Komal

Tucked inside Mercado La Paloma, Komal is the kind of unassuming food counter that quietly delivers one of LA’s most authentic masa experiences. This sunny yellow stall takes the ancient art of nixtamalization seriously, processing heirloom corn on-site to create tortillas and masa that taste distinctly different from anything you’ll find elsewhere. It’s a labor-intensive tradition that transforms every bite into something genuinely special.

The menu reads simply—tlacoyos, quesadillas, tacos—but the execution elevates these humble antojitos into something memorable. Watch as tortillas puff up like little balloons on the hot plancha, releasing that unmistakable fragrance of fresh maize. The tlacoyos arrive as chewy, bean-stuffed ovals crowned with crumbled cotija and tender nopales. For something heartier, the Taco Sonia piles grilled beef and crumbled longaniza onto an oversized tortilla, all doused in fiery salsa roja.

Beyond the exceptional masa, it’s the supporting players that seal the deal: deeply complex moles, earthy frijoles with real depth, and salsas that carry just the right amount of smoke and heat. Even something as straightforward as rolled tortillas with mole negro for dipping becomes a lesson in how good simple food can be when every component is made with care.

For an affordable, soul-satisfying lunch that punches well above its weight, grab a refreshing cucumber agua fresca and one of those gorgeous blue corn quesadillas. Komal proves that sometimes the best meals come from the humblest counters—no reservations required, just an appetite and an appreciation for tradition done right.