfectly toasted bun, the secret spread, and the fresh, never-frozen beef patties are a symphony of taste you won’t find replicated elsewhere. Abroad, you might stumble upon a decent burger, but it won’t carry that unmistakable In-N-Out magic. The craving will hit hard late at night, when you’re longing for a taste of the West Coast.
2. Avocado Toast
California produces over 90% of the U.S.’s avocados, so it’s no surprise that avocado toast has become synonymous with the state’s laid-back, health-conscious vibe. What started as a humble breakfast dish—ripe avocado mashed onto artisanal sourdough, sprinkled with sea salt and perhaps a drizzle of olive oil—has evolved into a global phenomenon.
But there’s something about the California version, often made with Hass avocados from local groves, that feels irreplaceable. When you’re overseas, staring at a pale imitation with subpar bread or unripe fruit, you’ll yearn for the creamy, buttery perfection of the real deal.
3. Fish Tacos
Born in Baja California and perfected north of the border, fish tacos are a coastal California classic. Crispy battered fish—often cod or mahi-mahi—nestled in a warm tortilla with shredded cabbage, a zesty crema, and a squeeze of lime is a bite of pure sunshine. From San Diego’s food trucks to San Francisco’s upscale eateries, these tacos embody the state’s fusion of Mexican influences and fresh seafood bounty. Abroad, you might find tacos, but they’ll lack the effortless balance of flavors and the Pacific Ocean’s whisper. The craving will sneak up on you during a beachside meal, when you realize the local fare just doesn’t compare.
4. Sourdough Bread
San Francisco’s sourdough is legendary, its tangy bite and chewy crust a product of wild yeast and a Gold Rush-era tradition. Bakers like Boudin have kept the craft alive, using starters that date back over a century. Whether it’s a warm loaf slathered with butter or a bowl of clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl, this is comfort food with a California twist.
Overseas, you’ll encounter plenty of bread, but the unique sourness—born from the Bay Area’s foggy microclimate—will be missing. You’ll find yourself daydreaming about tearing into a crusty round, the aroma alone enough to transport you back.
5. California Roll
Sushi might hail from Japan, but the California roll is a Golden State invention that flipped tradition on its head. Created in Los Angeles in the 1960s, this inside-out roll with crab (or imitation crab), avocado, and cucumber introduced sushi to countless Americans. It’s light, fresh, and unmistakably Californian—a reflection of the state’s knack for blending cultures into something new.
When you’re abroad, even in sushi-loving countries, the absence of this familiar roll will feel like a small betrayal. You’ll crave its subtle sweetness and the way it bridges your love for sushi with a taste of home.
California’s food is more than sustenance; it’s a love letter to its landscapes and people. When you’re abroad, these five dishes will call to you, each bite a memory of sunny days and endless possibility. Distance only deepens the longing—until you’re back, satisfying those cravings one delicious mouthful at a time.
SOURCES:
[1] https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/language/10-things-to-eat-in-california/
[2] https://saltandwind.com/must-try-iconic-foods-from-california/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO3hu21qhDE
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/digitalnomad/comments/14c3huq/what_are_foods_you_crave_when_you_are_in_new/
