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Flavors from Afar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Flavors from Afar
8.4
This Bib Gourmand–recognized East Hollywood cafe runs rotating menus from refugee and immigrant chefs, often offered as coursed or prix-fixe experiences that eat like a tasting tour of one country at a time. Plates lean hearty and home-style but arrive with enough structure and storytelling to satisfy tasting-menu fans at a more casual price point.
Must-Try Dishes:
Somali sambusa with lamb, Egyptian gravy smothered lamb shank plate, Afghan mantu dumplings
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A mission-driven cafe where rotating refugee chefs turn global home cooking into approachable, coursed menus in the heart of East Hollywood.
Who should go: Diners seeking global flavors and meaningful, affordable tasting-style meals.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for shorter waits and better pacing.
What to order: Somali sambusas, current month’s chef tasting, lamb shank plate.
Insider tip: Check the calendar before you go—the featured country and menu change regularly, so timing your visit can unlock a completely different experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is generally available on Beverly and nearby residential blocks, with better luck before 6pm; the small rear lot fills quickly.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; no need to dress up, but neat attire fits the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate — conversations are easy, though peak dinner hours can get lively.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on the chef’s current menu and foot traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even for larger groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Often — availability depends on the rotating chef, but there are typically 1–2 entrée-level vegetarian dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — some menus offer vegan sides or soups, but full vegan mains vary by month.
Gluten-free options: Generally yes — many homestyle dishes are naturally gluten-free, but confirm with staff since menus change frequently.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the mission-driven story and rotating global menus spark easy conversation, and the casual setting keeps it low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually — walk-ins are common, especially on weekdays. For weekend dinners, arriving early helps avoid short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy global flavors. There’s no dedicated kids’ menu, but staff are accommodating, and the casual room works well for families.
Best For
Better for: Culturally immersive, rotating home-cooking–inspired tasting menus at accessible prices — ideal for diners who want both flavor and purpose.
Skip if: You want a formal, white-tablecloth tasting menu or a predictable, fixed menu each visit.
Flavors from Afar
8.4
Launched in 2020 by Meymuna Hussein-Cattan and the Tiyya Foundation, Flavors from Afar is a Bib Gourmand–recognized cafe where refugee and immigrant chefs rotate through the kitchen, each bringing a menu from their home country. East Hollywood regulars come for sambusas, stews, and rice dishes that overdeliver on value while supporting a social mission.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sambusas, Spiced Lamb Tartine, Monthly Rotating Regional Entrée
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A rotating refugee-chef menu where each month showcases a different global cuisine while funding community programs.
Who should go: Diners who love global flavors and mission-driven restaurants.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the best value and shorter waits.
What to order: Sambusas, spiced lamb tartine, current chef’s spotlight entrée.
Insider tip: Check the monthly chef calendar before booking so you can time your visit around a region or cuisine you especially want to explore.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Vermont and side streets is usually manageable before 6pm, but can tighten during peak dinner hours. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — most guests come in everyday wear. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy conversation at most tables, even during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the popularity of the current month's chef.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick counter ordering and fast seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most monthly chefs build multiple vegetarian entrées and sides.
Vegan options: Often available — varies by chef, but expect 1–2 dishes rooted in vegetables, legumes, or grains.
Gluten-free options: Good selection — many global dishes are naturally gluten-free, including stews, rice plates, and salads.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual, meaningful, and conversation-friendly. The rotating immigrant-chef concept creates an easy icebreaker without feeling flashy or formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Almost always. They operate counter-service with open seating, so walk-ins are the norm. Only special events or chef-spotlight nights draw notable lines.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly and welcoming. Portions are generous, service is relaxed, and there are mild dishes that work well for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Authentic, home-style global cooking with a social-impact mission and rotating monthly menus that keep regulars coming back.
Skip if: You want a polished, reservation-only dining room or a long-form tasting menu — this is a casual counter-service format focused on comfort and value.