Meet James Tir

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Tir. 

Hi James, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a Cambodian-American who grew up in Long Beach’s Cambodia Town with parents who both escaped the Cambodian genocide. It was dangerous growing up in this area of Long Beach which was rife with gang violence. I wanted to get away from all of that so I focused on school and eventually graduated from the California State University of Long Beach.

As a person who always loved food growing up, I decided to visit one restaurant a day to discover the diverse food scene in the city of Long Beach. I would constantly talk to owners and dine with new people with each visit. Eventually, I realized that the act of breaking bread connected me with people on a deeper level, which motivated me to keep a digital record of what I was eating via Instagram. As I continued to post, I became the biggest Long Beach-centric food enthusiast, winning Long Beach Post’s Best Of Long Beach Instagram 2021 and Top 5 Influencers in Long Beach.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Growing up in Cambodia Town was rough. Cambodians like myself often found themselves involved in gangs, addicted to gambling and drugs. Fortunately, I had parents who pushed me in the right direction.

The food Instagram was particularly challenging during the early pandemic. In Long Beach, restaurants were takeout-only for almost a year. I chose to double down and post every single day during the pandemic showcasing how takeout could be a great dining experience as well.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do behind-the-scenes filming at restaurants across LA/OC with a primary focus on Long Beach. I specialize in “intentionally-amateur” cooking process videos and known for showcasing the restaurants in Long Beach. I’m most proud of being able to uplift restaurants in Long Beach, which in turn elevates the entire food scene and culture in the city. What sets me apart is the focus on a tightknit niche in which my influence has a direct impact on the small businesses around me.

Any big plans?
I’ve already been heavily involved in some events in Long Beach including the inaugural Long Beach Taco Fest as well as the inaugural Long Beach International Tamales Festival, as well as hosting media events for restaurants across the city. My plans for the future are to be more involved in big events, host my own events, and collaborate with other circles in the city including the art and music scene.

Contact Info:

• Email: james@lbfoodcoma.com
• Instagram: @lbfoodcoma

Image Credits
James Tir