A Quick Guide to Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles

When it comes to Asian communities abroad, neighbourhoods like Little India and Chinatown often come to mind, but Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles stands out as a vibrant yet underrated hub for Filipino culture. Established in the early 1900s and officially recognised in 2002, this historic-cultural neighbourhood, also known as HiFi, has long been a centre for Filipino-American life, rich with community spirit, street art, and a growing food scene.

Image credit: Sampaiii via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re visiting LA from the Philippines, Historic Filipinotown offers a unique way to experience Filipino culture through the eyes of the diaspora. It’s a chance to connect with the evolving identity of Filipinos abroad, while enjoying authentic cuisine, cultural events, and neighbourhood charm that truly make it a must-visit destination in 2025.

Image credit (L-R): Angel Ruiz; Pedro Lopez via Official Instagram

Also read: 12 Places to Visit in LA for First-Timers

Top things to do in the Historic Filipinotown

Including what to see, as well as where to eat and drink around the neighbourhood!

1. Take a jeepney tour

Image credit: Pilipino Workers Center | Official Instagram Page

Some of you might argue, “Why would I ride a vehicle that I see all the time back home?” Okay, valid, but have you ever tried riding a jeepney in the United States? Didn’t think so. Jeepney tours around are organised by the Pilipino Workers Center once a month, usually on a Saturday. Though, if you’re travelling with a bigger group, you can also request for a private one! 

2. Learn more about Filipino-American history

Image credit: Sampaiii via Wikimedia Commons

Head over to Unidad Park, where you’ll find one of the most notable landmarks in : a massive 150-foot-wide mural called Gintong Kasaysayan, Gintong Pamana. It’s also referred to as Filipino Americans: A Glorious History, A Golden Legacy in English. Created by Eliseo Art Silva, it depicts over 4,000 years of Philippine history from pre-colonial to present-day. 

Image credit: Vian De La Torre | Official Instagram Page

This includes the 1965 Delano Grape Strike, an integral part of Filipino-American history. In fact, the leader was an immigrant from Pangasinan named Larry Itliong. The mural also features other historical figures like Lapu-Lapu and Jose Rizal, as well as Pinoy icons like Apl.de.ap and Lea Salonga. 

Fun fact: Silva was born and raised in the Philippines, and even participated in the EDSA People Power I Revolution. At age 17, he migrated to the States to pursue an arts degree. 

3. Check out artworks from Gabba Gallery

Image credit: Gabba Gallery | Official Facebook Page

Step inside this contemporary art gallery on Beverly Boulevard to see works from both upcoming and established artists from around the world. While Gabba Galley does showcase art in different disciplines — from photography to collage and fine art — it mainly focuses on street art. Outside, you’ll find a hand-painted yellow sign that says “Art in The Alley.” This will lead you to three nearby alleys, where there are over a hundred murals in different hues, styles, and themes. 

Image credit: Gabba Gallery | Official Facebook Page

These murals are all part of the gallery’s Alley Project, which aims to bring art outdoors and therefore more accessible for the community. And mind you, the walls aren’t the only surfaces where you’ll spot murals; there are also some painted on garage doors, electric poles, and even dumpsters! 

4. Get your caffeine fix from a former gourmet coffee truck

Image credit: Tactile Coffee | Official Facebook Page

Tactile Coffee became popular among the Downtown LA crowd back when it was still housed in a mobile truck. Eventually, it found a more permanent home along Beverly Boulevard. They’re known for serving speciality coffee, ranging from standard to innovative. Should you opt for the latter, we recommend the Blackstrap Latte, which is both sweet and nutritious, thanks to the blackstrap molasses syrup. 

Image credit: Tactile Coffee | Official Facebook Page

There’s also the Five-Second Rule: chilled espresso shot over almond milk that must be consumed within five seconds of being served. (Or at least, that’s what the menu says — dare to see what happens if you don’t follow it?) Don’t forget to pair your coffee with their house-baked buttermilk biscuits, which many Angelenos have dubbed as the best in town! You can pair these with either raw honey, agave, or apple-butter. 

5. Feast on good ol’ Pinoy street food

Image credit: Dollar Hits | Official Instagram Page

I mean, if you already went ahead and rode a jeepney abroad — might as well enjoy some street food, too! Clearly, we’re talking about the likes of isaw, kwek-kwek, balut, betamax, and pork barbecue skewers. Your best bet for these would be Dollar Hits on Temple Street, right at the heart of . Oh, and they even serve palamig straight from pour-it-yourself plastic barrels, too! Once you step inside, you’ll feel as if you’re in a local karinderya back in the Philippines. 

6. Experience Filipino cuisine with an LA twist

Image credit: HiFi Kitchen | Official Facebook Page

For less traditional and more experimental dishes, we recommend HiFi Kitchen. The owner, Justin Foronda, is actually born and raised in Filipinotown. The best-selling rice bowls are a nod to his Pinoy heritage, whereas the store’s ’90s theme is a homage to the era he grew up in. (You’ll love the hiphop beats playing in the background!) 

Image credit: HiFi Kitchen | Official Website

Of course, these aren’t just your regular rice bowls! Take your pick between straightforward staples like the lechon kawali and chicken afritada bowls; and vegetarian options like the mushroom adobo and seared cauliflower laing bowls. In  fact, the latter is actually a nod to Foronda’s other career as a nurse. 

Image credit: Tribal Café | Official Facebook Page

For even more healthy bites and drinks, check out Tribal Café. We don’t know about you, but it definitely reminds us of our fave vegan-friendly spots in La Union, Siargao, and the like! It’s got the same rustic-bohemian vibe with tropical accents here and there. Try their Ubeng-Ube Açai bowl, paired with something from their wide range of green juices and protein smoothies. Yum! 

Image credit: Tribal Café | Official Facebook Page

This crowd fave Filipinotown café is also a hub for creativity and community collabs. You’ll find paintings by local artists on the walls, and even live performances every now and then. Oh, and did you know that this used to be one of Carlos Bulosan’s hangouts — back when it was still called Traveler’s Cafe? He’s a Filipino writer who’s one of the notable immigrants featured in the mural in Unidad Park. 

7. Visit the Filipino World War II Memorial

Image credit: Sampaiii via Wikimedia Commons

In Lake Street Park, there are five slabs of polished granite, each one with a letter that collectively spell out ‘valor.’ This is the Filipino World War II Veterans Memorial, which honors the 250,000 Filipino and 7,000 Filipino-Americans who fought in the war. On the back of each monolith, there are photographs and text that tell the harrowing story of the veterans’ experiences. 

You’ll also spot two granite benches, one has the word ‘valor’ etched on it, while the other says ‘kagitingan.’ Both the monoliths and benches are designed by Cheri Gaulke, a visual artist who played a huge role in Southern California’s Feminist Art Movement. 

What’s next for LA’s ?

Image credit: Office of Councilmember Mitch O’ Farrell

In June 2020, the news broke out that a stunning gateway structure along Beverly Boulevard is in the pipeline. The project is called Talang Gabay: Our Guiding Star, and it’s set to be completed later this year. Oh, and guess who will be designing this architectural feat? The previously mentioned Eliseo Art Silva himself! 

The renderings (pictured above) feature iconic cultural symbols like the parol, the gumamela, and the mythical sarimanok. We don’t know about you, but we’re definitely looking forward to seeing this up close and in person — once we can travel again.

Also read: 10 European-Inspired Destinations in the Philippines You Should Visit

Image credit: jumel 주멜 | Official Instagram Page

Is this the first time you’ve heard about LA’s? Or have you been in the know for quite some time already? Either way, we’d love to hear your thoughts about it. So, go ahead and share in the comments! 

Featured image credit: Jezreel Cruz | Instagram