The HipPea

2023 E 4th St, Long Beach
(562) 343-7722

Recent Reviews

Harmonie T.

The HipPea announced that they're closing soon! instagram.com/p/CyPgmlzr…I've only been here twice. Once back in April 2017 and once today (October 2023), right after I saw their IG post. All those years ago, I had falafel, fries, and hummus. I remember it was good but didn't necessarily attract me to revisit immediately. Obviously, it took me 6.5 years to come back. But I do remember that the one thing that stood out to me was their Chocolate Chip Cookies made with chickpeas. bit.ly/3M2hGsSI was hoping to get more of those cookies today but sadly, they didn't have any due to downsizing in preparation for their closure. I was also hoping to check out their Churro Falafels but again, downsizing. However, I was very happy to enjoy the following:- Falafel & Fries cone bit.ly/3M1hppU- Chopped Salad- Cabbage Salad- HummusI ordered the salads just to balance out the fried foods and it was refreshing and flavorful. The Chopped Salad comes with romaine, tomatoes, and cucumbers with a lemon & olive oil dressing. The Cabbage Salad is a shredded tangy slaw. Though I enjoyed the Cabbage Salad better, mixing the two salads together with a bit of tahini really did it for me. bit.ly/3QlITJCThe Falafel & Fries were good. I like the green interior of the falafel. The outside wasn't as crispy as I would prefer it to be but I did notice that online ordering provided an option for crispy falafel. Maybe if I go back before they close, I'll order it that way next time. One thing is for sure, their fries are tasty! We decided to order a bit more after we ate a few.The Hummus tastes fresh. Like really fresh! Their menu says it's housemade but I suspect that they might cook the chickpeas themselves versus canned chickpeas. Quality hummus! And so creamy! bit.ly/3Mq8AGzThe last thing I'd like to mention is the Amba sauce. It's made with pickled green mango and turmeric. I've never had anything like this before and after I tasted my little 1oz serving of Amba, I went back to order an 8oz container. bit.ly/3QgenRcAll that said, solid falafel spot! This small spot is located in Retro Row. The interior only has enough space for about two customers to go inside to order. This place can get busy. There was a small crowd outside their door waiting for orders and the 2-person staff were hustling to get those out. Minimal tables outside but we made it work. I think if I lived in this neighborhood, I would frequent it. Bummer that I missed out on a bunch of years in-between visits.

Susan S.

Delicious, soft yet crispy, and flavorful falafel! Tried it for the first time today after they kindly handed us a sample and I was convinced. Their falafel pita was generously stuffed with falafel & vegetables and served in a pillowly warmed pita with a side of complimentary sauces. It is a small hole in the wall shop next to the theatre and the staff was so friendly, polite and had great energy. I'll definitely be coming here for my falafel cravings!

Merrique R.

The falafel is always piping hot and fresh. Everyone who works there is helpful and friendly. They can answer questions about ingredients and cooking methods. I feel comfortable eating here as someone who can't have gluten. They even have delicious desert falafel which is a total treat. It's my favorite splurge since the food is always good and they have some of the best amba!

Jordan C.

Delicious falafel to go spot. We got a bowl and the cone. Both were solid. I tend to prefer places like this that specializes in a single food.

Chelsea D.

This place is a gem! I am typically hesitant to order falafel places because of risk of them being dry, but at Hippea the falafels are always super moist and flavorful. The falafel pita is excellent, and filled with good veggies and different sauces. Also tried another menu item today, the Sabich Pita with eggplant and potato, and it might be my new favorite!Always such good service, thoughtful staff, offering free samples of new recipes.

Emykat D.

I think most of these reviews are written by their friends or family . I have eaten falafel all my life . This is the worst I have ever had. It's dry . No flavor . The sauce is watery . That's not falafel. It's not authentic . Over priced. Where's the spices . Please don't call it falafel if you are not going to do it right . Grinding beans and frying it is not going to cut it.

Robert Miller

That’s a joke to call that pitta with lettuce “Sabich”.we didn’t expect to get an original sabich but at least something close.We got this joke for 15$ and that’s definitely a waste of money.the most important ingredient for sabich is the eggplant. Me and my wife order both sabich and both of us got even one eggplant. When we ask the lady ( she was really nice ) about that, she told us that she’s sorry but they’re out of eggplant. ( Oh ok so just let’s fill it with lettuce instead )Also the Malabi supposed to be sweet and not sour.Bottom line - the place have potential, and I don’t care about the price if that’s worth it - but I can’t believe that I paid 35$ for 2 pitas with lettuce.

Paulina M.

This place deserves more recognition. My fiancé and I eat her often and it NEVER disappoints. A bit on the pricey side would be my only complains.The falafel are to die forThe French fries are excellentThe pita bread is immaculate And the hummus is out of this world10/10 I love this place

Lynn B.

This place is PHENOMENAL!!! Tiny little storefront with the most DELICIOUS Falafel Pita and the Sabich is OUT OF THIS WORLD! Free samples too. Right next to the Art Theater on 4th.

Dustin C.

I really don't what to say. There are no words but I will try to express my love for this spot. I often will drive several miles to eat here. You haven't had falafel till you have eaten here. If you are shopping on fourth street retro row, don't sleep. Stop and try it just once. You will be delighted and hooked!

Airmett

Very good and very fresh. I was pleasantly surprised. The falafel is high quality - it isn’t that dry hard falafel that so many places serve. They also don’t skimp at all on amount. The falafel pita was very filling.

Christopher M

Falafel tastes okay, I think it could use a little more salt and more of the spices.Parking is a mess around this area.

Natalie Gavryshko

We were welcomed with a sample of two different falafels - regular and barbecue. Later they brought us a sample of Churro falafels, 4 pieces. So generous!I would never imagine falafel as a desert, such a unique flavor, but a little sweet to my taste.Everything we have ordered was super yummy. Both bowl and pita were filled with delicious veggies. The pita bread was fresh and fluffy. Falafels absolutely one of the best I've ever had.

Cory N.

Rarely give reviews on yelp - only when a place really shines in my eyes. Vee and Sam went above and beyond on my visit here. They were genuinely excited and proud of the food they were making and it shows. Food was fantastic! Highly recommend giving the dessert falafels a go. Will definitely come back soon.

richard b.

Some of the best fries and falafel I've had. It's a tiny space without indoor seating but 4th street provides a lot of good entertainment. The staff here are always so nice between offering samples and suggestions it's a great neighborhood spot. Service with a smile and a huge cone of fries!!!!

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