1. Los Angeles, California

Carnitas simmered with love, skewers kissed by fire, hot dogs that make the score — some of the best eats in LA can be found in its many communities.

2. Portland, Oregon

Portland's freethinking food scene fosters barbecue brisket tacos, loaded mac and cheese — and Thuy Pham's heartfelt Vietnamese vegan pork belly.

3. New York, New York

Always on the go, the Big Apple fuels its hustle with soul-stirring shrimp and grits, crisp slices, spicy halal chicken and rice, and snappy dogs.

4. New Orlean, Louisiana

Amid a party city's mix of po'boys, snoballs and crawfish, Ms. Linda Green's beloved yakamein bubbles with inspiration, even in the face of tragedy.

5. Oahu, Hawaii

Sparkling fresh poke. Succulent kalua pig. Tempting, tender kalbi. For a real taste of Hawaii, take a bite at its lunch trucks and holes-in-the-wall.