A Foodie Journey in San Diego

We all know the best reason to visit San Diego is for its unbeatable beach, and the second best? Food, no argue.

It's seriously a foodie's heaven, surprising me from Mexican food to Asian food to even just a coffee, let alone the seafood. Thanks to my friend Sabrina, now I believe her local knowledge and food expertise were not boasted at all.

Here are four spots that always get people lining up and you'd like to go back again and again:

1. Lucha Libre ( Surf & Turf Burrito )

Whether or not you believe it, the best thing I've had in San Diego was a burrito. YES, it was just a burrito, but it caught me totally by surprise. With grilled steak, shrimp, avocado slices, pico de gallo, rice and super secret chipotle sauce, this so-called Surf & Turf Burrito was bursting with savory salsa and fresh meat under a rolled layer of warm tortilla. Few foods have ever been this legendary.

2. Better Buzz Coffee ( Best Drinker Ever)

Don't ask me why I ask you to go for a coffee in San Diego? Just go and you'll know why. Since the first day I tried its Best Drink Ever, I had to go for it every day I was in San Diego.

The name speaks for itself. This best ever drink is made of classic Americano with the house's signature vanilla powder. Creamy, rich, fresh. The flavor is big and deep enough to wake up your morning and leave you buzzed the rest of the day. Thank you, Better Buzz, just thank you.

3. In 'n' Out (Cheeseburger and French Fries in Animal Style)

Well, I know this nomination is not creative at all. Everyone knows In 'n' Out is a must go in California. But it would never be the cliche, because the standard it holds up to the burger never lets down your expectation. I always order the cheese burger and french fries in animal style because it tastes more bold and creamy.

Dripping with melted cheeses and charcoaled onions, the burger is juicy, meaty, and crispy. It drew me in because of the play between savory, sweet and aromatic. There is a reason for its cult-like following.

4. Village Kitchen (Hunan Rice Noodles)

I hate to say the best Hunan food I've had in States is not in New York but in San Diego. Hands down, it was the most authentic one and the way the chef made it was so grandma. I missed home so much and it cured me.

we ordered five or six dishes. They were all good, but it was the rice noodle that took me home right away. Only Hunaner would drop a fried egg in the rice noodle soup.That's how my grandma cooked it: crispy outside, springy inside. When you bited it, the egg white was chewy and bouncy while the liquid yolk would travel all the way to your mouth and wake up your taste bud to a world of flavors. Along with the flat rice noodle, hot spicy flavor, fresh aroma and deep colour, this dish was just a PERFECTION!