Every Friday our editors compile a trusty list of recommendations to answer the most pressing of questions: “Where should I eat?“ Here now are four places to check out this weekend in Los Angeles. And if you need some ideas on where to drink, here’s our list of the hottest places to get cocktails in town.

For a spicy bowl of Thai noodles: Mae Malai

Rebecca Roland

Whenever the temperature rises outside, I always crave either a really cold bowl of noodles or a really hot bowl of noodles. Having recently filled my jjolmyeon craving, I opted for something hot both in temperature and spice this week. Mae Malai, a pop-up gone permanent at the edge of Thai Town, fit the bill perfectly. Tucked in a two-story strip mall under the watchful eye of a massive Daiso, this Thai noodle specialist is known best for its boat noodles and other soups. On this trip, I opted for a bowl of tom yum noodles, which came with thick, wide rice noodles bathing in a spicy and tangy broth, with a hint of peanut. The spice reared its head immediately, but the heat was more than welcome. The rich flavors of the broth, meat, and meatballs found balance in the spice, which came and dissipated with each bite. A few minutes into eating, the combination of the heat outside, accidentally parking a block too far, and the chilis in the soup had me gently sweating. But I’d take a hot broth cleanse of the pores with a side of noodles over a sauna any day. 5445 Hollywood Boulevard Unit A Los Angeles, CA 90027. — Rebecca Roland, associate editor

For fantastic tacos near just about every part of town: Tacos Tamix

Matthew Kang

Picture this: it’s either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday — and hunger strikes. It’s quite warm out, and the idea of cooking has zero appeal. The idea of driving far doesn’t either. But then again, Tacos Tamix has locations throughout the Southland with some of the region’s best tacos. Choose any truck stationed in Pico-Union, Mid-City, at Santa Fe and Olympic, or in Culver City, and head there with a group. Tamix’s tortas, mulitas, and burritos are absolutely on point, and the salsa bar is nicely assembled. This is a well-oiled operation where the order is produced within minutes. Place an assorted order of three or four carne asada, beef cheek, al pastor, buche, or suadero tacos, which come on a slightly flimsy plate, and enjoy those bites in silence up from the early hours (check to verify the truck’s operating hours) until 2 a.m. 1998-1982 S. Hoover Street, Pico-Union, CA, 90007. — Mona Holmes, reporter

For an antidote to LAX traffic: Banadir Somali Restaurant

Cathy Chaplin

There comes a time in every Angeleno’s life when a trip to LAX to pick up a loved one is unavoidable. After enduring the horrendous traffic and overly aggressive parking attendants, seek refuge at nearby Banadir Somali Restaurant. Located less than five miles from the airport, the low-key restaurant is just the thing to calm nerves and remind residents why Los Angeles is one of the world’s best cities to dine in. The menu offers just one dish: suqaar. The savory stir-fry comes with a choice of protein (lamb, goat, beef, chicken, or fish), along with a melange of sauteed onions, peppers, garlic, tomatoes, and spices — all served with a simple salad, fluffy yellow rice, and a banana, as is tradition in Somali culture. The gamey and tender lamb is especially flavorful in this preparation. 137 Arbor Vitae Street, Inglewood, CA 90301. — Cathy Chaplin, senior editor

For a lazy weekend brunch in Cypress Park without the typical brunch fare: Barra Santos

Matthew Kang

I stumbled upon Barra Santos last week after checking out Shin’s Pizza next door. Despite wolfing down two slices, I bellied up the bar of its Portuguese sister restaurant, meeting very charming and helpful service. One passionfruit soda and plate of freshly sliced Weiser farms baby melon later, the kitchen whipped up a bifana, a tender pork sandwich marinated in chiles, paprika, and coriander. It’s topped with chimichurri-like piso herb sauce and placed between ciabatta-like bread. Enjoy it with a side of honey gold potatoes served with creamy aioli. I was tempted to try the piri piri chicken but didn’t see a grill in the bar’s tiny cooking area. Maybe something for next time. Whether out on the sidewalk or the rounded wooden bar, Barra Santos remains a terrific place to read a book or meet up with a friend for a lazy weekend brunch without any standard American brunch dishes. 1215 Cypress Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90065. — Matthew Kang, lead editor