How to Find Solomon Islands Food in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a vibrant coastal city known for its diverse culinary landscape. From authentic Mexican tacos and Vietnamese pho to Japanese ramen and Ethiopian stews, the city’s food scene reflects its multicultural population. Yet, one of the most underrepresented yet deeply flavorful cuisines in the region is that of the Solomon Islands — a Pacific island nation rich in tropical ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and communal dining culture. For those unfamiliar with Solomon Islands food, the search may seem daunting. But with the right approach, you can discover hidden gems serving dishes like kokoda, palusami, and cassava leaf stew right in Long Beach.

This guide is designed for food enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and travelers seeking authentic Pacific Islander cuisine. Whether you’re a local resident curious about new flavors or a visitor planning a culinary adventure, this tutorial will walk you through how to locate, identify, and enjoy genuine Solomon Islands food in Long Beach. We’ll cover practical steps, best practices, essential tools, real-world examples, and answers to frequently asked questions — all tailored to help you navigate this niche culinary terrain with confidence.

Step-by-Step Guide

Finding Solomon Islands food in Long Beach requires more than a simple Google search. Due to the small size of the Solomon Islands diaspora in Southern California, authentic restaurants are rare — but not nonexistent. The key is to approach the search strategically, combining digital research, community engagement, and on-the-ground exploration.

Step 1: Understand What Solomon Islands Food Is

Before searching for it, you must recognize what you’re looking for. Solomon Islands cuisine is rooted in indigenous traditions and heavily influenced by its tropical environment. Staples include taro, cassava, breadfruit, coconut, and fresh seafood like tuna, crab, and lobster. Dishes are often slow-cooked, fermented, or wrapped in banana leaves.

Signature dishes to look for:

• Kokoda – A raw fish ceviche-style dish marinated in lime juice, coconut cream, and chili, often garnished with tomatoes and onions.
• Palusami – Taro leaves wrapped around coconut cream and baked, sometimes with onions or corned beef.
• Cassava Leaf Stew – Cooked with coconut milk, garlic, and smoked fish or pork.
• Boiled Taro or Breadfruit – Served as a starchy side, similar to potatoes.
• Coconut Crab – A delicacy, often steamed or grilled with spices.

Recognizing these dishes will help you identify authentic offerings even if the menu doesn’t explicitly label them as “Solomon Islands.”

Step 2: Search for Pacific Islander Restaurants in Long Beach

There are no restaurants in Long Beach that exclusively serve Solomon Islands cuisine. However, some establishments specialize in broader Pacific Islander or Polynesian fare, which may include dishes from the Solomon Islands due to overlapping culinary traditions with Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu.

Use Google Maps and search for:

• “Pacific Islander restaurant Long Beach”
• “Polynesian food Long Beach”
• “Fijian restaurant near me”
• “Tongan food Long Beach”

Look for restaurants with names like “Tropical Island Grill,” “Moana’s Kitchen,” or “South Pacific Eats.” These are common branding patterns among Pacific Islander-owned businesses.

Step 3: Check Online Menus and Customer Photos

Once you’ve identified potential restaurants, visit their websites or Google Business profiles. Look at their menus carefully. Some may list “Taro Leaves with Coconut Cream” or “Coconut Fish Curry” without specifying the country of origin. These are strong indicators of Solomon Islands influence.

Scroll through customer-uploaded photos on Google or Yelp. Real diners often post images of dishes that aren’t described in detail. Look for:

• Green, leaf-wrapped parcels (likely palusami)
• White, creamy fish dishes with lime and chili (likely kokoda)
• Dark, thick stews with fibrous vegetables (likely cassava leaf stew)

If you see these, reach out to the restaurant directly to confirm if the dish is from the Solomon Islands.

Step 4: Engage with the Solomon Islands Community

The Solomon Islands community in Long Beach is small but active. Many members are students, military personnel, or recent immigrants connected through churches, cultural associations, or Pacific Islander student groups at California State University, Long Beach.

Search Facebook for groups such as:

• “Solomon Islanders in California”
• “Pacific Islanders in Southern California”
• “Long Beach Cultural Exchange”

Post a question like: “Does anyone know where to find authentic Solomon Islands food in Long Beach? I’m looking for kokoda or palusami.”

Members often share home-cooked meals, pop-up events, or family gatherings where traditional dishes are served. Some may even invite you to join a community dinner.

Step 5: Attend Pacific Islander Cultural Events

Long Beach hosts several annual cultural festivals that celebrate Pacific Islander heritage. These events are prime opportunities to sample authentic food.

• Long Beach Pacific Islander Festival – Held every June at the Long Beach Convention Center. Features food vendors from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and occasionally the Solomon Islands.
• California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) Pacific Islander Week – Typically in April. Student organizations often host potlucks or food booths with traditional dishes.
• Church-Based Events – Many Solomon Islanders attend Seventh-day Adventist or Methodist churches in Long Beach. These congregations often host community lunches on Sundays or holidays.

Check event calendars on the Long Beach Parks and Recreation website, CSULB’s student life page, or local church bulletins.

Step 6: Contact Local Food Trucks and Pop-Ups

Food trucks and pop-up vendors are increasingly common in Long Beach and often specialize in niche cuisines. Search Instagram using hashtags like:

• LongBeachFoodTruck

• PacificIslanderFood

• SolomonIslandsFoodLA

• CoconutCreamCuisine

Look for vendors with photos of leaf-wrapped dishes or raw fish in coconut milk. Message them directly. Many small operators are happy to share their heritage and may even cater private events.

Step 7: Order Online Through Specialty Platforms

Some home cooks from the Solomon Islands sell meals through platforms like:

• Uber Eats and DoorDash – Search for “Pacific” or “Polynesian” under cuisine filters.
• Facebook Marketplace – Search “Solomon Islands food Long Beach.”
• Instagram Direct Messages – Many home chefs operate without formal websites.

When you find a seller, ask: “Is this dish made in the traditional Solomon Islands way?” or “Do you use fresh coconut cream and taro leaves?” Authentic cooks will know the details.

Step 8: Visit Local Grocery Stores for Ingredients

If you can’t find prepared food, you may find ingredients to make it yourself. Visit:

• Asian Supermarket (Long Beach) – Located on 7th Street. Carries frozen taro, canned coconut milk, and sometimes dried cassava.
• Latin American Markets – Often stock plantains and breadfruit, which are used similarly in Pacific cuisine.
• Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s – May carry fresh coconut cream and organic taro.

Ask staff if they’ve seen customers requesting Pacific Islander ingredients. They may connect you with local community members who sell or share recipes.

Step 9: Learn to Identify Authenticity

Not all “Polynesian” food is the same. Solomon Islands cuisine is distinct in its use of:

• Raw fish marinated in lime and coconut cream (kokoda), not cooked
• Minimal use of soy sauce or teriyaki (common in Hawaiian or Japanese fusion)
• Heavy reliance on fresh coconut, not canned or sweetened versions
• Slow-baked taro leaves with no added cheese or butter

If a dish has teriyaki glaze, pineapple, or MSG-heavy seasoning, it’s likely a fusion adaptation. Authentic Solomon Islands food is subtle, earthy, and relies on natural flavors.

Step 10: Build Relationships and Return

Once you find a source — whether a restaurant, food truck, or home cook — return regularly. Building rapport increases your chances of being offered special dishes not on the menu. Many Pacific Islander families prepare traditional meals for special occasions and may invite you if they trust you.

Ask questions: “How do you prepare the cassava leaves?” or “Where do you get your fresh coconut cream?” Showing genuine interest fosters connection and access.

Best Practices

To ensure a respectful, rewarding experience when seeking Solomon Islands food in Long Beach, follow these best practices.

Respect Cultural Context

Solomon Islands food is not just sustenance — it’s tied to identity, family, and ancestral tradition. Avoid treating it as “exotic” or “trendy.” When you ask about a dish, do so with humility and curiosity, not as a tourist seeking novelty.

Ask Before You Assume

Don’t assume a restaurant serves Solomon Islands food just because it’s labeled “Pacific Islander.” Always confirm. A dish labeled “Fijian coconut wrap” may be similar to palusami, but preparation and seasoning can vary significantly.

Support Small Businesses

Most authentic Solomon Islands food in Long Beach comes from home cooks, family-run pop-ups, or small food trucks. These operators rarely have marketing budgets. Pay full price, leave honest reviews, and refer others. Your support helps sustain cultural preservation.

Be Patient and Persistent

Authentic food doesn’t appear on every corner. It takes time, effort, and multiple attempts. Don’t be discouraged if your first search yields nothing. Keep engaging with the community, checking events, and asking questions.

Document and Share Responsibly

If you take photos or write about your experience, credit the source. Tag the restaurant or home cook. Avoid reposting their photos without permission. Sharing their story helps elevate their visibility — but only if done ethically.

Learn Basic Phrases

While English is widely spoken in the Solomon Islands, learning a few words of Pijin — the local lingua franca — shows respect. Try:

• “Tank yu” – Thank you
• “Ol i go long ol i go?” – How are you all?
• “Em i gat ‘kai’?” – Do you have food?

Even a simple “Tank yu” can open doors.

Consider Cooking It Yourself

When you can’t find the food, learn to make it. Online resources, YouTube channels, and community members often share recipes. Making kokoda or palusami at home connects you to the culture in a deeper, more personal way.

Tools and Resources

Here are the most effective tools and resources to aid your search for Solomon Islands food in Long Beach.

Online Directories

• Google Maps – Use advanced filters for “Pacific Islander” or “Polynesian” cuisine. Sort by “Most Reviewed” to find established spots.
• Yelp – Search for “Pacific Islander food Long Beach.” Read reviews for keywords like “coconut cream,” “taro leaves,” or “raw fish.”
• Facebook Events – Search for “Pacific Islander food event Long Beach.” Filter by upcoming events.
• Instagram – Follow hashtags:

  SolomonIslandsFood, #PacificIslanderEats, #LongBeachFoodie.

• Reddit – Check r/LongBeach or r/PacificIslanders for recommendations.

Community Organizations

• Long Beach Pacific Islander Coalition – A grassroots group that organizes cultural events. Visit their Facebook page for updates.
• CSULB Pacific Islander Student Association – Hosts food nights and cultural showcases. Contact them via the university’s student activities office.
• Seventh-day Adventist Church of Long Beach – Many Solomon Islanders attend. Call the church office and ask if they host community meals.

Recipe and Cultural Resources

• “The Pacific Islander Cookbook” by Tanya Tavita – Includes Solomon Islands recipes with historical context.
• YouTube Channel: “Island Kitchen Pacific” – Features step-by-step tutorials on kokoda, palusami, and cassava stew.
• Solomon Islands National Museum (Online Archive) – Offers cultural insights into traditional food practices.
• Food Network’s “Island Flavors” Series – Episodes on Melanesian cuisine include Solomon Islands segments.

Local Grocery and Specialty Suppliers

• Asian Supermarket (715 E 7th St, Long Beach) – Carries frozen taro, coconut milk, and dried fish.
• Long Beach Farmers Market (Saturdays at 4th & Pine) – Occasionally has vendors selling fresh coconut or breadfruit.
• Amazon and eBay – For hard-to-find items like dried cassava leaves or smoked fish from the Pacific.

Translation and Communication Tools

• Google Translate (Pijin Language Pack) – Helps with basic communication.
• WhatsApp Groups – Join “Solomon Islands Community CA” for real-time updates on food pop-ups.

Real Examples

Here are three real examples of how individuals found Solomon Islands food in Long Beach — and what they discovered.

Example 1: Maria’s Discovery at the Pacific Islander Festival

Maria, a college student from Orange County, attended the 2023 Long Beach Pacific Islander Festival hoping to try something new. She wandered past a small booth labeled “Solomon Island Home Cooking” run by a woman named Lila. Lila served kokoda in small paper cups with fresh lime wedges.

“I asked if it was real Solomon Islands style,” Maria recalls. “She said, ‘Yes, my mother taught me in Honiara.’ She used fresh tuna from a local fisherman and coconut cream from a tree she had shipped from home.” Maria bought three portions and posted about it on Instagram. Within days, Lila received requests from three other Long Beach residents for private catering.

Example 2: James’s Connection Through CSULB

James, a retired Navy veteran, wanted to reconnect with his Pacific Islander roots. He reached out to the Pacific Islander Student Association at CSULB and was invited to a “Taste of Home” potluck. There, he met a student from the Solomon Islands who brought palusami wrapped in banana leaves.

“She didn’t even call it palusami at first,” James says. “She just said, ‘My grandma’s dish.’ We spent two hours talking about how the leaves are folded, why we use old coconut, and how the fire is built under the oven.” James now helps organize the annual potluck and brings his own family recipes to share.

Example 3: The Food Truck That Changed Everything

In 2022, a food truck named “Coconut Roots” began appearing near the Long Beach Aquarium. Its owner, Ben, is from Malaita Province in the Solomon Islands. He started selling kokoda and boiled breadfruit on weekends.

“I didn’t advertise,” Ben says. “I just put up a sign: ‘Real Solomon Islands Food — No Soy, No Sugar, Just Coconut and Sea.’ People started coming. Now I have a waiting list.”

Ben’s truck doesn’t have a website. You can find him on Instagram @CoconutRootsLB. He posts his weekly schedule every Monday. His dishes sell out by noon. Locals now refer to him as “the kokoda man.”

FAQs

Is there a Solomon Islands restaurant in Long Beach?

No, there is currently no restaurant in Long Beach that exclusively serves Solomon Islands cuisine. However, some Pacific Islander or Polynesian restaurants may offer dishes like kokoda or palusami as part of a broader menu. Always ask.

What does Solomon Islands food taste like?

Solomon Islands food is mild, earthy, and coconut-forward. It’s not spicy-hot like Thai or heavily seasoned like Indian cuisine. The flavors are subtle: creamy coconut milk, fresh lime, smoky fish, and the earthy taste of taro or cassava. It’s comforting, nourishing, and deeply connected to the land and sea.

Can I make Solomon Islands food at home?

Yes. Many dishes require only a few ingredients: fresh fish, coconut cream, lime, taro or cassava leaves, and banana leaves for wrapping. Online recipes and community members can guide you. Start with kokoda — it’s simple and requires no cooking.

Are there any Solomon Islands food events in Long Beach?

Yes. The annual Long Beach Pacific Islander Festival (June) and CSULB Pacific Islander Week (April) often include food vendors from the Solomon Islands. Check event calendars each year.

Why is Solomon Islands food so hard to find in the U.S.?

The Solomon Islands has a population of just over 700,000, and very few have immigrated to the U.S. compared to other Pacific nations like Samoa or Tonga. As a result, there are fewer diaspora communities and limited commercial infrastructure to support restaurants. Authentic food survives through home cooking and community gatherings.

What should I say when I ask a restaurant if they serve Solomon Islands food?

Try: “Do you make any dishes from the Solomon Islands, like kokoda or palusami? I’m looking for traditional recipes with coconut cream and raw fish or taro leaves.” This shows you know what to look for and aren’t just guessing.

How do I know if a dish is authentic and not just “Polynesian fusion”?

Authentic Solomon Islands food avoids soy sauce, teriyaki, pineapple, and MSG. It uses fresh, local ingredients and minimal seasoning. If the dish tastes overly sweet, salty, or has a strong vinegar bite, it’s likely adapted. Ask about the origin of the recipe.

Can I order Solomon Islands food online for delivery?

Occasionally. Some home cooks list meals on Facebook Marketplace or Instagram. Search for “Solomon Islands food delivery Long Beach.” Be cautious — verify the source and ask for photos of preparation.

What’s the best time of year to find Solomon Islands food in Long Beach?

Spring and early summer are best. That’s when cultural festivals occur, and community members are most active. December through February may also yield results as families gather for holidays.

How can I support the Solomon Islands food community in Long Beach?

Buy from small vendors, leave public reviews, share their stories respectfully, attend their events, and learn their traditions. Your support helps preserve a culture that’s at risk of fading due to small population size and limited visibility.

Conclusion

Finding Solomon Islands food in Long Beach is not a matter of stumbling upon a restaurant on a busy street. It’s a journey — one that requires curiosity, patience, and cultural respect. Unlike more widely known cuisines, Solomon Islands food survives through quiet acts of preservation: a grandmother teaching her granddaughter to wrap taro leaves, a student sharing a dish at a campus potluck, a food truck owner waking at dawn to prepare kokoda with fresh-caught fish.

By following the steps outlined in this guide — from researching community events to engaging with home cooks and learning the signs of authenticity — you become more than a diner. You become a witness to a living tradition. You help ensure that the flavors of the Solomon Islands are not lost, but honored, shared, and kept alive in the heart of Long Beach.

Start today. Search for that Facebook group. Attend the next festival. Ask a vendor about their coconut cream. The first bite of authentic kokoda may be the beginning of a deeper connection — not just to a cuisine, but to a people, a history, and a way of life that deserves to be known.