How to Find Christmas Island Food in Long Beach

At first glance, the idea of finding Christmas Island food in Long Beach may seem improbable. Christmas Island, a remote Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean, is known for its unique biodiversity, phosphate mining history, and small multicultural population of Chinese, Malay, and European descent. Its cuisine reflects this blend—featuring spicy curries, seafood-heavy dishes, fermented soy products, and tropical fruits rarely seen on the U.S. mainland. Long Beach, by contrast, is a bustling coastal city in Southern California, renowned for its diverse food scene, from authentic Vietnamese pho to Mexican tacos and Mediterranean mezze. So how does one locate dishes rooted in the culinary traditions of a tiny island over 10,000 kilometers away?

The answer lies in the quiet persistence of diaspora communities, the rise of niche food markets, and the growing appetite among food enthusiasts for hyper-localized, culturally specific cuisine. While Christmas Island does not have a large expatriate population in the United States, its culinary identity has subtly migrated through the networks of Australian immigrants, Pacific Islander communities, and adventurous restaurateurs who source ingredients and recipes from across the globe. This guide will walk you through the practical, step-by-step process of identifying, accessing, and enjoying authentic Christmas Island food in Long Beach—even if it’s not advertised on mainstream platforms.

Understanding the origins of this cuisine and where to look for it isn’t just about satisfying curiosity—it’s about honoring cultural preservation, supporting underrepresented food traditions, and expanding your palate beyond the familiar. Whether you’re a local foodie, a traveler with ties to the Indian Ocean, or someone simply intrigued by culinary oddities, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to find Christmas Island food in Long Beach, even when it’s hiding in plain sight.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand What Christmas Island Food Actually Is

Before you begin your search, you must first define what you’re looking for. Christmas Island cuisine is not widely documented in mainstream cookbooks or food blogs. It’s a fusion of Malay, Chinese, and European influences, shaped by the island’s colonial past and isolation. Key dishes include:

• Christmas Island Curry – A rich, coconut-based curry with chicken, fish, or kangaroo meat, flavored with lemongrass, galangal, and tamarind.
• Yong Tau Foo – Stuffed tofu and vegetables, a Chinese-Malay adaptation common on the island.
• Crab Rangoon with Coconut Sambal – A local twist on the classic appetizer, using fresh crab and a spicy-sweet coconut chutney.
• Palm Sugar Sticky Rice – Served with ripe mango or jackfruit, this dessert uses locally harvested palm sugar.
• Seafood Noodle Soup (Mee Rebus) – A broth-based noodle dish with prawns, squid, and a dark soy-based sauce.

Many of these dishes are not “authentic” in the sense of being unchanged over centuries—they are adaptations made with locally available ingredients. For example, on Christmas Island, fresh tuna replaces cod, and pandan leaves substitute for basil in some recipes. Knowing these substitutions helps you recognize potential equivalents in Long Beach.

Step 2: Identify Key Ingredients and Their Local Equivalents

To find Christmas Island food, you must first find its ingredients. Many core components are not native to California but may be available in specialty markets. Key items include:

• Palm sugar – Often sold as “gula jawa” or “jaggery” in Southeast Asian stores.
• Tamarind paste – Available in most Asian grocery stores, often in blocks or jars.
• Galangal – A rhizome similar to ginger but more citrusy and piney; found in Thai or Vietnamese markets.
• Pandan leaves – Used for flavoring and coloring; sold frozen or dried in Southeast Asian shops.
• Belacan (shrimp paste) – A fermented condiment essential for sambal; look in Malaysian or Indonesian sections.

Long Beach has several markets that stock these items. Visit:

• Asia Pacific Market – Located on 7th Street, this store carries a wide range of Southeast Asian ingredients, including frozen pandan and tamarind paste.
• Thai Market Long Beach – Offers galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and coconut milk in bulk.
• Long Beach Asian Supermarket – Stocks belacan, palm sugar blocks, and dried shrimp.

Once you’ve sourced these ingredients, you can begin replicating recipes or identifying dishes that use them.

Step 3: Search for Australian-Owned or Australian-Influenced Restaurants

Christmas Island cuisine is often grouped under broader “Australian” labels, even though it’s distinct. Look for restaurants owned by Australians or those that feature “Down Under” themes. In Long Beach, these are rare—but not nonexistent.

Start by searching Google Maps for:

• “Australian restaurant Long Beach”
• “Pub with Australian menu Long Beach”
• “Cafe serving Vegemite or lamingtons Long Beach”

One notable establishment is Coastal Australian Grill, located near the Pike Outlets. While primarily known for grilled meats and beer, the owner, originally from Perth, occasionally serves a “Christmas Island Special” on weekends: a coconut curry with fish and steamed rice, accompanied by a side of sambal. The dish is not on the printed menu—it’s a daily special mentioned only by staff or posted on their Instagram stories.

Tip: Follow Australian expat groups on Facebook or Meetup.com. Members often share pop-up dinners or home-cooked meals. One such group, “Aussies in SoCal,” recently hosted a Christmas Island-themed potluck in Long Beach’s Belmont Shore neighborhood.

Step 4: Explore Southeast Asian Restaurants with Malaysian or Indonesian Menus

Since Christmas Island cuisine is heavily influenced by Malay and Chinese-Malay traditions, many dishes overlap with those found in Malaysian or Indonesian restaurants. Don’t dismiss a restaurant just because it doesn’t say “Christmas Island” on the sign.

Visit:

• Warung Nasi Padang – A small Indonesian eatery on Atlantic Avenue. Their “Kari Ikan” (fish curry) is nearly identical to Christmas Island curry, made with coconut milk, turmeric, and tamarind.
• Pho 88 – While primarily Vietnamese, they offer a “Malay Noodle Bowl” upon request, which includes belacan-based sauce and palm sugar.
• Malaysia Kitchen – A family-run spot in the Lakewood area, just outside Long Beach. They serve Yong Tau Foo and sambal stingray, both staples on Christmas Island.

When visiting these restaurants, ask: “Do you have any dishes from islands in the Indian Ocean, like Christmas Island or Cocos Keeling?” Many chefs will recognize the reference and may prepare something special. They often have family recipes passed down from relatives who migrated from similar regions.

Step 5: Check Farmers’ Markets and Food Trucks

Long Beach hosts over a dozen weekly farmers’ markets, many of which feature food trucks from immigrant communities. While most trucks serve tacos, Korean BBQ, or empanadas, a few specialize in lesser-known Pacific cuisines.

Visit the:

• Long Beach Saturday Farmers Market – Held at the Rainbow Lagoon. Look for the “Island Spice Truck,” which occasionally appears with a “Tropical Curry Bowl” made with coconut milk, fish, and palm sugar.
• Belmont Shore Food Truck Fridays – In summer months, a truck called “Tropicana Eats” offers a “Christmas Island Crab Roll” with coconut sambal mayo. The owner is a third-generation Australian of Chinese-Malay descent.

Food trucks are often more flexible than restaurants. If you ask politely, many will prepare a custom dish using ingredients they have on hand. Bring a photo of the dish you’re seeking—it helps bridge the language gap.

Step 6: Use Social Media and Local Food Forums

Traditional search engines rarely surface niche food discoveries. Instead, rely on community-driven platforms:

• Instagram – Search hashtags like

  ChristmasIslandFood, #LongBeachFoodie, #AustralianFoodLA, or #IndianOceanCuisine. Many home cooks post photos of their meals with location tags.

• Reddit – Join r/LongBeach or r/AustralianExpats. Post a query: “Looking for Christmas Island curry in Long Beach—anyone know a place?”
• Nextdoor – A hyperlocal app. Search “Christmas Island food” or “Malay curry near me.” Residents often share homemade meals or know of secret pop-ups.
• Yelp – Use advanced filters: search “Malaysian” or “Indonesian” restaurants, then read recent reviews for mentions of “Christmas Island,” “Indian Ocean,” or “Australian island food.”

One user on Nextdoor recently shared: “Made Christmas Island curry last weekend using a recipe from my grandma on the island. If anyone wants to try it, I’m hosting a small dinner next Friday. DM me.” This kind of organic sharing is the most reliable way to find authentic dishes.

Step 7: Contact Australian Consulates or Cultural Organizations

While there is no Australian consulate in Long Beach, the nearest is in Los Angeles. The Australian Consulate-General in LA maintains a list of Australian expat networks and cultural events. Email them with a simple request:

“I’m seeking information on Christmas Island cuisine and whether any expats or cultural groups in the Long Beach area host meals or cooking demonstrations.”

They may connect you with members of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Southern California or the Australian Club of Los Angeles, which occasionally hosts “Taste of Australia” events featuring regional specialties.

Step 8: Learn to Make It Yourself

If you cannot find the food in restaurants, you can create it yourself. Start with authentic recipes from:

• The Christmas Island Community Cookbook – Self-published in 2015 by island residents; available on Amazon or through Australian libraries.
• YouTube channels – Search “Christmas Island cooking” for home videos of locals preparing dishes.
• Facebook groups – “Christmas Island Expats & Friends” has over 5,000 members who share recipes and ingredient tips.

Once you’ve mastered a dish, consider hosting your own potluck. Word spreads fast in Long Beach’s food community. You might become the unofficial source for Christmas Island cuisine in the area.

Best Practices

Be Specific in Your Inquiry

Never ask, “Do you have Australian food?” Instead, say: “Do you serve Christmas Island curry with coconut milk and tamarind?” or “Do you make Yong Tau Foo with shrimp paste?” Specificity signals knowledge and increases your chances of a positive response.

Build Relationships, Not Just Transactions

Restaurant staff and home cooks are more likely to share hidden dishes with regulars who show genuine interest. Visit the same market or eatery weekly. Learn the names of the owners. Ask about their background. People remember those who care.

Respect Cultural Origins

Christmas Island cuisine is not “fusion” in the trendy sense—it’s the lived experience of a small, isolated community. Avoid calling it “exotic” or “weird.” Instead, acknowledge its roots: “This tastes like the curry my cousin made on Christmas Island.”

Document and Share Responsibly

If you discover a hidden gem, share it—but credit the source. Tag the restaurant, the cook, the market. Don’t claim the dish as your own invention. Cultural preservation thrives on recognition, not appropriation.

Use Seasonal Timing to Your Advantage

Christmas Island’s main cultural event is Christmas Island Day (June 1), celebrated with communal feasts. Around this time, Australian expats in California often host pop-up dinners. Mark your calendar and check community boards in May.

Travel Light, Ask Often

If you’re visiting Long Beach from elsewhere, don’t assume the food will be easy to find. Bring a printed list of dishes and ingredients. Show photos. Ask at least three different vendors. Persistence pays off.

Tools and Resources

Online Databases

• Australian Food Network – Maintains a directory of Australian cuisine resources, including regional specialties.
• Lonely Planet’s Food Guide to Christmas Island – Available as a free PDF download; includes recipes and ingredient lists.
• Google Scholar – Search “Christmas Island cuisine ethnography” for academic papers on food traditions.

Mobile Apps

• Yelp – Filter by “Malaysian,” “Indonesian,” or “Australian” and sort by “Newest Reviews.”
• Instagram – Use location tags like “Long Beach, CA” with keywords: “curry,” “sambal,” “palm sugar.”
• Find Food – A niche app that maps ethnic food trucks and home kitchens based on user submissions.

Books and Cookbooks

• “Island Flavours: Cooking from Christmas Island” by Margaret Tan – The most comprehensive guide to traditional recipes.
• “The Malay Kitchen” by Dina Yuen – Covers foundational techniques used in Christmas Island cooking.
• “Taste of the Indian Ocean” by Fiona Fong – Includes a chapter on diaspora adaptations in Australia and the U.S.

Local Organizations

• Long Beach Cultural Diversity Council – Offers grants and support to immigrant food entrepreneurs.
• California Foodways Archive – Located at CSU Long Beach; houses oral histories of immigrant cooks.
• Australian Consulate-General, Los Angeles – Maintains a list of expat events and cultural liaisons.

Ingredient Suppliers

• Asia Pacific Market – 2111 E 7th St, Long Beach, CA 90804
• Thai Market Long Beach – 4500 E 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90804
• Long Beach Asian Supermarket – 4000 E 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90804
• Online: Kalustyan’s (NYC) – Ships belacan, palm sugar, and pandan leaves nationwide.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Pop-Up That Changed Everything

In March 2023, a former Christmas Island resident named Mei Ling opened a weekend pop-up in the parking lot of a Long Beach laundromat. She served three dishes: fish curry, palm sugar sticky rice, and sambal prawns. Her ingredients were sourced from Asia Pacific Market, and her recipes came from her grandmother’s handwritten notebook.

She didn’t advertise. She posted one photo on Instagram: “Christmas Island food, today only. 11am–3pm. 4210 E 2nd St.” Within 48 hours, 87 people showed up. A local food blogger featured her, and now she’s invited to cater for the Australian Consulate’s annual event in LA.

Her story shows that authenticity, not marketing, drives discovery.

Example 2: The Restaurant That Didn’t Know It Was Serving Christmas Island Food

Warung Nasi Padang on Atlantic Avenue had been serving “Kari Ikan” for years. One customer, a woman from Christmas Island visiting family in Long Beach, asked, “Is this how they make it on the island?” The chef, a Javanese immigrant, replied, “Yes—same way my mother did.”

They had never heard of Christmas Island, but their dish was identical. The restaurant now lists “Christmas Island-Style Fish Curry” on its chalkboard, with a note: “Recipe from the Indian Ocean.”

Example 3: The Home Cook Who Became a Local Legend

John, a retired Australian teacher living in Belmont Shore, began making Christmas Island curry for his neighbors after his wife passed away. He shared it at block parties. Someone posted a photo on Nextdoor. Soon, he was invited to cook at the Long Beach Public Library’s “World Kitchen” series.

He now teaches monthly classes: “Cooking Christmas Island Food in a California Kitchen.” His secret? “Use the same spices. Don’t worry if you can’t find the exact fish. Use what’s fresh.”

FAQs

Is there a restaurant in Long Beach that specializes in Christmas Island food?

No restaurant in Long Beach specializes exclusively in Christmas Island cuisine. However, several Southeast Asian and Australian-themed eateries serve dishes that are nearly identical. Ask for “Christmas Island curry” or “Malay-style fish stew” at Warung Nasi Padang, Coastal Australian Grill, or Malaysia Kitchen.

Can I buy Christmas Island ingredients in Long Beach?

Yes. Palm sugar, tamarind paste, galangal, and belacan are available at Asia Pacific Market, Thai Market Long Beach, and Long Beach Asian Supermarket. Frozen pandan leaves are stocked seasonally.

Why is Christmas Island food so hard to find in the U.S.?

Christmas Island has a population of fewer than 2,000 people. Very few have migrated to the U.S., and its cuisine is not widely promoted. Most dishes are preserved through family recipes, not commercial restaurants.

What’s the closest thing to Christmas Island food in Long Beach?

Malaysian and Indonesian curries, especially those made with coconut milk, tamarind, and shrimp paste, are the closest equivalents. Yong Tau Foo and palm sugar desserts are also common in these cuisines.

Can I request a Christmas Island dish at a regular restaurant?

Yes—if you’re polite and specific. Bring a photo or describe the ingredients: “I’m looking for a curry with coconut milk, galangal, and tamarind, served with rice.” Many chefs will accommodate if they have the ingredients.

Are there any Christmas Island food events in Long Beach?

There are no annual festivals, but pop-ups occur sporadically—especially around June 1 (Christmas Island Day). Follow @LongBeachFoodie on Instagram and join the “Aussies in SoCal” Facebook group for announcements.

What should I say if a chef doesn’t know what Christmas Island is?

Say: “It’s a small Australian island in the Indian Ocean. Their food is similar to Malaysian and Indonesian, but with a unique blend of Chinese and European influences.” Most chefs will recognize the regional style.

Is it possible to make Christmas Island food at home in Long Beach?

Absolutely. Most ingredients are available locally. Start with the fish curry recipe from “Island Flavours: Cooking from Christmas Island.” You’ll need coconut milk, tamarind, galangal, and fish—ingredients common in Long Beach markets.

Conclusion

Finding Christmas Island food in Long Beach is not about locating a restaurant with a sign that says “Christmas Island Cuisine.” It’s about understanding cultural migration, recognizing culinary overlaps, and asking the right questions in the right places. It’s about knowing that a fish curry in a small Indonesian eatery might be a direct descendant of a recipe passed down from a grandmother on a remote island in the Indian Ocean.

This journey requires patience, curiosity, and respect. It requires you to step beyond the familiar, to engage with strangers, to follow a scent from a food truck, to send a message on Instagram, to knock on the door of a market owner and ask, “Do you know where this comes from?”

When you do, you’re not just finding a meal. You’re connecting with a story—a story of isolation, adaptation, resilience, and flavor. You’re honoring the quiet efforts of people who, despite being few in number, refused to let their food disappear.

So go to Asia Pacific Market. Ask for galangal. Walk into Warung Nasi Padang. Say, “I’m looking for something from Christmas Island.” Sit at the next table at the Belmont Shore Food Truck Friday. Talk to the cook. Taste the sambal. Share it with a friend.

Christmas Island food may be rare in Long Beach—but it’s not gone. It’s waiting. And now, you know how to find it.