Sari Sari Store

Tucked inside the bustling corridors of Grand Central Market in Downtown LA, Sari Sari Store brings Filipino soul food to one of the city’s most iconic food halls. This modest counter-service spot comes from the same husband-and-wife team behind Republique, and while the cuisines couldn’t be more different, that same dedication to quality shines through in every bowl.

The menu centers on rice bowls, each one a study in bold, layered flavors. The Pinoy BBQ stands out with ribs that fall apart at the touch of a fork, charred edges giving way to tender meat, all nestled on a bed of garlicky rice with pickled vegetables and a runny egg. The arroz caldo—a warming rice porridge with pork and mushrooms—delivers comfort in its purest form, especially when you add a few splashes of their house suka vinegar. Don’t overlook the breakfast sandwich either: crispy egg, spiced sausage, and American cheese combine into something far greater than the sum of their parts.

The real magic here is how approachable everything feels. Nothing on the menu will set you back more than lunch money, and you can be in and out in the time it takes to find parking. It’s the kind of place that rewards repeat visits, where you slowly work your way through the menu and develop your own ordering ritual. Solo diners fit right in at the communal tables.

Whatever you do, save room for the buko pie. This coconut-on-coconut-on-coconut dessert features a flaky crust, custardy filling, and a crumbly streusel top. If it’s fresh from the oven, they’ll make you wait until it sets—trust that it’s worth every minute.