When I was in Los Angeles a while back, I made it to a restaurant that I’ve been hearing about for eons – Stuff I Eat in Inglewood.
It’s a place that I have meant to visit again and again. However, it seemed that usually when I was in the area, I was either on my way to the airport and in a hurry or coming back from the airport and in a hurry.
But as luck would have it this time around, I needed to pick up my rental car by LAX, which put me in the neighborhood at just the right time for lunch at Stuff I Eat.
Stuff I Eat
Stuff I Eat has been around since 2008. Their food is 100% vegan and 95% organic.
It’s on the main drag of Market Street in Inglewood, along with other shops and restaurants. The street was pretty quiet while I was there, as it was still early in the lunch hour.
Even though there’s a large awning outside with their name on it, because of the dark windows, I missed it and kept walking. Even after I turned around and started walking back, I almost missed it again. So etch this exterior into your mind’s eye and don’t make the same mistake I did.
The restaurant is clean and nicely laid out with café-style tables. The staff at the counter was all smiles and really helpful with ideas of their most popular items.
They’re well-known for their tacos. But obviously I had to go with another popular item on their menu, the organic soul food platter.
I ordered a half order of the platter, which came to $12. There was so much food, I easily could have shared it.
Instead, I took half home and finished it with breakfast the next day.
The platter came with generous helpings of yams, black-eyed peas, barbecued tofu, slow cooked kale, a cornbread muffin, potato salad, and mac and cheese.
The greens may well have been the best I’ve ever had. They were melt-in-your-mouth good with that wonderful tinny-ness you get from cooking greens for a long time.
The black-eyed peas were also particularly well seasoned. And since they’re not always my favorite bean, I was surprised at how good they were.
Stuff I Eat is definitely one of those places where you can get caught in a circle of “just one more bite.”
With so many complimentary flavors and huge portions, this is the restaurant to visit with friends and/or a big appetite! It is sure to be on my must-visit list on my next trip to Southern California.
For more Southern California vegan options, visit my California travel page.
Hannah
I never went there either, but it looks really cute! I’m a big ole sucker for soul platters.
Cadry
Aren’t they the best? I wish that even one restaurant in my area would offer them.
FoodFeud
Looks great, especially that mac n cheese and the tofu! Big portions at a restaurant are always welcome.
Cadry
Yes, there’s no worry about going home hungry at this place! 😀
Caitlin
everything looks phenomenal, especially the mac and cheese and beans!
Cadry
It was all super delicious! I wish I lived in the area and could explore the menu more!
acookinthemaking
Ahhh that all looks amazing! Putting this place on my list for my LA trip in June 🙂
Cadry
The LA food scene is going to keep you busy! I can’t wait to see everything you manage to squeeze in while you’re there!
Becky
That looks so amazing! It makes me want to head directly to Soul Vegetarian Kitchen for lunch.
Cadry
Lucky! I wish there was a restaurant in the entire state that offered this kind of vegan soul food. Sadly, my closest option is about four hours away!
Shell
Cad, I noticed in the comments you mentioned that you won’t go home hungry at this place. I’m sold. You know I don’t like to go around hungry! And the food looks wonderful!
Cadry
I’ve always admired your dedication to the principle of not going around hungry! 😉
Demetrius J Bagley
YUM. Thanks for this heads up!
Cadry
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by, Demetrius!
Randi (laughfrodisiac)
OH man that looks sooo good. I want that right now!! I need to find soul food where I am.
Cadry
Good luck! I hope you find a great spot in your area. I’d love to have this meal all over again today. Too bad I’m a plane ride away now! 🙂
flickingthevs
London is clearly missing out on not having any soul food. I guess that means I’ll have to fix some up at home – I just don’t make potato salad often enough!
Cadry
I don’t make potato salad often either! Whenever I make potatoes, I’m always thinking about hot uses like breakfast potatoes or French fries. However, I really enjoy potato salad. I need to make a batch sometime!