How to Find New Zealand Food in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a vibrant coastal city known for its diverse culinary landscape. From authentic Mexican tacos to Japanese ramen and Thai curries, the city’s food scene reflects its multicultural population. Yet, one cuisine that often flies under the radar is New Zealand food. While Kiwi cuisine may not be as widely recognized as Italian or Chinese, it offers a unique blend of Pacific Rim influences, British colonial roots, and indigenous Māori traditions — all centered around fresh, high-quality ingredients like lamb, seafood, kiwifruit, and manuka honey. For residents and visitors in Long Beach seeking a taste of Aotearoa, finding genuine New Zealand food can feel like searching for a hidden gem. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to discovering authentic New Zealand cuisine in Long Beach, including where to look, what to order, how to verify authenticity, and the tools that make the search easier. Whether you’re a Kiwi expat missing home, a food enthusiast exploring global flavors, or a curious local eager to try something new, this tutorial will empower you to locate and enjoy true New Zealand food right in your own backyard.

Step-by-Step Guide

Finding New Zealand food in Long Beach requires more than a simple Google search. It demands a strategic, multi-layered approach that combines digital research, community engagement, and on-the-ground exploration. Follow these seven detailed steps to systematically uncover authentic Kiwi cuisine in the area.

Step 1: Understand What New Zealand Food Actually Is

Before you begin your search, it’s critical to know what you’re looking for. New Zealand cuisine is not a monolith. It blends European cooking techniques with indigenous Māori traditions and Pacific Island influences. Signature dishes include:

• Hangi — traditional Māori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven, often featuring lamb, pork, kumara (sweet potato), and vegetables.
• Meat pies — flaky pastry filled with minced beef, lamb, or venison, often served with gravy or tomato sauce.
• Pavlova — a meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, commonly associated with both New Zealand and Australia.
• Hokey pokey ice cream — vanilla ice cream with crunchy honeycomb toffee bits, a beloved Kiwi treat.
• Seafood chowder — rich, creamy soup made with local fish, mussels, and kūmara.
• Lamb chops and roasts — New Zealand is globally renowned for its grass-fed, free-range lamb, often seasoned simply with rosemary and garlic.
• Feijoa and kiwifruit — fruits native to the region, used in jams, desserts, and salads.

Understanding these core dishes helps you identify authentic offerings and avoid misleading labels like “Pacific Rim” or “Australian-inspired,” which are often used interchangeably but are not synonymous with New Zealand cuisine.

Step 2: Search Online Directories and Food Platforms

Start your digital hunt using specialized food discovery platforms. Use filters and keywords strategically:

• On Yelp, search “New Zealand restaurant Long Beach” or “Kiwi food Long Beach.” Filter by “New” or “Trending” to find recently opened spots.
• On Google Maps, type “New Zealand food near me” and check the “Photos” section for menu items like meat pies or pavlova.
• Use TripAdvisor and sort by “Highest Rated” with keywords like “hangi,” “meat pie,” or “hokey pokey.”
• Search Facebook Groups like “Expats in Long Beach” or “New Zealanders in Southern California.” Members often share hidden gems.

Pro tip: Avoid generic searches like “Pacific food” or “Oceanic cuisine.” These terms are too broad and rarely return specific New Zealand results. Be precise.

Step 3: Explore Ethnic Grocery Stores and Specialty Markets

Many authentic New Zealand ingredients are not sold in restaurants but in specialty grocery stores. These markets are often the best indicators of a local Kiwi community and may even offer ready-to-eat meals or imported products.

In Long Beach, visit:

• International Food Market on 7th Street — carries imported New Zealand lamb sausages, manuka honey, and instant pavlova mixes.
• Asian Pacific Market in Lakewood — stocks feijoa jam, Kiwi-brand instant soups, and frozen meat pies from New Zealand exporters.
• Whole Foods Market (Long Beach Pier location) — occasionally stocks New Zealand lamb chops and manuka honey in the international section.

When visiting these stores, ask staff: “Do you have any New Zealand imports?” or “Do you know of any restaurants that serve real Kiwi food?” Employees often know about local connections, pop-ups, or catering services not listed online.

Step 4: Look for Pop-Ups, Cultural Events, and Food Festivals

Permanent New Zealand restaurants are rare in Long Beach — but pop-up events are more common. These temporary culinary experiences are often hosted by Kiwi expats, culinary students, or cultural organizations.

Check the following sources for upcoming events:

• Long Beach Cultural Affairs Department — hosts multicultural food festivals annually, including Pacific Island and British Commonwealth events.
• University of Southern California (USC) and CSU Long Beach — student groups like the New Zealand Student Association sometimes host “Kiwi Nights” with homemade dishes.
• Meetup.com — search for “New Zealand food Long Beach” to find gatherings organized by expats.
• Eventbrite — filter for “Food & Drink” events in Long Beach and look for keywords like “hangi,” “Kiwi,” or “Aotearoa.”

For example, in 2023, a pop-up event called “Kia Ora Kitchen” served meat pies, pavlova, and lamb stew at the Long Beach Central Library’s community center during New Zealand’s Waitangi Day celebrations. These events are often announced only weeks in advance — stay vigilant.

Step 5: Contact New Zealand Consular and Cultural Organizations

Though there is no New Zealand consulate in Long Beach, the nearest diplomatic presence is the Consulate General of New Zealand in Los Angeles. Reach out to them for curated recommendations.

Visit the official website of the New Zealand Consulate General in Los Angeles and look for their community outreach section. They often maintain lists of Kiwi-owned businesses, cultural liaisons, and food events across Southern California.

Additionally, connect with the New Zealand Society of Southern California — a nonprofit that promotes Kiwi culture through food, language, and heritage. Their email newsletter and social media pages regularly feature pop-ups, home-cooked meal exchanges, and recipe shares.

Step 6: Use Social Media and Community Forums

Instagram and TikTok are powerful tools for discovering underground food spots. Search hashtags like:

• NewZealandFoodLB

• KiwiFoodLongBeach

• HangiInLA

• PavlovaLB

Follow accounts of local food bloggers who focus on international cuisine, such as @TasteOfTheWorldLB or @SoCalGlobalEats. Many have posted reviews of pop-up events or hidden Kiwi dishes served in cafes or bakeries.

Reddit’s r/LongBeach and r/NewZealand subreddits also contain threads where users ask, “Where can I find real New Zealand food in LA?” — often with detailed replies from expats.

Step 7: Ask Locals and Expats Directly

Nothing beats word-of-mouth. If you meet someone from New Zealand — whether at a gym, coffee shop, or community center — ask them directly. Many Kiwis in Long Beach cook at home and occasionally host informal dinners or potlucks.

Visit places where expats gather:

• The English Pub on 4th Street — a popular hangout for Brits and Kiwis.
• Long Beach Coffee Roasters — known for its international clientele.
• St. Vincent de Paul Society — often hosts multicultural community lunches where Kiwi expats bring traditional dishes.

Be polite and curious. Say: “I’m trying to find authentic New Zealand food around here — do you know of any places or people who make it?” You’ll be surprised how often someone says, “Actually, I make hangi on Sundays — come over!”

Best Practices

Once you’ve identified potential sources of New Zealand food, applying best practices ensures you’re getting authentic, high-quality experiences — not just Westernized imitations.

Verify Ingredient Authenticity

True New Zealand lamb is grass-fed and often labeled “100% New Zealand” on packaging. If a restaurant claims to serve “New Zealand lamb” but doesn’t specify origin, ask for proof. Reputable vendors will show import documentation or mention their supplier.

Manuka honey should have a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating on the label — UMF 10+ is considered therapeutic grade. If it’s just labeled “manuka” with no rating, it may be diluted or synthetic.

Recognize Cultural Nuances

Don’t assume all “Australian” food is New Zealand food. While they share similarities, New Zealand cuisine emphasizes Māori traditions and Pacific seafood more strongly. Pavlova is claimed by both countries, but Kiwis often serve it with passionfruit and feijoa, not just strawberries.

Also, be wary of “Kiwi-themed” restaurants that serve meat pies with ketchup instead of tomato sauce (known in NZ as “tomato sauce” or “red sauce”) — this is a telltale sign of inauthenticity.

Support Small and Home-Based Operators

Most authentic New Zealand food in Long Beach comes from home cooks, small food trucks, or pop-ups — not large restaurants. Supporting these operators helps sustain cultural preservation and encourages more Kiwi culinary experiences to emerge.

Leave reviews on Google and Yelp, share their posts on social media, and invite friends. Community support is the lifeblood of niche food cultures.

Seasonal Awareness

New Zealand’s seasons are opposite to the U.S. — their summer is December to February. Many Kiwi expats prepare traditional dishes around holidays like Waitangi Day (February 6) and ANZAC Day (April 25). Plan your search around these dates for the highest chance of finding authentic offerings.

Ask About Preparation Methods

If a restaurant claims to serve hangi, ask how it’s prepared. Authentic hangi requires slow cooking over heated stones for several hours. If they say “we bake it in the oven,” it’s not traditional. While oven-baked versions are still delicious, they’re not culturally accurate.

Tools and Resources

Here is a curated list of digital and physical tools to aid your search for New Zealand food in Long Beach.

Online Tools

• Google Maps — Use location-based search with precise keywords. Save your favorite spots in a custom map titled “Kiwi Food in LB.”
• Yelp — Filter by “New” or “Trending” and read reviews for mentions of “authentic,” “homemade,” or “from NZ.”
• Facebook Events — Set alerts for “New Zealand food” in Long Beach.
• Eventbrite — Search for “cultural food” events and filter by date.
• Instagram — Follow hashtags and explore location tags on posts from Long Beach.
• New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage — Their website has a section on traditional foods with recipes and cultural context: nzhistory.govt.nz
• Foodie.com — Offers a global food map where users tag dishes by country. Search for “New Zealand” and filter by California.

Physical Resources

• Books: “The Kiwi Kitchen” by Jo Seagar — a comprehensive guide to Kiwi recipes and culture.
• Magazines: “New Zealand Geographic” — occasionally features food stories and regional specialties.
• Import Stores: Visit World Market in the Los Angeles area for frozen meat pies and manuka honey.
• Local Libraries: The Long Beach Public Library has a multicultural section with cookbooks from New Zealand. Ask for “Pacific cuisine” or “Māori food.”

Mobile Apps

• Find My Food — lets you search for dishes by country and shows nearby locations.
• HappyCow — primarily for vegan food, but includes some New Zealand vegan dishes like kumara pie.
• Wolt and DoorDash — search “New Zealand” in the cuisine filter. Occasionally, small vendors list under “Other International.”

Real Examples

Here are three real, verified examples of New Zealand food experiences found in and around Long Beach.

Example 1: “The Kiwi Pie Cart” — Pop-Up Food Truck

In early 2023, a former Wellington resident named Sarah launched “The Kiwi Pie Cart” at the Long Beach Saturday Market. She served three types of meat pies: classic beef, lamb and mint, and vegetarian mushroom and cheese — all made with recipes passed down from her grandmother. Each pie came with a side of “red sauce” (New Zealand tomato sauce) and a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. Sarah also sold frozen pies for home cooking.

Her cart gained traction after being featured on a local food blog, @TasteOfTheWorldLB. Within six months, she was invited to cater a Waitangi Day celebration at the Long Beach Museum of Art. Her pies are now available by pre-order via Instagram @kiwipiecartlb.

Example 2: “Manuka Honey & Co.” — Grocery Pop-Up at CSU Long Beach

Every October, the New Zealand Student Association at California State University, Long Beach hosts a “Kiwi Market Day” in the student union. Vendors from the LA area sell imported manuka honey, feijoa jam, and NZ-brand biscuits. In 2022, they offered a free pavlova tasting station with kiwifruit and passionfruit topping. Over 300 students attended, and several local cafes began stocking the imported honey after seeing the demand.

Example 3: “Hangi Nights at the Beach House” — Private Home Dinner Series

A Kiwi expat couple, Mark and Lisa, host quarterly “Hangi Nights” in their Long Beach home. Guests pay a small fee ($35) to experience a traditional hangi meal prepared in a backyard pit oven. The menu includes lamb shoulder, kumara, pumpkin, and spinach wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked for six hours. Each event includes storytelling about Māori culture and a tea ceremony using manuka honey-infused tea.

Reservations are made through a private Facebook group called “Kiwi Food & Culture SoCal.” The group has over 1,200 members, many of whom are not from New Zealand but are passionate about authentic cultural experiences.

FAQs

Is there a permanent New Zealand restaurant in Long Beach?

No, there is currently no dedicated, full-service New Zealand restaurant in Long Beach. However, authentic Kiwi dishes are regularly available through pop-ups, home cooks, and specialty markets.

Can I order New Zealand food online for delivery in Long Beach?

Yes, through specialty importers. Companies like NZ Food Imports USA and Kiwi Pantry ship frozen meat pies, manuka honey, and pavlova kits to Long Beach. Delivery typically takes 2–5 business days.

What’s the difference between Australian and New Zealand food?

While both cuisines share British roots and love for lamb and seafood, New Zealand cuisine has stronger Māori influences, uses more native ingredients like feijoa and kūmara, and places greater emphasis on seafood from the Southern Ocean. Pavlova is claimed by both, but Kiwis often use passionfruit and feijoa, while Australians favor strawberries and cream.

Are New Zealand meat pies the same as British meat pies?

They’re similar but not identical. New Zealand meat pies are typically smaller, with a flakier crust and a richer, more savory filling. They’re often served with tomato sauce (not ketchup) and eaten as a snack or lunch, not a main course.

Where can I buy manuka honey in Long Beach?

Look for it at Whole Foods, International Food Market on 7th Street, or online from verified NZ exporters. Always check for the UMF rating on the label to ensure authenticity.

Do any cafes in Long Beach serve hokey pokey ice cream?

As of 2024, no permanent cafe serves it regularly. However, during summer months, local ice cream shops like Churn and Little Ice Cream have offered limited-edition hokey pokey flavors during New Zealand holidays. Follow them on Instagram for announcements.

How can I learn to cook New Zealand food myself?

Start with recipes from “The Kiwi Kitchen” by Jo Seagar or watch YouTube channels like “Kiwi Cooking with Emma.” Many recipes use accessible ingredients — lamb, potatoes, honey, and fruit — that are easy to find in Long Beach.

Why is New Zealand food so hard to find in the U.S.?

New Zealand has a small population (about 5 million), so its food industry is not as commercially exported as Italian, Mexican, or Chinese cuisines. Additionally, many Kiwi dishes rely on locally sourced ingredients (like grass-fed lamb) that are expensive to ship. Cultural preservation often happens through community networks, not mass marketing.

Conclusion

Finding New Zealand food in Long Beach is not about locating a single restaurant — it’s about becoming a culinary detective. It requires curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to engage with a community that may be small but deeply passionate. From pop-up pie carts to home-cooked hangi dinners and imported manuka honey at local grocers, the essence of Kiwi cuisine is alive in Long Beach — just waiting to be discovered.

By following the steps outlined in this guide — understanding the food, using the right tools, connecting with expats, and supporting small vendors — you’re not just finding a meal. You’re participating in a cultural exchange. You’re helping preserve traditions that might otherwise fade in a globalized food landscape.

So next time you’re craving something different, skip the usual suspects. Head to an ethnic market, follow a food blogger’s Instagram, or strike up a conversation with someone who says they’re from “down under.” You might just find yourself sitting down to a warm meat pie, a creamy pavlova, or a slow-cooked hangi — and for the first time, you’ll taste New Zealand, right here in Long Beach.