Remarkable: Kiano Moju’s Culinary Journey Transforms Los Angeles Food Scene

Kiano Moju, a former Buzzfeed producer and now a celebrated cookbook author, has a unique perspective on Los Angeles. Her journey from Oakland to LA in 2013 marked the beginning of a culinary exploration that would eventually lead to the creation of her first cookbook, AfriCali: Recipes From My Jikoni. This book, released on August 13, 2024, is a vibrant tapestry of her African heritage, Californian roots, and international travels, featuring over 85 recipes.

From Buzzfeed to AfriCali

Before moving to Los Angeles, Moju’s experience with Thai food was limited to Americanized versions she encountered during her college years on the East Coast. However, her culinary world expanded dramatically when she started working at Buzzfeed’s Hollywood offices. It was here that she discovered Luv2Eat, one of LA’s most celebrated regional Thai restaurants. “The Thai food I had up until that point was a scam,” Moju recalls with a perfectly straight face. This revelation was a turning point in her culinary journey.

After graduating from Syracuse University in 2013 and earning a master’s degree in publishing from London’s University of the Arts, Moju moved to Los Angeles to produce videos for Buzzfeed’s food channel, Tasty, from 2017 to 2019. She later opened Jikoni Studios in the Arts District, a creative space for shooting food photography, cooking videos, and conducting cooking classes. Currently, she is redesigning the Two Hommes space in Inglewood.

Exploring LA’s Culinary Landscape

Moju’s love for Los Angeles extends beyond its Thai food scene. She has a deep appreciation for the city’s diverse culinary offerings. When she first moved to LA, she lived in Beverly Hills, drawn to its walkability and vibrant shopping and restaurant scene. Now residing in West Hollywood, she continues to explore the city’s culinary landscape.

One of her favorite restaurants is Si! Mon, which offers a Mexico City approach in the former James Beach bar. Despite its Pan Latin American focus, the energy, vibe, and composition of the dishes transport her back to Mexico City. In the Arts District, she enjoys Afuri Ramen and Ditroit Taqueria, while in Culver City, she recommends picking up a seasonal fruit pie from Fat + Flour for dinner parties.

In Hollywood, Moju frequents Pace Joint on Sunset and Fairfax for its ciabatta and ciabatta baguette made from pizza dough. In Inglewood, she praises Two Hommes for its jollof and fantastic brunch biscuits. Little Ethiopia’s Meals by Genet is her top recommendation for Ethiopian cuisine, noting the unparalleled attention and care owner Genet Agonafer puts into her dishes.

Comparing Culinary Scenes

Moju finds LA’s African food scene to be more dynamic than that of the East Bay, particularly due to LA’s stronger dining-in culture and willingness to try new things. While both regions have a strong Ethiopian food culture, LA stands out for its comfort and familiarity with diverse cuisines. She highlights Si! Mon, Two Hommes, and Mini Kabob as restaurants worth braving the city’s notorious traffic for.

For sourcing African ingredients, Moju relies on Dora African Produce for Nigerian food essentials and the Original Farmers Market’s Original Farm Fresh Produce for perfectly ripe plantains, fresh chiles, and okra. Bangluck Market also inspires her chicken green curry with plantain recipe featured in her cookbook.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles is a city that offers endless culinary adventures. For occasional travelers, we recommend exploring the diverse neighborhoods and their unique food scenes. Start with a visit to the Arts District for a taste of Afuri Ramen and Ditroit Taqueria, then head to Culver City for a delightful pie from Fat + Flour. Don’t miss out on the Ethiopian cuisine in Little Ethiopia, particularly at Meals by Genet.

For expert travelers, delve deeper into the city’s hidden gems. Discover the innovative dishes at Si! Mon in Venice, or venture to Inglewood for a meal at Two Hommes. Embrace the city’s vibrant farmers markets to source fresh, local ingredients and recreate some of Moju’s AfriCali recipes at home.

In conclusion, Los Angeles is a city that continually surprises and delights with its culinary diversity. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new to discover and savor. So, take a page from Kiano Moju’s book and explore the flavors of LA with an open heart and an adventurous palate.