LAReview
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Porridge + Puffs
Included In
For some people, voluntarily going out to eat without anyone else is as anxiety-inducing as booking your annual physical. But once you try it, you’ll realize dining solo can turn into an addiction, mostly because you won’t have to share, and no one will give you a “really?” face when you order another glass of wine. If you’re looking for a gateway drug into the world of quiet meals on your own, start with some rice porridge and donut-like puffs at Porridge & Puffs.
This casual Asian-influenced spot in Historic Filipinotown has a charming, slightly unfinished feel. For decoration, there are dried flowers on one wall and a bunch of polaroids of friends on another, plus some speaker wires taped to windows. The communal table is slightly wobbly, the bench seat along the wall is too low for the tables, and it all comes together to be minimal but cozy. Whatever time of day you’re here (they’re open for lunch weekdays, brunch on weekends, and dinner a couple of nights a week), there will probably be another solo diner at the communal table so that you don’t feel entirely alone.
photo credit: Jakob Layman
The menu is also ideal for parties of one - it’s pretty small, and sharing bowls of rice porridge is about as fun as sharing bowls of soup. While there are a couple of salad-y things, dessert options, and airy, beignet-like puffs that come in savory (for scooping purposes) or sweet form, the porridges are where you should focus your energy.
Rice porridge with a few ingredients on top might sound simple, but all the bowls here are complex. Like a hearty seasonal special with butternut brown butter porridge, duck stock poached mochi, and braised winter melon. Everything you eat here is subtle, layered, and full of flavor. It’s food that was made just for you, and that you’d prefer not to share.
Porridge + Puffs is a solo dining safe space, especially during the day. The staff are friendly and happy to chat. The dishes aren’t so big or expensive that ordering a porridge, a plate of puffs, and a dessert feels extravagant. Before you know it, you’ll be eating alone all the time. You should just book that annual physical now too.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Asian Herb Slaw
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Poultry + Mushroom
Shortrib
photo credit: Jakob Layman
The Velvet
Szechuan Shakshouka Porridge
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Puffs
photo credit: Jakob Layman