by Grace Galante

Los Angeles is known as one of the most diverse cities in the United States, if not the world. The wide array of cultures that make up this global city is often expressed through art, music and, most notably, food.

For one looking to find a smorgasbord of food, music and traditions from around the world, there’s no better place than Smorgasburg Los Angeles, a bustling open-air food market in Downtown L.A. Every Sunday, dozens of vendors share their unique cultures through food, shopping and cultural events.

In recent years, however, Smorgasburg has become a hub for food fusion, the culinary experiment that’s taken the L.A. food scene by storm. Ever heard of Korean hamburgers or Thai gelato? These are just two examples of food creations that blend the culinary traditions from other countries with those already established here in the U.S.

Xochitl Ruiz, a professor of anthropology at the University of Southern California, says that diverse cities like L.A. have become magnets for food fusion due to their immigrant communities.

“The food of the U.S. has historically been made in and through migration and the movement of people.” Ruiz said.

For five pop-ups within the market, each owned by immigrants or first-generation Americans, food fusion serves as a unifying force, introducing Angelenos to a medley of flavors and culinary traditions from around the globe.