16 Experiences You’ll Only Relate To If You Grew Up Eating In California

Growing up in California means more than just sunshine and beaches. It’s a unique culinary journey filled with diverse flavors, secret menus, and food traditions that are uniquely Californian. If you’ve lived through these 16 experiences, you’re likely a true Californian at heart.

1. Knowing Your “Order” At In-N-Out Before You Could Drive

Mastering your In-N-Out order was a rite of passage. By the time you hit 16, you knew exactly what you wanted: Double-Double, animal style, perhaps extra spread. Your older siblings or cousins passed down this sacred knowledge, not the internet. You rehearsed it like a play, knowing each detail by heart. The secret menu felt like a secret language, one that bonded you to fellow Californians. Did you want chopped chilies? Maybe light onion? All these decisions were crucial.

2. Arguing About Which Taqueria Actually Has The Best Burrito

In California, debate over the best taqueria was never-ending. Everyone had their go-to spot, a place where burritos became legendary. Wrapped in foil, served hot, they were the perfect car meal. You had strong opinions about overrated places and secret gems. The size of your forearm, these burritos were not just food—they were a statement. Arguments over salsa, meat choice, and tortilla quality were frequent and fervent. Each bite was an affirmation of loyalty.

3. Thinking Fresh Avocado Is Just… Normal

Avocado was never a luxury; it was a staple. In California, you grew up consuming avocados on toast, in salads, or as a standalone snack with lemon and salt. Elsewhere, avocado was a delicacy, an expensive add-on. But for you, it was as common as salt or pepper. It found its way into burgers, burritos, and more. Every meal was an excuse for avocado. Its creamy texture defined your palate, and you expected it to be always ripe and ready.

4. Being Weirdly Comfortable Eating Outside 90% Of The Year

Weather in California practically demanded outdoor dining. Whether it was a sunny patio, a beach wall, or a park bench, meals were best enjoyed outside. This culture of alfresco dining meant half your memorable meals happened with the sky as your ceiling. The breeze, the sun, the sound of waves or rustling leaves made each meal a sensory delight. Rain was rare, so why not embrace the outdoors? Eating inside felt almost confining when nature offered such a grand dining room.

5. Getting Real Fruit In Your Paleta Or Bionico, Not Just “Ice Cream”

From vibrant carts and quaint shops, paletas and bionicos were more than just sweet treats—they were a celebration of fresh fruit. Bursting with flavors like mango, pineapple, or coconut, they were a stark contrast to basic popsicles. Chamoy and Tajín added a spicy twist, making every bite an experience. These treats were colorful, flavorful, and entirely satisfying. You knew where to find the best ones, and each taste was a reminder of California’s richness in fresh produce.

6. Knowing What Carne Asada Fries Are (And Craving Them At 1 A.M.)

Late-night cravings in California often led to carne asada fries. A styrofoam box filled with crispy fries, sizzling carne asada, gooey cheese, guacamole, and sour cream was the ultimate indulgence. You promised to share, but who were you kidding? These fries were a personal feast, best enjoyed with friends after midnight. Each bite was an explosion of flavors and textures, making it impossible to resist. This dish wasn’t just food; it was a beloved tradition that defined many late-night adventures.

7. Thinking Farmers Markets Are Just… How People Buy Food

Farmers markets weren’t a novelty; they were a way of life. Strolling through stalls filled with ripe stone fruits, fresh berries, and artisanal goods was a weekly routine. Samples of organic produce, fresh juices, and handmade goods were the norm. Grocery store produce felt lacking in comparison. In California, buying directly from farmers wasn’t just about freshness; it was about connection. Each market visit was a discovery, a chance to explore the bounty that local farms offered.

8. Ordering Sushi As A Totally Casual Tuesday Night Choice

Sushi in California was as commonplace as pizza night anywhere else. Whether it was rolls, nigiri, or poke, these dishes didn’t feel exotic—they felt normal. You knew which strip-mall sushi place secretly offered the best quality, and which upscale spot was overrated. Sushi was a comfortable choice, something that fit seamlessly into any weekday plan. It was casual, accessible, and part of your culinary landscape, making it an unpretentious yet satisfying option.

9. Having Strong Feelings About Mission-Style vs. SoCal-Style Burritos

Burritos were more than just food—they were a cultural identity. In California, Mission-style versus SoCal-style burritos sparked passionate debates. One wrapped rice, beans, and grilled meat; the other focused on fresh ingredients minus the rice. Salsa placement was crucial, inside or on the side. Each style represented more than taste; it was about allegiance. Such distinctions defined what it meant to be from Northern or Southern California, and you proudly took sides.

10. Associating Beach Days With Specific Snacks

Beach days weren’t complete without signature snacks. Whether it was burritos, subs, or chips with soda, food was integral to the experience. Planning beach snacks was as essential as sunscreen. Each trip meant packing the perfect edible companions, tailored to your crew’s taste. The sun, sand, and waves were best enjoyed with a full stomach. Food wasn’t an afterthought; it was a part of the beach culture, a tradition that made each trip memorable.

11. Growing Up With At Least One “Health Food” Phase In The House

Every Californian household went through a health food phase. Suddenly, almond milk replaced regular, brown rice took over white, and unfamiliar cereals became morning staples. Sprouts and tofu found their way into meals, sometimes sticking, sometimes not. This phase wasn’t just about eating; it was an experiment in lifestyle. Parents embraced it with enthusiasm, and kids went along for the ride. Health food was part of the Californian experiment, a journey toward better living.

12. Knowing Exactly Which Strip-Mall Spot Had The Best Pho Or Bánh Mì

Pho and bánh mì in California were treasures hidden in strip malls. It wasn’t about decor or ambiance; it was about flavor. The right spot offered the perfect broth, fresh herbs, and generous pickled veggies. These meals were comfort in a bowl or a sandwich, and you knew where to find the best ones. Discovering these hidden gems was part of growing up, teaching you early the value of authentic taste over appearance.

13. Treating Clam Chowder In A Sourdough Bread Bowl Like A Coastal Rite Of Passage

Clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl was a coastal tradition. Whether in San Francisco or another seaside town, this meal was a warming embrace. Standing in line, shivering slightly in a hoodie, gripping that hot, steaming bread bowl was a rite of passage. The creamy chowder combined with the chewy sourdough was a unique experience, one that every Californian cherished. It was more than a meal; it was a connection to the coastal life.

14. Having A “Go-To” Boba Order Before It Went Mainstream Everywhere

In California, boba tea was a familiar favorite long before it became a global trend. You had a specific order: half-sweet, less ice, maybe tapioca pearls or popping boba. Ordering boba was a personalized experience, almost a personality test. The variety of flavors and toppings meant endless combinations, and you knew exactly what suited your taste. Boba shops were everywhere, each offering something unique, making this drink a staple in your everyday life.

15. Eating Tri-Tip Or Santa Maria-Style BBQ At Some Family Gathering

Tri-tip and Santa Maria-style BBQ were family gathering staples. The dry rub, slow smoke, and thin slices of meat created a flavor that was distinctly Californian. It wasn’t just food; it was a family ritual. Served with beans, bread, and maybe salsa, each bite was a celebration of tradition. You didn’t call it regional barbecue—it was simply how someone’s uncle made meat. This barbecue defined many family gatherings, creating lasting memories around the grill.

16. Thinking It’s Totally Normal To Choose Between Tacos, Thai, Sushi, Or Burgers On Any Random Night

Living in California spoiled you for choice. On any given night, deciding between tacos, Thai, sushi, or burgers was just another Tuesday. The variety was thrilling, offering endless culinary adventures. Traveling elsewhere where options were limited felt almost offensive. California’s diversity was on full display in its dining options, a testament to its rich cultural tapestry. Each meal was an opportunity for a new taste, making dining out an exciting journey.