Bang Bang Noodles has been holding it down in Culver City, CA since opening their stall in the Citizen Public Market. Making their return to the desert, the fan-favorite Szechuan Garlic Noodles are savory hand-pulled noodles topped with a spicy umami sauce all on a bed of fresh veggies and served with your choice of beef or mushroom.

BIRRIERIA SAN MARCOS - Birria Queso Tacos

Birrieria San Marcos is a North Hollywood birria staple. While waiting in line to order we overheard a few festivalgoers recognize the name and they immediately jumped in line behind us. Each time someone got excited we grew more and more eager to get those tacos in our mouths. The taco platter came with 3 birria queso tacos. The tender birria was folded into two fried tortillas to support the juiciness of the meat and provide an awesome crunch and sealed with Monterrey jack cheese.

BURGER SHE WROTE - Double Waygu Smash Burger

Smash burgers have become a huge craze. We like them because you can eat a double and even a triple and not feel too guilty. Hailing from the famous Fairfax District in Los Angeles, home to some really great restaurants and awesome shopping, Burger She Wrote made its triumphant return to the desert. This year they had a prime spot in the Indio Central Market, the festival’s premier food hall, serving single and double versions of their Wagyu smash burgers.

FARMHOUSE KITCHEN - Volcano Cup Noodles w/ Fried Chicken

With locations all over the US, it’s more than likely you’ve heard of Farmhouse Kitchen and their delicious noodles. Bringing fun Thai cuisine to the desert, these noodles are a must, whether you’re eating solo or sharing with a few friends (it’s a good-sized serving). The volcano cup is full of spicy noodles stir-fried with their house-made “God-mother “ sauce and served with two beautifully fried chicken thighs, bell peppers, peppercorn, and Thai basil.

FATTY MART - Philly Cheese Steak

Probably the closest thing Los Angeles has to bodega, Chef David Kuo’s Fatty Mart is inspired by the diverse food cultures of LA. With a pretty large menu, we went with the Taiwanese Philly Cheese Steak.  This monster sandwich is filled with spicy wagyu beef, American cheese, and Taiwanese sesame sauce.

LOVE HOUR BURGER - Narrow Head Meal

Love Hour Burger are Coachella veterans, they have been holding down the beautiful Rose Garden VIP area of the festival for years now. Along with their regular menu of smash burgers, fries, and some of the best chicken nuggets you’ll ever eat, they also create a special menu inspired by some of the festival’s performers. We went with Narrow Head Meal, named for the Dallas, TX rockers. The burger is stacked with double patties, double cheese, shredded lettuce, fried pickles, onions, Love Sauce, and served with fries or onion rings.

OAKBERRY AÇAI - Desert Refuel Açai Bowl

We tried to start every day with something healthy and Oakberry called our name every time. Oakberry is a worldwide chain with a focus on building a sustainable brand of superfoods. This 16oz cup of heaven is layered with Oakberry açai with Kapowder Enhance, granola, peanut butter, PB crumbs and banana.

RONAN - Spicy Chomper

Ronan is a heavy hitter in the dense pizza landscape of Los Angeles. Chef Daniel Cutler and his wife, Caitlin brought their Neapolitan pizza back to Indio. The pizzas feature local produce and responsibly raised proteins The Spicy Chomper is topped with soppressata, quattro formaggi, oregano, and capers.